FAMILY GAZETTE

Another Update

2012-02-13T13:21:00.002-06:00

We had snow when we first got up this morning. Chris called to caution us that it was snowing but he had heard it wasn't snowing yet on our side of the river. It soon began. It's pretty cold, but the snow didn't last very long. I talked to Scott and the snow was headed toward Louisville. Jalen and Brayden are probably hoping school is cancelled tomorrow.I have therapy (physical and occupational) again today. Ross's schedule works today so she can take me and come get me. Shelly has been very helpful in driving me when Rose can't. The therapy facility is close to the zoo where Shelly works, so is not too far for her to haul me around.Margaret and I had a long talk on Friday. She's enjoying her children and grandchildren these days. We're going to have lunch or dinner soon when we can get one of her children or grandchildren to join us and to drive. She was going to talk to Mary Pauline on Sunday, but I haven't heard from her yet today.

Brayden NINE (9) yrs old tomorrow!

2012-02-11T20:25:00.001-06:00

Where is Spring?

2012-02-11T08:38:00.000-06:00

I will update later on today. I need some news from other members of the family and/or friends. Chris and I went to Red Lobster for dinner last night. Pete and Janet called with their Saturday morning visit. We have more snow here in Missouri today than they do in Idaho. It's colder, too.

Update

2012-02-08T22:12:00.001-06:00

This may be a short entry because Goldman is picking me up in just a few minutes to go see Fat Jack. I want to post the latest about my interview for a possible companion. She is a possibility if she wants the position. She lives only about five minutes away from here and is willing to make the trips back and forth to the lake and also do the the small chores I need her to do. She and I will probably do a couple days trial run in later February after my visit in Louisville. March will be a busy month because I have cataract surgeries schedules, so any lake trips will have to work in around them and my recovery.

Weather

2012-02-08T09:00:00.001-06:00

I am interviewing the potential companion for me at the lake house at two this afternoon. I'm hoping this one pans out and I can afford some nice weather down there soon. We have cold and a touch of snow today. I think Goldman was hoping for a day off school because of the forecast but he had to go anyway. The forecast didn't amount to much snow.I've been going to therapy twice a week now besides doing my exercycle and treadmill and deep knee bends here at home everyday. I go to occupational therapy and to physical therapy, back to back, so no one has to make two trips there or back. I try to increase the use of my hands using balls. The occupational therapist keeps me aware that my posture tends to bee tilted forward. I'm concentrating on improving my 'sitting up straight' as mother used to say.

Sue and Chris

2012-02-07T19:36:00.001-06:00

Chris.

2012-02-07T19:35:00.002-06:00

Sue and Chris

2012-02-07T19:35:00.001-06:00

2012-02-07T16:25:00.000-06:00

I've got a lot of current information for this post. Sometimes I feel the blog is rather boring, but this post may be more interesting. I spent a weekend at the lake with Mad Dag, Chris and Goldman. Actually. Mad Dag was already there when we got there, had supper ready, and we just sat down to eat. The menu that night consisted of Pork Tenderloin, fried potatoes and Texas Toast There were no leftovers. The guys most always specify potatoes as ranking number ONE vegetables.It rained really hard on us driving down Friday and wasn't pleasant Saturday. Mad Dog fished for a little while but didn't catch anything. John and Jana were in town sometime over the weekend for Jana's company party and stopped to visit with Aunt Rose and Shirley. I was sorry I missed them. A nice visit Saturday was with Uncle Joe. I talk to Pete every Saturday and do talk to Brother Joe on the computer. I had to show my therapist how I can type. I had already told the therapist but, when I showed her again, she suggested I have my eyes checked. I do have cataracts and have appointments for surgery next month.I have never been active with Face Book, but I had the help of Goldman at the lake. I found Janet in Idaho and Mike Madden in Los Angeles (just passing through). I found Elaine Madden (now Elaine Raymond). Elaine is a first cousin. Her Dad and my mother were brother and sister. Elaine and her family live in Marietta, GA. Goldman tells me I have 99 friends on Facebook. Amazing to me.Chris and I plan on going on to dinner out for dinner this evening. Shelly may have to work but, if not, hope she'll join us too.

Therapy

2012-02-03T09:25:00.004-06:00

I want to get this blog updated before Chris and Goldman and I head off for the lake this weekend. We can only be there a couple days, but it's been a long absence. The weather is supposed to be almost spring like. Brother Joe, wish you would come visit. Pete called me last Saturday with his weekly call (he never knows whether to call cell phone or lake house). Tomorrow I'll be at the lake. Last week he said it was very cold in Idaho.I had additional therapy sessions, again physical and occupational yesterday. One of the therapists (the physical)remembered from my having been there before. She and I worked most on regaining my balance without use of bars, but using them if I need them. We started this session with a timed walk and, will time the walk again after I have several sessions. I will continue to work out on the tredmill and exercyle at home.Occupational therapy is more difficult for me. I have very little grip in my right hand and not very much in my left hand. I just mostly use my left hand for everything and keep trying to do more.When I went to therapy yesterday, Rose dropped me off. Shelly picked me up, and she and I had lunch at a place called "Winslow's Home". Great lunch!

Chris, Sue, Drew, Shelly

2012-01-31T22:14:00.001-06:00

Dinner at TGI Friday's on Tuesday

Shirley and Brayden

2012-01-30T10:19:00.001-06:00

In an iPad Consult

Brayden and Scott

2012-01-30T10:17:00.001-06:00

Artwork for kitchen

2012-01-30T10:15:00.000-06:00

Sue and Chris

2012-01-30T10:14:00.000-06:00

No Week At Lake Right Now

2012-01-29T16:32:00.000-06:00

This morning and today I have been looking forward to getting to spend at least a little time at the lake house. The weather forecast is predicting unseasonably warm temperatures and probably no rain until maybe Friday. Rose has been helping me with packing and a list of what I was taking. I haven't been there in awhile so I'm not sure what's there. Then, I got this great disappointment! Patsy, my companion, and her husband are in the process of moving to North Carolina, and she called and said she has too much preparation getting ready for the move to be away all week. Needless to say, I was upset and put out with Patsy. I didn't schedule any therapy appointments because I thought I would be away. I will keep doing my exercises at home.

February 1 is Brother Pete's birthday. Joe told me the year too, but I won't put that in. Nancy is cooking Pete's birthday dinner. I'm sure it will be delicious.

I had an email from Brother Donald just checking on how I'm doing. I responded with a request for more news from him.

Brayden had a basketball game Saturday. His team lost. Brett (Sabrina's son) had a basketball game Friday and lost, too. I think baseball signup was this weekend for Jalen and Brayden. Jalen did make the soccer team but when he called to tell me he kept saying "I made the soccer team" and I couldn't understand him. He finally ask if he could talk to Aunt Rose. He said he and Dad were on the speaker phone, one reason I couldn't understand, and were laughing so hard they could hardly talk.

Rose and Shirley are over at the Galleria while Shirley has a lesson at the Apple store. They just came in the back door.

Lake Companion and Therapy

2012-01-27T16:36:00.000-06:00

I finally have some eventful news to report. I've found a companion to stay with me at the lake house for a few days anyway. Her name is Patsy and she's friends with all three of us here at the Barnard College house. She and her husband are in the process of moving back to North Carolina so her stay with me will be only a week which I truly wish could be much longer. She and I will go down Monday morning and she has to be here in St. Louis Friday. She asked me if I knew the way down there. I told her I do since I've been there 30 years.

I started occupational and physical therapies again today. I went back to The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis. I have had therapy here before and Denny went there for therapy after his stroke. The session today was mostly evaluation of my current goals and strength. The occupational therapist was amazed when I explained to her how I type and that I'd kept the blog as long as I had. She was going to suggest the 'red thing' and a pencil with an eraser to other therapists. A goal of therapy is to accomplish things you can do again when you couldn't for some time. Typing and the computer would be classified as accomplishments in many instances, mine for example.

Chris and I are going out to eat tonight. Shelly may have jet lag but I hope she can join us. Rose and Shirley have a meeting they have to go to. Since Patsy has to come back to St. Louis next Friday, I'm hoping Goldman or Chris can come down that day and I can just stay until Patsy has to go.

Correction

2012-01-26T13:03:00.000-06:00

Chris can only grab a quick bite with me tomorrow night. I misunderstood and thought he was going to the game after picking me up and then picking Aunt Margaret up and going to the game with us. Dave can pick Margaret up. It's an early game and most of the Abbotts will be rushed but will arrive at starting time, if not sooner. I'll try to find a way to get out there. It's the other side of the Missouri River and rush hour.

My cataract surgeries and appointments are posted with the wrong schedules. I'll put them on here as they happen. Margaret has already had hers removed.

RAINING

2012-01-26T09:18:00.000-06:00

Scott and Brayden left on Sunday. Shelly and her mother get back from Hawaii late this afternoon after sitting in Seattle for five hours. Christopher is sure Shelly will have jet lag tomorrow so, if so and jet lag fatigues her, he and I will go to Brett's basketball game. We may pick up Margaret on our way there since it's an early game and stopping to get her would cause Sabrina and Margaret to both be late.

I talked to Fat Jack (who sang Amazing Grace at Den's funeral) this week. Chris and I were going to go see him one evening this week but he called to say he wasn't feeling very good so I gave him a raincheck. I also talked to Leslie, my old neighbor in Springfield who's married to that 'King boy'. Her son, Jeff, is in Afghanistan and his family is in Olympia. Guess you've had a lot of winter weather in Olympia. Chase, her other son, is currently in Denver but will go back east pretty soon.

Chase is staying right now with a 93 year old man and helping him as he needs it. Wish I could find someone like him to help me out. I'm still looking. I start physical and occupational therapy again this Friday. I've been diligent with the treadmill and the exercycle. Rose does lots of walking outside but Shirley and I do ours where it's warm (on the treadmill).

It's raining right and has been for the past several days but nicer weather is in the forecast. Though it's been rather dreary, we've had a rather mild winter - so far.

Sue and Chris

2012-01-24T18:54:00.001-06:00

Brayden

2012-01-24T18:53:00.001-06:00

Weekend in St. Louis

2012-01-23T17:45:00.000-06:00

Scott and Brayden left for Louisville yesterday and Beth left for the opposite direction of Kansas City. We didn't see Beth Saturday day but she and Scott and I had a really nice dinner at the Casino Saturday night. Chris and Brayden and Drew saw the St. Louis Blues hockey team win and probably had what they considered just as good a time. While we ate steak, Brayden would have preferred a hamburger and fries. I don't know what they had.

I had my first cataract appointment today and lots of people I know have had the surgery and say it's a minor deal. Pete told me that today. The doctor will do the first eye in about two weeks and the second two weeks after the first. I've been very faithful about my physical exercises (except for the time I spent in Louisville when it was too cold and dreary) and start therapy again this week. I'll still do my home exercises.

Brayden and Scott

2012-01-22T13:51:00.001-06:00

Sue with grandsons Drew and Brayden

2012-01-22T13:49:00.001-06:00

Ice Storm

2012-01-21T13:15:00.000-06:00

Missouri had a terrific ice storm last night (causing us to miss part of the weekend paper). Ice slowed Scott and Brayden on their journey from Louisville, and also slowed Beth From KCMO to St. Peters but the trip was uneventful and safe. They arrived in St. Peters about the same time, after Scott left Brayden with us, much to our delight. Seattle has had some bad weather there too. We're hoping to get some updates from the FELLINs from out that way. Shelly and her mother went through Salt Lake City on their way to Hawaii, but will come through Seattle on their way home. Surely the snow will be gone by then. We also need news from Kansas.

Chris and Brayden and Drew are going to a hockey game this evening. Remember, Brayden played hooky while I was visiting. Today I asked him what the teacher said about it. He doesn't think she will find out. He won't tell her!

TV recessed in book case

2012-01-17T10:05:00.001-06:00

TV on swing arm - Out for viewing

2012-01-17T10:04:00.001-06:00

Back to Missouri

2012-01-17T07:49:00.001-06:00

I'm back in Missouri. Scott brought me half way on Saturday and Goldman met us at the other half. He got to the meeting point five minutes before we did. The boys chose to sleep rather than take that long car ride. Brayden did get up and hug me goodbye, but I believe he was just being polite.

Shelly and her mother were scheduled to leave for Hawaii early this morning, but it stormed a lot in the lot with hail off and on so I'm not sure their flight left on time. The street out front was like a river at one point.

Rose decided yesterday afternoon that we needed a bigger TV. Brother Joe, you are right! She is the smart one! The first Best Buy we went to kept us waiting forever and finally told me I'd just have to be patient! This is after we had waited 35 minutes. Rose got someone to help us and they didn't have what we wanted at that store! I stayed in the car at a second Best Buy, and she came out shortly with her purchase. They treated her much better at this store after Shirley had called and reported the incident at the first store.

Shirley's brother-in-law, Jack, died last night. He and his family are from Shreveport, LA. Shirley thought she may not go to the services since her head is still stuffed up even after finishing a round of antibiotics for a sinus infection. There is no direct flight either to Shreveport. When I went to bed, she did't know yet what the arrangements were.

Brayden and Granny

2012-01-15T19:36:00.001-06:00

Watching TV

Springfield Accomplishment

2012-01-13T10:57:00.001-06:00

Brother Joe had told me they were going to Jefferson City (in an IM) but hadn't said why they were going. Lisa was on the program for her recognition on the Foreign Languages Accomplishments. Vita's sister--in-law was also on the program. I think the Berns family returns from Hawaii today. Shelly and her mother are going over there next week.

I'm still in Louisville and it's not Hawaii weather here. We had some snow last night and lots of school closings but not Brayden's. Dad let him play hooky anyway. He had never heard the word 'hooky' and said I shouldn't put her name in just in case his teacher reads the blog. Brayden says he reads it some times.

It's way past time for updates from the rest of this family. Scott was supposed to take a lot of pictures while I was here but the camera on his cell phone isn't working. Mine may, but we don't know how to do it.

Springfield News

2012-01-08T19:31:00.001-06:00

Brother Joe and I have been getting our emails either slowly or I may be doing something wrong. We were talking on IM the other day and he had to quit to be at the Berns house and go to the airport. I asked in a regular email who was going where. Maybe he was engrossed in the Marshfield book but probably it was something I did on this end. He was taking Lydia and her parents to catch a flight to Hawaii. They're staying until the 13th and I hope they take lots of pictures and send some to the blog. I'm sure they're having a good time with lots of sunshine.

2012-01-08T18:17:00.001-06:00

I think these boys have been checking the blog all day long looking for pictures of themselves to no avail. I think Scott took several. Brayden's cat, Leo, ran away two weeks ago yesterday. He is a house cat and managed to get outside. They searched the neighborhood for hours and days with no luck. Brayden was sure he would come back. Scott was ready to pitch Leo's food bowl and litter box. Scott and Brayden were out back BBQing last night and heard a 'Meow'. It was Leo! Jalen came running in the front door to tell me, and I thought I had misunderstood him when he said it first. It was a happy night here at the Spreitler household. Leo has the run of the place today.

My plans have changed somewhat. Mad Dog can't come over to get me so Goldman and Scott will meet at the halfway point but aren't sure when - either Saturday or Sunday. I'd rather do that so I can stay longer. I was going to run out of pills, but Rose packed them up and they'll arrive tomorrow by Greyhound Bus.

Interesting History from Brother Joe

2012-01-08T16:16:00.001-06:00

Joe sent this interesting information to Sue after receiving the book she sent all the siblings:

"Sue, what a pleasant surprise getting the Images of America MARSHFIELD book in the mail yesterday.

I read and looked at everything in it before going to bed last night.

One question I always wanted to ask but did not know where to ask is: When was the first burial in the Marshfield Cemetery? According to page 21, it was in 1879.

Another question I hope Margaret partially answered and was going to clarify with Mary Pauline is where our gggrandmother was buried. That would be Edgar LaFoe's mother-in-law. Bernie said it occurred when Marshfield was the "end of track" when building the Frisco RR toward Springfield. He also said that was one reason the LaFoe's settled in Webster County. (To be near her burial grounds)

Harriett LaFoe said she had always heard the fact that the land speculators were saying Northview would be the RR Terminal and Edgar wanted in on the action, so he acquired land there.. The RR kept building through Northview and these facilities were built in North Springfield. Harriett made no mention of the burial, (as I recall).

The Marshfield book mentions, on page 8, second para. "Marshfield became a railroad stop in l886, connecting the small community with the rest of the world." page 54 shows two pictures of the depot. It mentions "Built in l886." Most references I have read show the Frisco's arrival in Springfield on May 5, 1870.

1870 would come nearer fitting the arrival of the LaFoe's into Webster County."

Thanks, Joe!

Marshfield (Images of America)

2012-01-06T15:22:00.000-06:00

I was watching the noon news one day not long ago when I was at the lake house and saw an interview with this author. She has written a book called "Marshfield (Images of America)". Her name is Kaitlyn McConnell and she went to Marshfield High School and did, and maybe still does work at the Marshfield Mail, and is a student at Drury. I first ordered a copy for Rose and me and we reminisced over it for hours. I brought it to Louisville with me. I ordered copies for my siblings. Margaret and Donald have theirs but Pete didn't have his as of yesterday. He figures the mailman must be mulling over it. Joe and I usually talk on line but we haven't caught each other yet today. Joe hasn't mentioned it when we do talk on line. I mailed it last Thursday. I told only Pete that it was coming. His weekly call was a good opportunity. Actually, I called him. Just couldn't keep it to myself.

I'm still in Louisville. Mad Dog is coming over Monday and we'll probably go back next Wednesday. Scott will be home from work soon. I guess we'll pray at supper since Brayden told me they only pray when Granny's here.

Back to Louisville

2012-01-03T14:11:00.000-06:00

I'm back in Kentucky having ridden halfway with Chris and the rest of the way with Scott. We got to have Brayden for both halves. Both my sons have 'nerves of stool'. I was asleep and Chris needed to stop so was hurrying when his attack made itself known. Scott and I went through some blinding snow when his nerves became very obvious. Brayden was only hoping school would be called off today. The three of us met Scott and Beth at the 117 mile marker and all separated there. Beth had the longest drive back to Kansas City. It was about an equal drive for Chris and us except for the snow.

Scott got a new refrigerator not long ago. His house was robbed a while back. The refrigerator has an ice maker. When I'm sitting in the living room reading my kindle and watching the Iowa caucuses (which is the only thing on), I have to get up and make sure it's the ice maker I hear it drop ice.

Still waiting for pictures and family news. This is a FAMILY GAZETTE.

Brayden, Chris, Granny

2012-01-02T14:12:00.001-06:00

Leaving for Louisville

2012

2012-01-01T17:00:00.001-06:00

We're starting the New Year but still need updates and pictures from friends and other members of the family. Rose and Brayden are over at the school across the street. She's doing laps and he's riding his skateboard. He went to the Rams game this afternoon with Chris and Shelly and one of her cousins. Brayden predicted the Rams would lose, and he was right!

Shirley's friend and her eleven-year-old daughter have been visiting with us since Thursday. They are Dena and Layla and I've met them before - once even in summer at the lake. They're from Bloomington, Indiana. Layla and Brayden played a lot of Scrabble, but it's the old fashioned kind and not electronic. I believe they do some X-Box too, whatever that is. Brayden went to work with Uncle Ding on Friday and got to play wiffleball with Drew and another kid. They had lunch at the Bread Company and Ding did treat though he had said Brayden could.

It's windy and cold outside. Rose and Brayden just came back in. I talked to Pete and Janet a couple times last week. I think Margaret was going to be at Sabrina's for New Years Eve. I had dinner at Chris and Shelly's but was home and in bed and was not awake to usher in the New Year. Rose, Shirley, Dena, Layla, and Brayden spent the evening with dinner here, and I'm sure I went to bed before any of those five even thought about it.

Brayden has school Tuesday so he has to leave tomorrow. Beth has been in Louisville visiting Scott for the last several days but she has to go back to school on Tuesday, same as both boys. Chris is driving halfway to meet Scott where he will deliver Brayden and me. I plan on staying until Saturday or Sunday, again when I can make arrangements to return to St. Louis.

Hollensbe's Home at Christmas

2012-01-01T11:23:00.001-06:00

Layla, Dena, Brayden

2012-01-01T10:32:00.001-06:00

Brayden and Shirley

2012-01-01T10:30:00.001-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-29T09:18:00.000-06:00

I forgot to add on my previous post that we need news from other members of our family and also photos. This keeps it a Family Gazette.

Chris took Brayden and me to dinner last night. We asked Brayden how many uncles he knew. His reply "Goldman and Mark Spreitler". The boy doesn't realize how many relatives he has. So true of many of our far-flung family. Lots of the later generation - and friends - don't realize how many of us there are.

2011-12-28T12:16:00.002-06:00

After Christmas and several days in Louisville, Brayden and I are back in St. Louis after running into some snow on the trip. Goldman took me and got here promptly at 9 A.M. on Christmas morning but, by the time we got to Louisville, Santa had already come and gone. Remember though, Brayden knows there's no Santa because he googled Santa last year, deciding that Santa is really Dad. He's 8 now, soon to be 9.

We get to keep Brayden until next week Monday (the 2nd). Jalen wanted to stay home and do lots of teenage stuff with his friends.

I had my weekly visit with Pete and Janet on Saturday. With the new set up for the blog, it seems we get fewer visitors since readers can update by e-mail automatically. I think Joe and Dave will go to Kiwanis today since Dave is still on Christmas break.

Shirley's niece, Dena, and great niece, Layla, from Bloomington, Ind., are coming to visit this weekend. Dena is a musician and teacher, and I'm hoping she can get Brayden to work on playing his electric guitar. They've met before so perhaps she can further his musical inclination.

The Abbotts had Christmas dinner at Sabrina and Dave's. I think Margaret spent the night at their house to help with dinner preparation. I'm not sure what she did with the dog. Donald and Vita must have been in Plattsburgh because they were leaving for California with their grandkids on the 26th. Rose and Shirley and I had a lovely dinner, opened gifts, and then watched "The Christmas Story", our all-time favorite holiday flick.

Brayden. 12/27/11

2011-12-28T09:38:00.001-06:00

Randy, Lynn, Connor, Erica, Amanda

2011-12-26T09:47:00.001-06:00

Favorite Xmas Present

2011-12-25T19:09:00.001-06:00

Cup--side 2

Note that Jalen is wearing the shirt he got when he attended Apple Camp here last summer. This guy thinks of everything!

Favorite Xmas Present

2011-12-25T19:08:00.001-06:00

Cup Jalen made--side 1

What better gift for an Apple gadget nut than an iRose?

2011-12-24T15:28:00.001-06:00

Mark and Karen came by yesterday afternoon, after running in Forest Park, accompanied by their Fitbits. Now family members equipped with this fine little device include the two of them, Sue, Chris, Scott, Shelly, Stephanie, Catrina, Sabrina, some of our west coast family, and myself. The new ones are equipped with an altimeter which allows for tracking of the flights of stairs you do everyday, in addition to all its other health-tracking features.

2011-12-24T08:22:00.002-06:00

Joe Felin sent the obituary for Ralph Johnston, widower of our cousin Nadine:

"Ralph Francis Johnston Services: Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, in the Marshfield Cemetery under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home, Marshfield. Mr. Johnston, 85, Great Bend, Kan., died at 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, in the St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kan. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Nadine. Survivors include many nephews and several other relatives and friends."

Ralph was devoted to Nadine who was eight months pregnant when she was killed in a car crash in the 60's. Ralph lived with and cared for Nadine parents (our dad's brother Edward and his wife Lois) until their deaths. He and Nadine's twin sister Pauline continued living together until Ralph's death late last month. Pauline, as you may have read here, is now in an extended care facility in Great Bend, KS.

[Note: I first posted this with Edward's wife as "Mary." Thanks, Joe, for pointing out that her name was Lois, always "Aunt Lois," to us.]

Margaret's Yadi. Decked out for Christmas

2011-12-23T09:54:00.001-06:00

Standing on the dining room table??

Jalen

2011-12-23T09:51:00.003-06:00

Jalen. 14 Today

2011-12-23T09:51:00.001-06:00

JALEN

2011-12-23T09:50:00.001-06:00

Awakened with silly string on his 14th birthday

Christmas is coming!

2011-12-22T14:38:00.000-06:00

I'm back home again from the lake. Cameron and I came home early today. I'm again looking for a helper/companion. He and I didn't make a compatible pair. Perhaps I expect too much, whereas I think I'm pretty easygoing. Anyway, I need someone to stay at the lake with me - I'm eager to spend most of my time there.

Rose is in session right now and then we have some errands to run. Tomorrow night I'm going to Chris and Shelly's for dinner and then the two of them are going to do giftwrapping. Sunday morning, Goldman and I are taking off early for Louisville and I will have to update later about Christmas in Louisville.

Be sure to send Christmas Happenings and Pictures. Everyone loves them both!

2011-12-21T21:38:00.003-06:00

We've redesigned the blog and added some new elements. Now, Dear Readers, you can sign up to receive new postings by e-mail, and you can link to Facebook or Twitter with a simple click. You can also see the counter, that is the number of blog pages viewed over almost seven years. Please, do let us know what you think. Google's Blogger Site has many design options; this is just one.

2011-12-21T11:56:00.000-06:00

Tried to post a comment about my error on NARVE and after several tries decided to just post. NARVE is National Association of Retired and Veteran Employees, Inc. Right, Joe? If I refer to it again, like Joe, I'll use NARVE.

2011-12-21T09:38:00.001-06:00

It's raining again this morning so I hope Brother Joe uses his rain check soon but I already know it won't be this week. He had heart and vascular on Tuesday. I'm not sure what that entails. Today he is Dave's guest at a Kiawani luncheon. Dave is a member but seldom gets to go to these luncheons because his teaching conflicts with the scheduled luncheons but now OTC (where he teaches) is on Christmas break. Today Brother Joe also had a meeting of NAVRE. When I asked what that was his reply was: National Association of Railroad Veteran Employees, Inc. After he emailed me that big long name, he added 'you can see why I call it NAVRE'.

Does anyone know where my kindle might be down here? Cameron and I have looked in all the possible places. I can't remember when I last saw it. I may have taken it home.

2011 Christmas at 905 Barnard College Lane

2011-12-20T12:46:00.000-06:00

Looks like Kansas has a blizzard this morning. Brother Joe told me last night this was happening. Just a lot of rain here in Missouri. I wanted Joe to come up and see me this week but he's busy so I gave him a raincheck which could have been literal. He said I was using fancy words with 'literal'.

Our Christmas brunch was a huge success. Everyone brought some additions for the menu and helped with the cleanup. The attendees were Scott, Beth, Jalen, Brayden, Shelly, Chris, Mark, Karen, Drew, Shirley, Rose and me. Santa brought Mark and Karen Fit Bits (which measures and clocks your daily exercise) and Mark spent some time on the stairs there checking his out. I kept an eye on him to make sure he wasn't using the stairlift.

I was reading some old entries on the blog this morning. In 2009, Pete and Janet hosted Christmas breakfast for seven of their family. Nancy brought monkey bread. Rose and I figured back then that this was something else that Pete had deemed 'monkey bread'. On Sunday, Shelly brought monkey bread! I went in the kitchen for more after everyone left and there wasn't a morsel to be had. Janet, is this one of your delicious recipes and is that really the name of it?

Sandi and Monica

2011-12-20T09:41:00.001-06:00

Bernie and Maudi's daughter and granddaughter. Great photo!

Shelly

2011-12-19T21:15:00.001-06:00

Jalen

2011-12-19T21:11:00.001-06:00

Granny and Brayden

2011-12-19T21:09:00.000-06:00

Granny and Brayden

2011-12-19T21:08:00.001-06:00

Shelly

2011-12-19T21:06:00.001-06:00

Chris aka Ding

2011-12-19T21:05:00.001-06:00

Jalen

2011-12-19T21:04:00.001-06:00

Beth

2011-12-19T21:03:00.001-06:00

Brayden and Shelly

2011-12-19T21:01:00.000-06:00

Karen

2011-12-19T21:00:00.001-06:00

Drew

2011-12-19T20:59:00.002-06:00

Mark

2011-12-19T20:59:00.001-06:00

Brayden and Shirley

2011-12-19T20:56:00.001-06:00

Shirley, Brayden, Sue

2011-12-19T20:52:00.001-06:00

2011-12-19T20:19:00.003-06:00

I wanted to let readers the latest news about Mary Pauline. [Mary Pauline is the daughter of our father's brother, Edward. She is the last of three. Her older brother died in a car accident in the 40's. Her twin sister died of a car accident in the 60's.] She is now in an extended care facility in Great bend, Kansas, and when Margaret talked with her a couple days ago, Margaret said she seemed a bit like her old self. Margaret isn't sure that Mary (us kids always called her Pauline but I've noticed she also goes by Mary) knows what happened to Ralph so if anyone chooses to send her a card, send either a Get Well or a Christmas card in lieu of a sympathy card. I'll put her address at the end of this post.Ralph died on November 29 and was buried in Marshfield on December 17. The burial was handled by Fraker Funeral Home, I guess the one in Marshfield. Joe found the death notice in the Springfield News-Leader Press. There wasn't any more information, just the death notice.Send cards to:Mary Pauline AustinGreat Bend Health and Rehab1560 K-96 HighwayGreat Bend, KS 67530

2011-12-19T06:59:00.002-06:00

I just want to make a correction in my previous post. We had our annual Christmas yesterday and called it a brunch because of those Rams tickets. The kids were both eager to finish brunch so they could open presents and then be off to the game. By the way, the Rams lost. Brayden told me they probably would. I thought that more of our brunch attendees were going to the game, but I think some of them sacrificed their tickets so the Louisville guys could go. Scott parked over in Illinois and they took the train to the game but I guess a lot of other people did too. They said they still hit a lot of traffic after they got to the car.More later and pictures.

2011-12-18T05:12:00.002-06:00

I'm up early today, as usual, before every one else, but also went to bed first, also as usual. When Scott and the boys arrived Friday night around 9:30 they could see through the front window that I was still up. "That's surprising' was Brayden's retort. Soon after their arrival, I was down for the night. Santa brought Brayden an electric guitar, and Jalen got an iPhone. Jalen waited very patiently to go get his phone Saturday morning at the Apple store while the rest of us got serenaded by Brayden learning to play the electric guitar. He's learning quickly. Remember, he knows there's no Santa because he googled the idea last year, so it was okay for them to get presents early.

I had dinner at Chris and Shelly''s Friday evening, and they finished my gift wrapping for me. Beth is here from Kansas City. We're going to have a Christmas brunch today because Scott and the boys, Mark and Karen, and Drew are going to the Rams game, which begins at noon. Scott and boys park over in Illinois, take the Metrolink to the stadium, then leave directly from the game for Louisville. Pete and Janet called with their Saturday call. The call was a bit late, and Rose and I had just commented on that when my phone rang. They had overslept!

Cameron and I will leave for the lake house either this afternoon or in the morning. We will stay until Thursday or Friday and didn't discuss any times further in the future. Goldman will be off school some if I should need him.

,

Brayden and Shirley

2011-12-17T11:26:00.001-06:00

Scott

2011-12-17T11:25:00.001-06:00

Milestone

2011-12-17T11:24:00.001-06:00

Jalen is now taller than Shirley and Granny

Early Christmas

2011-12-17T11:23:00.001-06:00

Brayden and Shirley tuning

Scott and Jalen

2011-12-17T11:22:00.001-06:00

Jalen

2011-12-17T11:21:00.001-06:00

Long wait for new phone

Christmas Tree

2011-12-17T11:20:00.001-06:00

Scott, Jalen, and Brayden did an upside down tree this year. Last year they decorated a "man" tree.

2011-12-16T09:04:00.002-06:00

Chris took me to finish Christmas shopping and to dinner last night. Mostly, we sat in traffic! Rose and I have a couple errands today, and then I'm going to Chris and Shelly's for dinner and they're going to do my gift wrapping for me. Scott and the boys will get here late tonight, and Beth will arrive in the morning. We're having our family Christmas Sunday morning since five of the guys are going to the Rams game. The game starts at noon, and Scott was reluctant about their going for fear it would offend us if they left early. We assured him that we would rather them do what they wanted to do. Thank you, Mark Lary and Drew, the donor of the tickets!

It was one year ago tomorrow that I broke my ankle. Mark Lary and I had gone to Evansville, IL., earlier that day. I spent the next three months in an extended care facility. The blog has all the details. I did make some nice friends and play many games of Bingo. I had faithful visitors too.

I talked to Margaret one day this week. She had been to her primary care physician for her checkup after her bout with pneumonia. She doesn't have to go back for six months. I also talked to Donald for a little while. He and Vita and the grandchildren are leaving Plattsburgh for California the day after Christmas. I guess that means they're spending Christmas in Missouri. Brother Joe and I talk (IM) quite often. When I get back to the lake (which will probably the 18th), I hope he will come see me.

2011-12-15T12:48:00.002-06:00

Cameron and I came back to St. Louis on Monday morning since I had doctors' appointments on both Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Shelly took me on Monday after which we did some Christmas shopping. Chris was feeling under the weather so he didn't join us. Shelly and I also had lunch out and she took him a burger. He says he's okay today.

Goldman came over yesterday after school and helped put up and decorate the Christmas tree and decorations. I'm not able to help much but it's sure fun watching. It's not nearly so impressive as Merri and Albert's as you look at the pictures neither did we go outside and cut it down but we do have the Christmas spirit.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-14T18:21:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2011

2011-12-14T17:16:00.000-06:00

Merri and Albert's House in Idaho

2011-12-11T20:24:00.001-06:00

Merri is daughter of Pete and Janet

2011-12-11T13:09:00.002-06:00

I slept until after 8 this morning and Cameron came in my room to see if I was okay. I just overslept more so because I'm here. I love Merri and Albert's Christmas tree. Janet sent it right after I asked in our weekly talk. The tree was chopped down right out of the woods and dragged several miles through the mountains on some sort of rig.

I got caught up on Leslie and Sam (that King boy) since I've been down here. Jeff, her older son, left on December 1 for a year in Afghanistan. His family will stay in the Seattle area. Chase, her other son, is back east right now but will be coming through December 15 and probably stay in Springfield for a short while and then he will go to Africa and after that Ghana. He assures Leslie he will be safe. He's a photographer and has done an internship which is what Chase is doing. I'm eager for them to meet.

Sam has to have a knee replaced next week. I don't know how long he will have to be off work but I hope they can get up here and he can perhaps do some fishing. I've seen two fishing boats out this morning so they may be biting.

A Christmas Tree

2011-12-11T10:18:00.001-06:00

I took this photo from Merri's Facebook. This is one beautiful 16 foot tall tree. Merri is the daughter of Pete and Janet.

2011-12-10T10:26:00.003-06:00

I talked with Joe on line yesterday and for a while couldn't access him, even though I could see he was on line. Finally he go to me and said he had been talking to Brother Donald. Donald and Vita are going to take their grandchildren to California over Christmas vacation. I hope the Santa Anna winds have died down by then. Joe said Donald is Birmingham right now. When I went to that wonderful dinner at JJ's (Jennifer's restaurant), the restaurant was in Cameron. Cameron has heard of it but isn't sure where it is.

Thanks for the news from out your way, Sandi. Keep it up. We like pictures too. I always have to have Rose post the pictures but perhaps that will be my New Year's Resolution. Some of you others, too.

2011-12-10T09:14:00.001-06:00

Correction to original post. I earlier neglected to add Monica to the cast. See below.

Sandi Fellin (daughter of Maudie and our late brother Bernie) sent Sue this newsy e-mail from Portland yesterday:

"Hi Aunt Sue,

Thanks for the phone call today. I enjoyed getting the update from you
on the STL clan! We are all feeling the cold here - it's been clear and
cold here (for us). I'm glad to hear your Thanksgiving was nice. I
cooked for Tyson, Monica and some of their friends. Cyndi hosted
Thanksgiving for the rest of the family in Olympia. Mom drove over and
Glenn and Steve drove up from my area. Mom drove to Ellensburg and
picked up Kyle who then drove them over the mountain pass and through
Seattle and down to Olympia. Then they did the same thing in reverse.
Kyle is at school at Central Washington University so it worked out
great for them to ride together.

I got a Christmas Card from Mom today, (my first one!). She said they
will be cutting a tree from her property there for Christmas. How neat
is that?! We are having Christmas in Spokane at Mom's this year. I'm
really looking forward to it.

I have to run since I'm working tonight, so more later.
Thanks for the call!
Love to you and the rest of the Clan!
Blessings,
Sandi"

Thanks, Sandi!

We realize for any readers not familiar with our family that this Blog must seem like a Russian novel in which it is impossible to keep up with the characters. And like a Russian novel, many of our far-flung family have nicknames that complicate. Here is a guide for Sandi's post:

Tyson - Sandi's son
Monica - granddaughter of Maudie and Bernie, daughter of their second daughter, Peggy
Cyndi - Youngest daughter of Maudie and Bernie, sister to Sandi
Mom - Maudie, widow of brother Bernie
Glenn and Steve - Sons of Maudie and Bernie
Kyle - Son of Cyndi

Sorry that I can be of no help in understanding the geography of Oregon and Washington!

Rose

2011-12-08T16:13:00.002-06:00

I had some trouble getting on Safari and even with calling Rose for her help and with Cameron's assistance, I actually did it by myself. It's still a beautiful day here though cold. The sprinkling of snow is gone. I'm trying to persuade Joe to come up soon. I do hear from him but he hasn't said when he might do that. Cameron and I grocery shopped this morning and he's making hamburgers for dinner with some kind of potatoes. When the other guys are here they consider potatoes as their vegetables. I'm not sure about Cameron and other vegetables. It may be just potatoes too. I'm sure I'll like whatever he makes. He says he likes to cook.

2011-12-08T07:57:00.002-06:00

I'm finally here at the lake this morning and there's sprinkling of snow on the ground but no accumulation. It is cold. Cameron is still sleeping. He did sleep on the sofa in case I needed anything this morning. I believe we will work out. I like him and hope he will like me. He does think I get up too early. When we get the one handed coffee cup pot figured out, I will let him sleep longer. Scott and Beth were here last and, unknown to me, turned off the hot water heater. I had a cold shower this morning. We also put the water in wrong place in the coffee pot but Cameron and I after a call from Goldman got it right. We're going grocery shopping today.

I think Margaret was going to her primary physician yesterday but haven't heard what he had to say. Rose was busy yesterday with clients and helping me pack. I've already heard from Scott, Goldman and Rose. Cameron has never been here before and I told him how much even better it is in hot weather.

Joe's granddaughter Lydia with her dad at a K C Chiefs game

2011-12-07T20:56:00.001-06:00

2011-12-07T07:17:00.003-06:00

It looks cold outside this morning. Pete said it was 14 in Idaho last Saturday, and it is only 31 here this morning. That's cold. Cameron is supposed to be here around noon, and we'll load up and head for the lake.

Bob Pfeiffer died on Sunday and the funeral is today in St. Clair followed by a luncheon and Brother Joe is going to attend. Depending on our schedules and connections, he may stop by the lake house. Cameron says he's a pretty good cook. We'll see, maybe even this evening.

..........I took a break from my typing to shower and finish packing and meanwhile Cameron called to firm up our time. I'll be ready when he gets here. Rose has a two hour client this morning and she'll be finished by the time he gets here so she and I can have lunch. Shirley has gone grocery shopping at Whole Foods and will probably be back before Cameron and I leave. We'll may miss connecting with Joe but Springfield's not too far away from the lake.

We're beginning to get into the Christmas Spirit here at Barnard College Lane. Rose and I have at least (or most, should I say) made a list though we don't have the tree up yet. The doorbell just rang and it is another delivery for Shirley. She shops a lot on line. I believe Mark Lary and Karen are sailing in the South Pacific but I'm not exactly sure where they are. They just better bring my great granddaughter to our Christmas get together. I haven't seen her yet - only pictures.

I wanted to relate an incident that happened at the Oakland house. Groves, Goldman and Mad Dog are living there now. The sprayer on the kitchen sink has never worked, even when Den and I lived there. One evening Mad Dog decided he would fix it. Pretty soon they had no water in the kitchen at all. The three of them fooled with it for a while and decided to call Doug for advice. Doug exclaimed "Don't touch another thing! I'll be right over." Within a few minutes Doug was there and had it fixed.

2011-12-06T13:07:00.002-06:00

First, I'd like to thank Jana for that lovely post and super pictures from Kansas. Jana came through just like she had promised she would. I believe this blog enables all of us, family and friends, to keep up with each other. I'll update now on what I hope will happen tomorrow. Cameron, my helper-companion, should be here around noon, and we'll try a few days together at the lake. Rose has a client until noon and wants to show him how to dress my wound, so we're waiting for her to finish her session so she can do that.

I had dinner at Chris and Shelly's twice over the past week. They are quite busy putting up Christmas decorations. Chris said the old candy canes that Brick used to put up along the driveway have probably rotted, but he's his father's son when it comes to Christmas decorating. Shelly's good help too and very creative, needless to say. One night when I was there for dinner, our dessert was what Chris called 'Pepto-Bismol' pie. It was cherry cream cheese pie and it was about the same color as Pepto-Bismol, but tasted delicious.

Scott, Jalen, and Brayden put up their "man" Christmas tree each year. I'm not sure just what that means but suspect it's about only masculine decorations.

On Sunday Chris took me over to Belleville to see Fat Jack. He's in a rehab facility over there. Jack and I used to work together at Midwest Recovery, and he is the one who sang Amazing Grace at Denny's funeral. On the way there we stopped at Crown Candy Company to get Jack and Chris milkshakes. This place is in the part of downtown St. Louis that is in the process of being restored but the restoration hadn't got to its block. It is still in the ghetto. Jack had introduced Chris to Crown Candy years ago so Chris parked me in the ghetto, left me in the car, but didn't forget my wallet, and off he went to get their treats. No one bothered me. I didn't know whether to be insulted or relieved. I was relieved.

2011-12-05T21:14:00.000-06:00

Hello from Kansas. I promised Aunt Sue I would update the blog and have been behind. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at Joe and Debbie's in St. John. Everyone was there with the exception of a few. They did a turkey that was so delicious - I couldn't stop from eating it as Joe was carving it up. Cathey made the stuffing and it was really good - from Grandma's recipe so I asked for the recipe and failed to write it down so I imagine I'll be better prepared at Christmas. Sandy made the pies and the coconut cream was to die for - reminded me of my mom's coconut cream pie that she used to make for my dad. All the young kids had fun playing on Joe's pool table, playing video games with JR and Joshua and just being kids. Debbie's dogs, Roxie and Oliver were a hit with Kaitlyn and Ellie. Ellie could have carried them around all night. Rosie came with us and it took her and Roxie awhile to reacquaint (Roxie is Rosie's mother and Oliver is Rosie's brother). Oliver and Rosie played like siblings throughout the evening. Grandma Felin is doing really good - Ellie was so excited to see her. I think Ellie asked me everyday for a month when we were going to see Grandma Felin. Of course, both girls came home with a treat from Grandma's. Kaitlyn is talking a lot more now and loves to do whatever Ellie is doing so she had a hard time keeping up with the big kids. Uncle Gary is so good with the kids - as we were leaving, Uncle Gary was carrying Ellie and she asked him to take her to the car. Kaitlyn is still afraid of Uncle Joe....Ellie was too at her age.

Besides dinner at the Hearn's we did a lot of driving and lots of shopping on Black Friday. We shopped from 730pm Thanksgiving night until about 730am the next morning. The stores seem to open earlier and earlier and it seems as though people are not able to enjoy the day with their family as they are so worried about getting their place in line at the stores. I hope they change things up next year but I don't foresee that happening. We got a lot of great deals and we finished up our shopping this past weekend. The house is all decorated and John is finishing lights tonight. I was sick with a few different ailments last week so we didn't get much done at all until recently.

John got back from a trip to Germany for Hallmark. He brought back a few goodies and gets to go to Detroit this Thursday. I do a Detroit work trip every year and winter is definitely not the time to go. As promised....here are some pictures. Better start wrapping presents. We are buying Christmas presents for 7 foster kids this year - it has been a good experience, especially for Ellie. Happy Holidays!

Kaitlyn with headphones on the kitchen bar

Ellie and Kaitlyn's Gingerbread house

Ellie can clean a chicken leg - just like her daddy

Ellie and Rosie on our way to St. John

Ellie and Kaitlyn decorating their little tree

Kaitlyn and Chloe playing pool with Uncle Gary

Kendi and Grandma

Scary Uncle Joe in his bar

The 3 greatest Aunts in the world

Sandy, Debbie, Grandma, Cathey

The Great Grandkids and Grandma

Ryan, Ellie, Kaitlyn, Chloe, Fain

The Moore's with Grandma

Ellie with Oliver, Rosie's Brother

Jarrod, Sandy, Cassandra

Karen and Ryan with Grandma - Carson was sick

The Hearn's

JR, Debbie, Joe, Martesia, Sabrina, Briana, Joshua, Thad and Joshua's girlfriend

The Johnson's

Gary, Cathey, Fain, Chloe (Bill's daughter), Kendi and Clint

2011-12-03T10:54:00.002-06:00

Margaret just called me and the doctor at the hospital there is releasing her today. After she picks up her things at Sally's, she and Robbie are going to head back to Missouri. She was quite relieved to get out of that place and has instructions to see her own physician when she gets home.

Pete called with his weekly call this morning. It was 14 degrees out there. Tomorrow is Janet's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANET! She wouldn't tell me how old she's going to be but I think she's older than me!

2011-12-03T05:57:00.002-06:00

Talked to Margaret yesterday evening. She's still in the Great Bend hospital and wasn't sure when she would get out and feel like making the ride home. She was hoping to learn more when she saw a doctor today. She didn't know whether Ralph's family members were going to take his body to Marshfield to be buried by Nadine, but thought there is a burial plot at the Marshfield cemetery for him.

Randy's father-in-law, John Queenan, died last Sunday. He had recently moved to California and started having serious health issues a few weeks ago. Rose and I went to the visitation yesterday but won't be able to go to the funeral which is today. The Queenans are a really lovely family.

OK - Now for some good news. Cameron, my helper/companion, is going to start next week Wednesday. I had just about given up on his working out when he called me yesterday. Joe and Donald had both emailed to ask about him, and he called before I could answer their emails. He has a car, and we'll use it for trips back and forth. I took a fall a couple of weeks ago and have to dress the wound on my arm daily (which of course Rose does now) after I shower. She will show him how the wound clinic taught her to do it.

As for the wound, I should have had stitches. It was the weekend Rose and Shirley were away, and Chris was staying with me. Shelly's horse, Samson, had been sick and shelly had gone out to Wright City early that day to be with him. She had saved Samson 21 years ago out in Arizona from being put down. She had taken him to several places she's lived - I'm not sure how he was transported. After several phone calls about his condition, Chris and I went speeding out there. We got there just after he died. Chris and Shelly are great animal lovers, and the death of Samson was a huge loss. Here is a photo of Shelly and Samson:

2011-12-02T11:00:00.002-06:00

I just talked with Margaret and learned she's in the hospital in Great Bend with pneumonia. They were getting ready yesterday to go see Mary Pauline and she started feeling so bad that they took her to the hospital instead and they admitted her. Meanwhile, the hospital has released Mary to an extended care facility. I guess the facility is in Great Bend but I'll get that information later. Margaret sounded very tired and was going to try to get some rest. Sally had stayed all night last night with her and she said Robbie has also been a godsend. Margaret isn't sure how long she'll have to stay in the hospital.