Miriam Callard

Above are photos with, among others, Sally Liszewski Callard and Miriam Callard -Sid's first great granddaughter. She is cute, but not speaking English yet.

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Mary Ellen Dailey Walkey

Her son has a  site - Moontimes.

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She also mentioned that it would be fun to do reunion on Kiawah Island - where she lives. That is only about 4 hours from the Crowsons.

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Back from New Hampshire/Massachusetts

Yesterday's trip went well - Sara and I left Northampton about 5:30 so I had time to fairly leisurely look around the Hartford airport which seemed  quite nice. They have big  rocking chairs on the sort of front main hallway for the  concourse so one could sit and watch planes land/take off. I sat and drank my McDonald's coffee ($1.89 for a small - but huge milk dispensers so I could drink my coffee half and half with skim milk in my own  container - which made the price more palatable).

Then Midway was fun to look around - I think the last time I was there was about 25 years ago. I got a gyro from a little Greek place and a coffee from a little burger place called McDonald's. Anyway, planes were all on time - well, last plane was about 10 minutes late, but everything else went very smoothly.

Sid and Roberta picked up both Sharon and me and also Sid's walker which had not made it to the airport with their flight earlier this week. We stopped at McDonald's on the way back to get something to drink. I  did try their iced coffee again - although out of the 6 or so I have had over the last 6 months, the first four were great. The last two have tasted more like sweet flavored ice water, with the emphasis on water and ice. So, I may be back to coffee and ice - probably cheaper and healthier.

I did have some leftover hummus last night before I crashed, but there isn't too much in the refrigerator. I'm  thinking about going out for breakfast and then do some quick shopping at Basha's. I haven't decided whether it is worth biking over to Wal-Mart area to eat breakfast earlier or just wait because I don't think that anyplace within a mile or so  is open early, early for breakfast. Actually, the distance is not so daunting as the bike security/traffic, etc. (not to mention the heat). Although right now it is only 73 degrees - projected high only 97.

Anyway, time to put in the third (and last) load of clothes for  the day. Then all vacation clothes will be clean, although I'm not sure that shorts I wore for the Northampton  cleaning project will ever look beige again. On the  other hand, since  they both had  a small hole just below the back pocket, maybe not a big loss. I'm pretty sure they were bought ($.50 each) at the United Methodist rummage sale last fall - great shorts, just  flawed by a small hole.

By the way, Catherine, Sara is also a great lover of the Alexander McCall Smith's series of #1 Ladies' Detective Agency book. She has the latest in the series which is the only one she hasn't read  yet.

Well, I'm getting really hungry - may head  over to WalMart area - can always go to McDonald's.

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The Birthday Boy

This would be (L-R) Sammy Crowson, Don, Linda Crowson Thomas and Danny Crowson

They were kind enough to supply their little brother with the hat, "Older than Dirt" balloon, handmade bowtie, laughing mirror held by Sammy and various other "old age" items.

Don's PRE-50th

Don's sister and 2 brothers surprised him (not me...) this weekend in celebrating his 50th birthday. We had dinner at Come Home to the Country tonight and that's where the picture was taken.

shown L-R

Ginny, MV, Don, Christian

In this picture, L-R Danny Crowson, Linda and Richard Thomas, Don and Mary Crowson, Sammy Crowson

The Northeast

Had a great time in the Northeast with parents, John and older sisters and other assorted relatives. Now back in Northampton at Sara King Lennox's.

Yesterday Sid, Roberta, Sara and I went back to Essalon - the place the group went for Sunday brunch. The food was very good - we ate outside - no waiting at all. When Sara got back from the airport we did quite a bit of work on the garage. Except for actually taking the trash/garbage out, we got it relatively cleared out.

Today we are going to work on the basement. I've been working on laundry and have moved a few pieces of furniture up and out of the basement, but otherwise sorta have to wait for Sara to see what comes next.

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Family photo, Northampton, etc.

Interesting how only John's, and perhaps MV's clothing style are still similar to the ones shown here. I did love that rose checkered wool jumper with the pink top - one of the few outfits that my older sisters hadn't already worn.

Well, I need to head down to the basement and do laundry. The plan is breakfast at 9ish and then I have time for a swim. Lunch at 12ish with Judy, Sara, Sally and Miriam and then we head on to the Fairfield Seacoast Inn then supper in Maine.

We did have a lovely dinner last night at Whatley Inn (pronounced "Whitely"). I had scallops. We had brunch at the Essalon - both excellent places -the food in Northampton and surrounding area has been great! Also been fun meeting Sally, Judy and Miriam. Although Miriam didn't have very much to say.

Well, laundry is calling.

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Sushi and sashimi in Northampton, etc.

Last night Sara and I walked to Moshi Moshi - a Japanese restaurant. We enjoyed sushi and sashimi there. Northampton is a pleasant, historic scenic place - rather reminds me of Asheville.

Weather here is pleasant - high today is to be 86, low 54. I told Roberta that she should bring her jacket since her blood freezes when the temperature hits 70 and below. Kings arrive this evening. Jonathan Lennox, Judy King Lizshefski(spelling?), Sally Lizshefski Callard and baby Miriam Callard arrive tomorrow.


Sara has two friendly cats wandering around. One has the habit of biting into paper - which is a bit strange. One of them - I'm not sure which - perhaps both - like to walk across computer keyboards while they are in use, which can make typing a bit of a problem.

MV - Sara is very interested in genealogy and she has some theory that Uibles and Kings came from the same area in Germany. I'll give her your email address so that she can quiz you at length about what you know. I told her I knew I had ancestors and that some came from somewhere in some part of Germany, but that was about the extent of my knowledge.

Back to work . . .

Now Reading

Ginny and I are working on this classic...which I had never picked up before. It is part of her required reading this summer for 11th grade along with Tom Sawyer and Mere Christianity.

Five Dysfunctions

Read this on Mary V's recommendation after reading her previous recommendation, Traveler's Gift.
Info from the book: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Patrick Lencioni once again offers a leadership fable that is as enthralling and instructive as his first two best-selling books, The Five Temptations of a CEO and The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive. This time, he turns his keen intellect and storytelling power to the fascinating, complex world of teams.

Made me feel better that part of the reason my work "team" doesn't function more perfectly, is it's size (10), rather than mismanagement! Better to divide into two teams for some purposes.

Happy 4th of July!

No fireworks in this post though -- although a good view of the fireworks could be had from our roof, just in case any of you ever want to try it. The Glendale fireworks are held at GCC, just north of Olive from our house, and I did read that 40,000 people are expected to be there this evening. Neighborhood parking will be at a premium.

What is wrong with this photo?

From All

Why do both Roberta and Andrew look unnaturally quiet?

S. J. Dailey

From All

Is it Sara Jean or Sarah Jane Dailey? I have two different photos - one with what appears to be Mother's handwriting indicating the latter. The other is a much fancier handwriting - I assume Aunt Virginia's. Anyway, one has the name spelled Sara Jean, one spelled Sarah Jane - or maybe it is a problem with the handwriting/reading.

I have posted a number of new photographs on the Picasa Web Album - trying to get the Ballantyne/Dailey photos up before the trip East. Those Daileys have the freckles - or at least had.

The photo with Rudisills, Roberta and Catherine is in the Picasa Web Album - was that actually taken at Grandma's/Granddad's? The steps don't look quite right to me.

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The Merry Shipwreck

This is connected to the blog post comments below and my profile photo (at least currently). I found the photograph with a review of Golden Books. I remember we had quite a few of those when we were growing up. Sort of an interesting write-up.

Glendale Public Library does not have The Merry Shipwreck - of course back in 1953 did Glendale have a library?

Happy Father's Day, HHU!

Babies, for reference, are: left column, Ginny; 3rd column SERENA; 4th Column, Wendy

Flight updates

Google Desktop has a handy little widget that keeps track of airline flights. According to the widget the London-Phoenix flight left about 25 minutes late, so flight is slightly delayed.

I'm still not quite sure when I'll get to airport. I guess it just depends on when I leave, etc. Although now with flight delayed, especially, maybe could just leave at about 5pm and get there in time.

Traveler's Gift

I finished this book over the weekend. I especially liked the story of Chamberlain, the Union Soldier at Gettysburg, as he is a famous figure in "modern" Maine history. I'm not a believer in the theory that you are protected until your work is done though and a few of his other points also do not fit with my personal philosophy, but still a good motivating read! Thanks for the recommendation, Mom & Dad and Mary!
Annotation: Forty-six-year-old David Ponder feels like a total failure. Once a Fortune 500 company executive, he now works for minimum wage while his wife out-earns him cleaning houses. But just when he thinks he's hit bottom, David has an extraordinary experience. Traveling back in time, he meets leaders and heroes at crucial moments in their lives. From some of the wisest people who ever lived, he receives seven secrets for success - and a second chance.
Characters Name David Ponder Gender Male Age 46
Attributes: Married Father Unemployed At a midlife crossroads
Genre: Christian Fantasy Inspirational
Topics: Midlife crisis Automobile accidents Time travel Journeys Conduct of life Wisdom Life choices Fulfillment Success Faith

Ohio Suffrage History Postcard

This caught my eye this morning -- Hard to believe in these "modern" times that women weren't even allowed to vote 100 years ago!

Postcard with a color image of the Seal of Ohio with a woman's face in the center. The woman's face is framed by the rising sun and the slogan "Let Ohio Women Vote." The postcard was sent from Columbus, Ohio by Elizabeth J. House to Mrs. C. L. Martzolff in Athens, Ohio, 1915.
From the Ohio History Central Online Encyclopedia

Sunday

I've been enjoying my second weekend in a row OFF -- with a third coming up next weekend! And I'm a month closer to retirement today too! This week will also include a celebration of Jessica's graduation from Santana High School in Santee, CA, which we are planning to attend, accompanied by Wendy & KC. Otherwise I've been reading books about the Panama Canal, having totally become immersed in David McCullough's Path Between the Seas, I've been checking out what else might be available on the subject. Happy June to all!

Difficult commenting

What is with Blogger? Adding a new post is now easier than making comments? Even when I'm signed in it still wants verification of who I am? Anyway, here's the comment that I had attempted twice to add to the previous Ohio map post in answer to Mary's question:

No, I'm not the camera toting type -- hard enough to remember to take pictures of KC. I do read a number of map blogs though -- the one where this one came from (sorry, should have credited the source which I have now forgotten) has had several Ohio related entries.

Serena, am I doing something wrong with the comments?

Missing New Vienna

If New Vienna were marked on this map it would be about in the middle of the photo. Of course, Dick's Sporting Goods (located at the "star" on the map) is not in New Vienna, but rather nearer Beaver Creek it appears. Makes the west branch of the East fork of the Little Miami River look like a promiment waterway. Canoing anyone?

Bev Allen and Chez Nous

I'm sure Mom and Dad remember Bev Allen - she is the artist that they had lunch with her several times at Chez Nous. She is in the hospital after a fairly serious fall last Friday. I've been spending time with her to help her pass the time. One of her sons does live close by - in Peoria, I think. That plus computer work today kept me gone all day.

It looks like she may be going to move at least temporarily to Grandview Terrace - right by the hospital here in Sun City West.

Bev was supposed to go to brunch with us at Mandala's on Saturday, may be just as well she didn't. When I told her what we had, she said it sounded really awful.

By the way, Catherine, any ideas on when you would like to go to Persian Garden?

I did stop by Chez Nous a couple of times - it was very quiet. I talked to both Rosemary and Angela. Rosemary said that Angela did have two people for coffee this morning - her parents.

A slight mix-up on the movie for this Friday, but we've got it covered.

Vegan Brunch at Mandala

Serena, Sharon O'Shea, Patty (the plant-based diet teacher at Chez Nous), Wendy, KC, Gerry and I enjoyed brunch yesterday at the Mandala Tea Room. They had an assortment of scrambled tofu dishes with various types such as Italian, Mexican, Ex-Ranch (with tempeh bacon), and curry as well as soup, waffles, and blue corn cakes. While I appreciated the variety of tofu "egg" dishes, I was disappointed with my selection of the curry -- definitely the blandest of any of the ones we tried as a group. I probably would have preferred one of their lunch entrees which wasn't available during the "brunch" time. Next time we'll go for lunch instead. It was an experience though, and enjoyed meeting Patty. We babysat KC last night and plan to get together with Ken & Wendy for brunch today.

Evernote

There is a fairly neat little software application called Evernote. You can copy all sorts of things into notes, save the notes. The notes are then accessible from any other computer you use once you sign in - Mac or Windows. Also, available off-line - although I haven't checked out that feature yet. I've been using it for a couple of days - it looks pretty great.

The software is free, at least at this point - they are in beta. They are in closed beta. Beta means it is still in the experimental stages. Closed means you need an invitation to use it. You can get an invitation by signing up for it and waiting for an invite. Or email me and I'll send you an invite.

Just noticed

I just noticed there is a lot of dust up above the starburst plantation shutter. I have determined to do something about that. I'll make a note not to look up that way again - much easier than finding something to stand on to dust that high, etc., etc.

Uible Blog

We are doing well. Good flightover. Warm here. More later.

Mandala Tea Room

A group of us are planning to go to Mandala Tea Room (link is in the title of this post) this Saturday for lunch. MV - hope you aren't too jealous. Maybe we can go next time you come to Arizona.

Kings have left SCW

I dropped them off at the airport at approximately 5:10 - took about 40 minutes. I got back to SCW at about 6:30 - traffic wasn't too bad, but, obviously, worse than on the way down. On the other hand, maybe I just drive more slowly than some people.

It'll be interesting to see how things go with their trip and how much use their new iPod Touch gets.

KC in May

Here's a couple pictures we took last Friday while KC was visiting. The one outside is taken at a new city park that opened in our neighborhood (1/4 mile south of us on 63rd Ave) about six months ago. He especially likes the slide and climbing up and down.

Future Dated Blog Posts

According to Blogger it is now possible to write a post and then set a time and date when it is actually going to appear in the blog. For instance, if one is going on an international three week trip, one could write 21 posts and then set it so that a post a day appeared telling everyone what a wonderful time you're having.

Weather

The weather in Sun City West tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday is going to be warm - a high of at least 105 degrees. On those same days the highs will be around 63 degrees.

Roberta's Happy Birth Day

Happy Birthday, Roberta! Now I'm only two years older than you again instead of the three years older I've been since January. But, I know, this day should be about YOU! Hope you have a good one. KC has changed a bit more in the year since this picture was taken, than has Roberta.

L-R: Harold Uible, Gladys Uible, Leslie, Serena, Lucille Reynolds and C.J. Uible
mid 1940s?

Wrecked Building

In addition to making grapefruit sludge - and writing a fascinating blog entry about it - I also scanned a few photos into the computer and uploaded them into Picasa Web Album.

From Buildings

I don't know where the above picture is from (although I just sort of assume New Vienna) - but I thought the sign was interesting.

Grapefruit juice

Last week I picked the last of the grapefruit from the neighbors' yard - with their knowledge/permission. The last of the grapefruit at this house were picked in mid-April. Today I made the last of the grapefruit juice concentrate. I like to keep things simple so all I do is chop the grapefruits in half, pick out the seeds I can easily see and then take the skin off. Then I just put everything but the skin and big seeds in the blender. After everything is a fairly thick sludge - I freeze in 1 cup containers (mostly yogurt cups). After sludge becomes frozen, I slide the juice into plastic bags to save space in the freezer. I have, I think, about 5 gallons of frozen sludge now.

The sludge is good blended about 50/50 with water plus some ice.

Foreign Weather

This post is for anyone who is thinking about traveling to some place, like Oslo, Norway - or as some people refer to it - the country of Ohslow.

Go to this site and then if you are looking for specific days, go to about middle of the page on the left, under "History and Almanac", choose the month and date. You'll get the minimum and maximum temperatures - average and record for that date.

Pat and Dinky

Today is Pat's last day living in Sun City West. This is a photo of her and Dinky in the Alta Loma house - taken near Christmas time.

Cactus Flowers

Photo taken this morning - right near the front door.

Easter 2008

Ginny and Christian in front of Pine Forest UMC Easter Sunday

It's me Wendy!

Hi Everybody!

Sickness and Health

I'm glad to report that I'm emerging from a bad bout of cough/fever -- about time too since today marks a week since I came down with this lingering malaise. Gerry has also been under the weather so we've both been napping lots and taking antibiotics. Now we just need to regain our strength and get back to the healthy side of life! In other news I went to my rheumatologist who says I'm making progress, but will probably need the full two years worth of forteo -- the daily injection for osteoporosis. Which means only 21 months to go and then my bones will be all healthy and strong! She also gave me a prescription for physical therapy so I'm in hopes of improving my back and abdominal exercising which have been null since my injury last summer. I hope to start the therapy after I get feeling better.

From the Georgia Contingent

Welcome home to the NV Uibles and hope everyone is getting back to "normal"---I was thrilled to see a post from RUK, which has been much missed on the blog! After the trip to Virgina, I think we are getting back in the routine just in time for the final 5 weeks of school. It doesn't seem possible that April is more than half over!
Upcoming dates of interest...
May 4 Children's Choir (Church) Musical (Christian)
May 17 Community Girl's Choir Concert (Ginny)
May 18 Piano Recital (Ginny and Christian)
June 2-6 Youth Choir to Nashville, TN
June 8 Adult Spring Musical
June 22 Dedication of New Organ and first concert

Scottsdale trip, etc.

Sid and I went to Scottsdale today for a doctor's appointment. I've got the route to the doctor's officce via the 101 down pretty well. We did take a few umm . . . scenic detours back and ended up skipping the 101 and going Lincoln which dead-ends into Glendale Ave.

We went to Pappadeaux's for lunch - it was delicious. I had a salmon salad - which wasn't quite what I had expected. It was more a piece of salmon with some salad underneath it - but still delicious. As Sid and I were leaving I noticed a man and woman at a table - both were working on their computers. The man's was about the standard laptop size (15 inch or so size screen), but the woman's was tiny - maybe half that size. I stopped and chatted with her a bit and she said that she really liked it - it had all her programs and it was quite easy to use the keyboard. We also went to Costco.

Today was another hot day in Sun City West - 94, I think. Right now it is about 80 degrees and I am outside blogging. The rest of the neighborhood looks pretty dark.

Wendy & Ken's wedding

I'm just now downloading the pictures from our camera to see if we have any good ones from the wedding event. I am happy to report that Wendy looked beautiful, Ken very handsome -- both a bit nervous but Quentin Tolby's (the Officiant) continued mispronunciation of Wendy's name as "Wednesday" brought a bit of humor to the ceremony. KC held up well and approximately 40-50 friends and family enjoyed the ceremony and party afterwards in Marsha's (Ken's mom) backyard. Wendy & Ken are now honeymooning in Sedona while KC spends the weekend with us. They return tomorrow, and back to work/reality on Tuesday. Gerry and I have both been suffering from bad coughs/fever with hot flashes and chills -- I'm feeling better today but Gerry is worse so hopefully soon we'll both be recovered. Official pictures should be available soon.

Another picture from 60 years ago

This is a photo of Granddad, Dad and Linn Zook on April 3, 1948 somewhere in/near New Cumberland. I went through most of the anniversary cards last night - there are quite a few, including one from the Zooks.

Happy 60th Anniversary Harold and Jean Uible!

HHU on Easter

The College co-ed, but what was going on in Girard, PA Easter 1946?