Twisting the Night Away

Well it looks like we may be vacationing in California this June. Bill & Martha are thinking about a trip to San Fransisco and the surrounding areas with a final trip to Yosemite and the lodge in the park. It is still up in the air whether it will be to California or a Cruise in the Mediterranean. All depends on who is going and if we can get all families together for the trip. It looks like the end of June is the target date for either trip. What good news to start out the new year. It would be nice either place we choose to go. We got word something was up when we saw them at Christmas but did not get final word till after they got back off their cruise to Costa Rica. Till we find out where we are headed we will be twisting in the wind or water till final plans are made.

Cleaning Out

We did a lot of cleaning over the past couple weeks, all kinds of cleaning. My lab ceiling needed a lot of dust and cob web removed and the up stairs laundry room and pantry needed cleaning. I also did some website cleaning and updating. Yearly updates and copyright crap and etc needed changes.

Still more to do but we have all week end, the hall closet will be 1 hour at least. I cleaned up some old photos and found this film shot off the deck of our old house on Collins. I use to love that river view. Val Lemming hauled it all away ... so much for Cincinnati, Ohio zoning regulations.

Holiday in Bob's Botanical Garden

We spent some time with b. schlake at his beautiful garden paradise. We got there to late to see it but it was nice to walk through. We went over to play some card and talk while enjoying some adult beverages. b. schlake wife prepared some nice snacks and was fun to get together for awhile and talk. Min and I always enjoy a visit with the schlake family. Even when one cheats at spades and still loses.

Christmas with Grand Ma

We spent Christmas eve afternoon with Grand Ma in the nursing home. She wanted Chinese for dinner so Min brought dinner and we gathered with Jim and part of his family. To say it was enjoyable is a double edge sword, in ways it is since we spend time with Grand Ma. But in some ways it is not, since nursing homes are depressing places and there is not much we can do other than talk while Grand Ma enjoys dinner. We have a few laughs and exchange gifts with her and talk about what the we all hope Christmas will bring. I feel for Min as she gets a bit depressed seeing her mom this way and there is nothing she can do to change how life is for Grand Ma. So goes Christmas Eve 2008 with Grand Ma. Merry Christmas ...

Traditions

With the year end coming quickly it makes me think back on the year as well as the years. The boys were learning how to fish off the Lakeside Ohio dock from their mother who was taught by Grand Mother Kelso. Passing down traditions from generations to generations if one way we live on eternal. My Father once told me long after he is gone I will be walking around and he hoped so would his grand kids and some day great grand kids. He said it was one of the ways people live on and make a mark. Dad passed on in 2000 and mom in 2002 but I still think of them every day and look at my sons as what they also left behind. Time passes to quick and not often appreciated as much as it should be, once gone we can never travel back. Well not yet.

Merry Christmas 2008

The shopping is done and the family gatherings come later but we give thanks for little things like Cooper. This is a snap shots I took from the hip as we headed out to go shopping on the 23rd. This is about the only way to get a picture of Cooper since he always wants to come and give kisses when you get down on the floor or close to him. He is our rescue dog and the gift we got last year keeps on giving this year. There is a reason if you spell God backwards you have such a loving friend. Hope everyone enjoys Christmas this year. Have a Merry and safe one.

Eastgate Mall Shopping

We went for a trip to the Mall where we went shopping for one another and got a few items for family and friends. The mall seemed busy, maybe not quite as bad as last year. Took only 10 minutes to find a parking spot, got a good one too. We ate at the new Wings and Rings place and it was good. All seemed to think BWubs is better. I have a few more of some shoppers as it did seem busy at least before the ice storm hit. Lasted 3 hours, now it is near 40F. But cold winds come in tomorrow as we are on the edge of a front coming in from the Northwest. Thanks Swanny ...



Boy to I love the Holidays .. I do enjoy the time off work, home repairs needed.

Reflections of Christmas 2008

Well 2008 is almost gone and Christmas time is here again. Always a fun time and this year do to vacation rules I have two weeks off to enjoy the season. The new rule at work is use it or lost it, so I had 6 days left and I am burning them before they are gone. We will spend a little time at Grand Ma's place on Christmas Eve sharing gifts and watching Grand Ma eat. We will head over to Min's Father's house to spend Christmas day with Martha and him. The boys get lots of gifts and it is always a good time to sit around and enjoy time with Grand Pa.
It is always a good time of year to reflect back on what has happened or not happened as we get close to News years and the changing of the year. 2008 was fun and seems we made it through with a few scratches but no major bruises. New Years will be a quiet one again this year. Till then Min has me cleaning and getting the basement cleared out. Bought a Hoover vacuum to clean the floor and cob webs in the ceilings. I like the Gothic look but it did need some major dusting so the dust do not get on the film slides. Plan on scanning and going through a lot of the old pictures I have not touched in 10 years.

Santa Claus with a Camera?

I think the kind that likes to hang out in warmer climates.

Japanese Dinner - Chicken & Shrimp

Dinner at the grill is always nice, the chef is entertaining as well as good food. I always feel full after a dinner at a Japanese restaurant. This one happens to be on Hilton Head Island, near the Circle.