Holidays at the Shepherd Center--December 2010

It has been a long time since my last entry and a lot has happened. I was remiss in adding to the blog between August to December so here are some highlights. In September Tami and Connor went with Bill and I to Huntsville Botanical Gardens to see the Scarecrow exhibit and have a last view of the tree houses. We were there on a day when the weather was perfect even for the amount of walking necessary. Of course the grandkids got to ride. Connor & Rory enjoyed the scarecrow exhibits which were quite creative. Some however were too scary for Rory, like the spider; not for Connor though. Bill & I enjoyed the fountains and gardens while the grandkids had fun in their fountains. There are so many areas for kids to explore and play in.

Family Retreat at friend Jeremy's Lake House 8/13-16/10

Kendra, Josh and Rory arrived in Franklin before lunch on the day beginning the Kan Family Retreat. We had lunch together, with Granpa grilling hamburgers for us, then Kendra and Josh left Rory with Grandma and Grandpa while they took in a movie. Needless to say, we had a good time with Rory sans parents.

After meeting Kendra and Josh at the theatre with Rory, we caravaned (about 1.5-2 hrs) to Cadiz, KY where a friend/colleague of Tony's had lent us his lake house and use of his pontoon boat. Josh quickly decided it was better for him to be in the lead than follow me after a "why did she turn there"? We arrived just about suppertime.

The house was beautifully located overlooking the lake with the dock below.

Then it was on to a restaurant Tony remembered from a past life. We were all hungry and it seemed to take forever to get there and even longer before we got our food but the food was good.

You can see Rory's reaction when the food finally came!

Connor's problem was too many hands trying to help him.

Back at the lake house, Rory and Connor settled in with their toys and played together.

One of Rory's favorite things was going to the stairway and taunting us that she was going to climb up. Look at that "think you can stop me?" expression.

She also liked trying on everyone's shoes.

Yes, we did get out on the lake. We took both Tony's boat and the pontoon boat out to a spot out of the way of other traffic and jumped in. Although all of us, except Connor and Rory, could swim, we all preferred to use flotation devices--that is we were lazy, it is vacation after all. See Adam, Aliza, Tami and Connor below.

Some of us tired faster than others and enjoyed just sitting in the pontoon. Bill, Josh, Rory, Kendra and me (taking the picture).

After a hard day on the lake, we returned and the crew spent time competing at Mario Cart: Tami, Josh, Adam and Aliza hard at it with Kendra looking on. It was more fun for me watching their contortions as they played.

At it again!

Bill fixed one of our favorite meals--barbecue chicken--it was delicious. Poor guy had to stand out in the heat, and it was hot, while the rest of us stayed inside in air conditioning. We sure enjoyed the chicken though, some of his best.

When we had free time we not only played with the Wii but also gathered around the dining table for Phaze Ten. It's worth the trip just to see Josh come alive at that game. No longer the mild-mannered pharmacist, he plays a mean and hilarious hand of cards which keeps us all in stitches.

After the rain one day, Adam decided to do a little fishing down at the dock. His pole left a lot to be desired--about a foot long--but it was better than nothing. The fishing lure turned out to be too big and an attempt to find worms and/or bugs was unsuccessful but it was fun just trying. Tony and Connor joined him hoping to observe a catch. Oh and FYI, pieces of hot dog didn't work either.

Good 'ole Uncle Adam showing Connor how to fish.

I think I can safely say a good time was had by all. It was peaceful and a time to be thankful for family and all God's blessings.

KENDRA AND RORY VISIT 7/24/10

Kendra made her regular every third week trip to Franklin arriving early in the morning. Rory arrived in her Auburn dress and staked out her claim to the rocking chair.

Before she got sleepy and it got too hot, we went to the Parks & Recreation pool around the corner to cool off and let Rory enjoy the water. She wanted to show off her gymnastic skills balancing on Grandpa's hand. Grandpa did a little showing off too.

The water was cool and Rory had a good time splashing around with Grandma & Grandpa while Mom took the pictures.

Mid afternoon it was hot as an oven so we took a popsicle break. Rory picked a strawberry one sitting on the back steps.

Not to be left out, Xena came up and asked for one too, or rather indicated if we didn't give her some she would try to get Rory's. When the popsicle fell on the ground, Xena got her wish. Ummm, good.

After getting cleaned up we went back in to cool off and Rory sat down in the rocker to watch one of her favorite shows.

Grandpa said he'd give me some ice cream but he's eating it all himself. Make him give me some Grandma!

Rease Family Reunion June 27, 2010

Kendra, Rory and I arrived in Columbia just before noon on Saturday June 19 and met up with Tami, Tony and Connor at the hotel. After a quick lunch the six of us drove on to Eastover for a stopover at Aunt Betty's house where we visited with Iris Helena and Aunt Toots as well as Betty's grandson Ron Jr. After leaving there we headed on over to Arthur Wells' house where a number of people had gathered under the carport. Melanie and Arthur Wells and others provided supper for everyone. The kids enjoyed playing in a water table.

Connor and Rory are front and center enjoying the water and staying cool. In the back are:

far back--Sharon and Pat; middle--David and Arthur Wells; front--Nikki and Kendra.

All reunions have traditionally been held at Grandma Rease's house because of all the memories it bears. This is the front of Grandma Rease's house which was completely renovated by Wayne and his wife Tracey. Still bearing a close resemblance to the way it we remember it but in much better shape.

The side yard of the house now with lovely landscaping used to be pretty bare.

The back of the house where Grandma Rease's calves used to come up to the back door for their bottles and where Ruby once threw a panful of burnt squash and water out for the chickens just as Sheryl came running around the side of the house. Surprise, Surprise. The looks on "thrower" and "throwee" were equally priceless.

Here are gathered the elder Reases. Ruth (Toots) far left, Marie, Wilbur and Betty.

Time for the meal and everyone lines up after the blessing.

Connor is very ready as you can see and he loves having a table just his size.

This is the real Play Station.

After the meal group pictures were taken quickly before a quick thunderstorm rolled in. These are the Grandchildren of Grandma Rease. You will notice several are missing who didn't hear their names called, notably Pat, Cloyd Albert and Charlie.

Rory and I took the opportunity to enjoy the tree swing.

I love seeing everyone at the reunions but it is hard to visit because of the number of people. There is something very comforting though about just being in the location of so many good memories and seeing the people that helped make them that way.

Visiting with Margaret & Steve in Atlanta 6/24-26/10

Kendra and I had the opportunity to stop by our former neighbors in Snellville, GA for a short visit on our way to the Rease Reunion in SC. Bill had opted to stay home and save having to kennel our 3 dogs. It was my first trip back in a little over a year. In fact, the last time I was there was just a few days before Rory was born on May 3, 2009.

Such fond memories of the neighborhood, neighbors and the house we had there.

Margaret had not seen Rory since she was about a week old when she picked up Grandpa Bill from the Atlanta airport and drove him to Auburn, AL so he could meet his new granddaughter.

Steve kept us well fed while we were there. He stayed busy in the kitchen.

By the way, the dog biscuits were for the dog not us.

Rory got to meet Sozie, the 4-month-old Golden Doodle addition to the Collins family.

It was an experience for both dog and child.

Rory didn't like Sozie's kisses and Sozie didn't like Rory's crying.

Steve helped Rory develop her flying skills--after all he did use to work for Delta.

Before leaving, one more picture with Steve who hates getting his picture taken. After that it was on to the family reunion.

Father's Day 6/20/10

Sunday after church Bill and I were invited to Tami's for lunch to celebrate Father's Day. Adam was also there. We had grilled tuna, corn on the cob, pasta salad, pea salad and blueberry pie. Unfortunately Bill didn't arrive until almost 3:3o because of a meeting right after church so Tony was the only Father celebrated at the meal. Tami & I were quite peeved that such a meeting was planned for Father's Day. At least we did have our pie together after Bill had eaten his lunch all by himself.

It was a good meal, Dad Tony is ready for a nap but not son Connor.

Are you sure you don't want to take a nap?

Here they are Fathers and Sons working on a lawn mower. You might notice only the non-father is keeping an eye on what Connor is doing with the screwdrivers!

Bill's Garden June 2010

I thought it was kind of late but Bill finally put his garden in. Tomatoes, peppers and okra. The fence is supposed to help keep the rabbits out. It may be kind of "redneck"--chicken wire with boards from an old picnic table--but Bill used what he had--that's eco-friendly, right. He also set some marigolds around the edges thinking that might help keep them away.

Even Xena isn't keeping the rabbits out of the backyard. Of course she prefers being inside in the heat of the day lying on the nice cool tile and just looking out the door. Isn't that a "It's too hot, why don't you go chase them," look?

Of course I haven't mentioned the moles. I have no idea what they might do. This whole subdivision is full of them. If one person tries to get rid of them, they just move on to the neighbors till the coast is clear to move back, leaving some of the family behind just to keep things up in case they have to return. The only one that kept the moles at bay in the back yard was Kendra's beagle, Shelby, when she spent about 6 weeks here.

Memorial Day 5/31/2010

We started the day by putting the flag out in honor of all our veterans, past and present. Bill had worked Sunday night getting the flagpole holder fastened to the front of the house so we could display the flag. Connor happened to be with us while his Mom & Dad were out with friends so he helped "Papa" get it fixed. When he finished there he came into the kitchen and helped "Nama" bake a pie. He spread milk on the top crust and sprinkled it with sugar. As he was working, he kept saying "this is going to taste good!" Then he helped roll out the leftover pie crust and sprinkled it with cinnamon sugar. He was so thrilled to get to eat it when it came out of the oven. He stayed busy helping both of us while he was here.

Flying the flag / Honoring our troops Past and Present

Tami, Tony, Connor and Adam came over Memorial Day. Tami and Tony decided to forgo going out on their boat because of the threat of rain and naturally it didn't rain. Tami brought marinated (organic) chicken to grill as well as feta green beans with dill and corn on the cobb. I fixed a pasta salad, banana pudding, rhubarb pie and tea. Tami also made fresh lemonade. We ended up not eating outside because it looked like it might rain and we didn't want to have to dash in carrying soggy food. Again, we were fooled. As soon as we had everything in and were sitting down it cleared up and was nice the rest of the day. Still it tasted just as good inside or out.

Later because it was so nice outside, we went out and Connor had a good time swinging in the swing while Tami and Adam decided to help out by giving Pepper and Shadow a bath and haircut.

Can you believe it takes 2 people to cut the hair on a 9 pound dog?

They do look better and feel a lot cooler now, thanks Tami and Adam. Life is hard when you are a 15 & 16 yr old dog. Both are partially blind and deaf but they still get around good if slow.

Pepper, age 15 Shadow, age 16