May 29, 1969

Oh what a wonderful day - 5/29/69! Andy was born around 4 p.m. and he was a beautiful boy right from the beginning. Can't imagine life without him. Andy, may you have many more years of joy. This would be your first birthday as a Dad and that's a definite milestone.

Grandchildren

Ella lost her first baby tooth. The new tooth is already filling in the space. I guess that means that she will soon lose the other bottom tooth. She will be five in a few weeks! Oh how I miss those two "babies". Maybe they will come to FL for some sun and swimming. I have assured Ella that the blanket is indeed off the pool and warm water beckons.

I just had a delightful week with Avery in Wyoming. We had so much fun, mostly inside where we watched about 45 inches of snow fall that week. We did venture out to Andy's production in Teton Village-Ozomatli concert. It was another successful event-this time in pouring snow. Avery and I were on the stage taking pics of Charlie 2-na before he went on. Charlie actually s
eems like a nice, normal looking guy. The band is from LA and I think they were a little surprised that so many turned out in that weather.

Back to Avery-she ventured into the world of pulling herself up in the crib. She also is thinking seriously of crawling. She is up on her hands and knees and actually tries to put one knee forward but as far as I know she hasn't put the other knee forward. Julie and Andy will be entering in to a new phase with Avery very soon. No more "settin" her someplace and expecting her to still be in that place in 5 minutes!

Winchester

Julie and Winchester had a great, seven year run and I know she will miss Winnie. We are so sorry.

Our Irish Heritage

I received my copy of our Grandfather's naturalization certificate from Uncle Joe yesterday. For all you great grandchildren, this was a significant event. It was 1905 and Pop's age was listed as 26 years. I believe he had actually emigrated to the US from Ireland about 1900. Can you imagine taking such a momentous step at that age? As Grandpop used to say "I thank God every day that my father left Ireland." Even though Ireland' economy improved in recent times, I believe we were given a leg up by being born in the US.

Merry Christmas to y'all. Love, Jeanie

Thanksgiving 2008

What a great Thanksgiving we had this year! The organizational plan worked so well and those who worked deserve a huge pat on the back. When did all these "kids" grow up? In 15 years or so Iguess we will see the youngest generation come forward and take over. Grandpop and Grandmommy probably had no idea that the farm and the holiday would become so important to us as a family. They would be so proud.

We are getting ready to fly up north for 4 months. Can't wait to see the children. I am going to spend a long time hugging them. We will be making our "headquarters" at the farm (summer home). Phil has cataract surgery scheduled in July and Sept. plus Andres' weddin in July and Bec's in Oct. We have rented a condo in Ocean City for Aug. We have already hired someone to house watch here in FL. Stuff happens when no one is there. There are lots of systems that could and do fail-i.e. air cond., plumbing, pool pump, etc. We know because at one time or 'nother they have failed. Have to leave a/c on or else mold might grow over interior walls. We are still happy to have this as our primary residence and are still learning how to manage a "tropical" location. One thing certain, we can get rid of most all coats and gloves. It doesn't get that cold, ever. Folks here complain about cold in winter, but they have forgotten what cold really is.

I would love to hear more from all you fellow family bloggers and was thinking about how much we love each other and actually how well we know eachother. I guess that came from all that time we spent together in the summers of your youth, both at the farm and other locations. It sure is hard to realize that every one has their separate lives now. I take comfort in the fact that we are as close as we are.