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.

Stanley Cup

Yeah Red Wings-my favorite hockey team just won the Stanley Cup!

Phil and I along with 4 friends enjoyed a "Seguay" trip today. Not sure of the spelling, but it is the vehicle you see security folks riding around airports, also sometimes police in Silver Spring. The rental company showed us a scary video beforehand and I almost backed out. The actual ride wasn't as frightening. Once you get the hang of it, it is fun. The motions are similar to skiing where you shift your weight to turn. We finished the trip without "incident" and are safetly home now.

Grandmommy's birthday was March 14-Ides of March as Grandpop always mentioned. The 14th of March in the old days was the day before income tax returns were due and Grandpop was seldom able to be home to celebrate. He was a fuzzy figure all during tax season-up to his ears in work. He worked really hard to make a living for us. Grandmommy was the facilitator-she made his work life possible.

One of my most vivid, more recent memories of them was at the farm, just after the construction began on the houses across Radio Lane. They were down by the barn, holding hands, just gazing over at the "progress".

Another thing that has been on mind is that we should be so thankful to Joe and to Mike too for all their hard work settling the estates.

I will be in Thurmont this summer, both to enjoy my grandchildren and to get my stuff outta there. We definitely will be there for July, maybe before. In August we have a place at Ocean City for the month. Ella, Philip III and Aleta will be joining us there. We might be able to fit in a few visitors too. Liz says she is game although she has a baby event in New York sometime in August. We have reserved a 3 bedroom condo in English Towers (around 100 St. and the beach).

That's all for now-be back soon.

Ramblings of an old lady

Congrats to Sarah! She looks absolutely radiant in her blog pics. Looks like life is agreeing with her. Also happy birthday to Sarah and bro Mike tomorrow, Feb. 15.

Happy Valentine's day to all of you out there. Phil and I went out to a dinner dance and actually danced - once. The vocalist sang the same song Molly sang at Andy and Julie's wedding and she wasn't nearly as good as Molly was. Molly is the greatest!

We are still unpacking down here in Florida and simultaneously looking forward to visitors Leezie, Speed and Sam next week. We'll turn the pool heater on for them. Also we are desperately hoping Aleta, Ella and Philip III will find a way to visit us too. I think they need some r & r in the sunshine. We promise beach days and pool time.

Florida is good except we miss the babies.

Not homeless

We are FL residents! We are here but some of our "stuff" isn't. It is residing partly in my car in the parking lot of 1121. At least we aren't living in the car! What would we do without Auntie Liz-she was a lifesaver.

There are lots of mixed feelings involved in most moves and this is no exception. Unpacking pictures and mementos brings more tears but at the same time, a lot of smiles. We will be going back to MD 1/31 and will certainly spend time with Ella and Philip. Aleta's blog helps us keep in touch but it's not the same as holding them in person.

The weather factor here is weird-we kept too many coats I guess. Maybe we will have to donate some. Suddenly the coat closet looks out of place.

Congrats to Cassie on her upcoming retirement! Enjoy!

exercising for the elderly

Well girls, and you know who you are--I rode my bike 4 miles today. Considering that my bike weighs about 50 lbs., I am proud of that. Am planning to do this every day, upping the mileage as I go along. The only things that hurt are my knees. But I am going to ignore that for now.

Weddin' is nigh.

And I haven't finished getting ready for it yet. I will hit the stores in Naples on Friday. Phil has made us a reservation with the exercise people at the clubhouse. They will show us how to use the machines there. Maybe I'll "send" phil by himself and I will go shopping instead. You super-athletes will not be impressed, but the pool is a good place to do some exercising. I have also been bike riding most every day.

Aleta reported today that Ella has passed her sickness on to PT III. A lot of throwing up is involved. Poor Mommy!

Can't wait for Julie and Andy's wedding. It will be a unique opportunity to spend some fun time with family and friends. Everyone who is attending, please bring snorkel equipment, sunscreen and bug repellant.

Julie recommended that we bring any over-the-counter meds with us as they may not have what we need in Belize. Also the prices are higher.

Take care everyone. We love all of you.

Jeanie

First week in Florida-2007-08 season

It's still quite hot here in FL. Seems like we have had summer for months and months between here and DC.

Brother Mike is here for the weekend and we are absolutely thrilled to have him. If Ann had come, we would be completely happy. We wallowed in the pool and then went out on the town (to downtown Naples) last night. Don't get the wrong idea kids, remember we are elderly and therefore quite tame in our expectations of a night out. We first went to Naples Beach and watched a stunning sunset-pink and blue sky and I even saw the legendary green flash just as the sun went behind the horizen. Phil is a non-believer in the green flash. Picked up some more shells for the wedding tablecloths and then we repaired to an Italian restaurant on the main drag. I am really on one of my highs right now-could it be that the lows will drag me down soon? Doubt it-life is good-wonderful son, beautiful grandchildren, loving daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law-to-be and a fairly nice husband (when he feels like being nice). Just joking. I am also thoroughly delighted that we have a new grandnephew-Samuel. What more could we ask for? Grandpop would be so pleased also. Can you picture him in the midst of all the babies?

Birthday Boy

Yesterday we had a great time celebrating PTIII's 1st birthday. We had the party at Univ. Twrs. and about 24 folks helped with the celebrating. It was a wild and wacky day. Mom Aleta is or should be truly exhausted today. She had many ballons, signs, decorations-a very well thought out party plan. Philip had a great time just cruising around, investigating plug holes, eating cake and staring at all the strangers. Seriously, he seems much more interested in those plug outlets than his sister was. We really have to get on top of that. Ella "helped" with the party and also "helped" herself to the dregs of someone's champagne punch. I happened to see her with the cup in question and started chasing her. Most of it got spilled on the floor, so I doubt she actually got much of the stuff into her system. That was a good lesson though. Here we had put all the so-called poisonous stuff (cleaning products, etc.) up high but never thought of punch cups. Nothing happened but it was a wake up call.

Another word about child safety-a friend emailed me today and said that her daughter had left her 2 daughters in the tub for 1 minute to answer a phone call. When she went back to the bathroom, the older girl had gotten out and left the bathroom and the younger child had slid under the water and was blue and not moving. Everything turned out ok but not before the paramedics put her in the ambulance whereupon she had a seizure and had another at the emergency room. Apparently the child is ok but please let's all remember how short a time it takes to lose a baby to drowning.

That's all the advice for today, from an old grammaw. Love to you all.

Jeanie

Speedleezie

Hope Leezie and Speed read this-the pictures of Samuel are wonderful. He is so beautiful and a real combo of both of you, hence the name of SpeedLeezie. Please, please post more photos. It's a great way for us to watch him grow, especially since I don't know when we will see him again. We are coming to Maryland for Christmas on Dec. 17 and going back to Florida on Jan. 4 I think. Is the Smith family going to be up for a trip to the Wash. area then? Hope so. Love, Great Aunt Jeanie

Can't help it-I am the grandma after all. But those pictures Aleta puts on her blog are absolutely wonderful. Girl-you awtta go pro. Keep 'em coming please. Love, mamma jean

Congrats to Laurel on her big win in DC last weekend. We are so proud to be Laurel's aunt and uncle. That's our girl! Maybe it was the tuna we had for dinner the night before the race. Uncle P and I send our love.

Wasn't it just yesterday? Phil's wedding in Jackson Hole is a vivid memory. Please see Aleta's blog for some wonderful pictures.