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.