Living it up in the Midwest

Sisters

2011-03-25T11:19:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of my sisters and me a couple of years ago. Debbie is on the left, Deana in the middle and I'm on the right. (for those who don't know who I am) Our sister, Debbie is undergoing chemo and radiation treatments for throat cancer. I know she appreciates all prayers going up for her.

We don't have a chance to get together often, but we sure have fun when we do!

We had a chance to visit our old home in Sugartree Ridge Ohio; some of our very best "growing-up years". This sweet lady, who was a complete stranger to us, allowed us to come into her home to look around and see if it had changed any. We found that after nearly 45 years, it looked pretty much the same; only smaller. Or maybe...we'd grown??

This is Debbie and her childhood friend David. They played basketball together as children. We had a wonderful reunion with many friends from long ago. Deb looks at my blog from time to time, so this picture is for you, Debbie!

Elizabeth's trip to DC

2011-03-24T22:08:00.000-04:00

The 8th grade class at the North Canton Middle School took a trip to Washington DC. Elizabeth took pictures; these are a few of them. (She had a wonderful time; she along with 350 other students)

This is at the World War II museum

Elizabeth and one of her best friend's, Julie.

Eighth graders doing what 8th graders do.

"The Villages; Florida's Friendliest Home Town"

2011-03-24T19:22:00.000-04:00

It's been a very long, cold winter for those of us in Northeast Ohio. We're not sure how long we want to stay in the cold after we retire (several years away), but we decided to look at some options. We've always seen commercials for "The Villages", so decided to drive down and take a look in person. This is a community for people 55 and over which makes us candidates. We stayed for only one night, and were pleasantly surprised. These are not seniors who are ready to sit around and "veg". These are people who are so active and fun-loving...I'm not sure I would be able to keep up! So...one night was not enough...we are going back in May to stay for a week to see if it might be a good fit for us in a few years. It certainly was great seeing sun and blue skies and flowers everywhere!

The veranda of the hospitality building.

This is at one of the squares; they have outside entertainment and dancing every night.

This is known as a "golf cart community". Nearly everyone has one for their 2nd car.

This is where our lovely hotel was. When we go for a week, they are giving us a house to
stay in, plus a golf cart.

Harry Potter

2011-03-24T00:12:00.000-04:00

We recently spent a wonderful day at Universal in Orlando.
The main reason for going was to visit the new Harry Potter attraction.
We were not disappointed.

It was just as we thought it would be; wonderful!

We had lunch at The Three Broomsticks

Where we had to have Butter Beer. Cheers!

Midwinter Break

2011-02-25T19:57:00.003-05:00

It's been a long and very cold winter, so we took a trip to Florida for a week.
It was just what we needed to get through the rest of the winter. We found
a beautiful spot on Amelia Island with a wonderful bed and breakfast, The
Elizabeth Pointe Inn. We can't wait to go back!

The water was still a little chilly for swimming, but it was perfect for wading.
After all, it's still February!
This is what happens when you fall asleep and leave your camera
unattended.

This is our beautiful Elizabeth Pointe Inn. We can't wait to
go back.

Christmas Day

2010-12-27T19:16:00.000-05:00

Before everyone was up and while the breakfast casserole was in the oven, there was time for my early morning coffee.

Steve with Jake and Elizabeth
(Jake kept this hat on all day)

Christmas Day is about the only time we use the fireplace

Jessie, Mom, Dad, Dean, Deana, me, Steve and Bill's legs

Christmas Programs

2010-12-13T11:04:00.000-05:00

For Jacob's school program, he had to wear a dress shirt and tie. I remember only a year ago I had to bend over to put my arm around him. I think he's grown a bit.

Elizabeth is waiting patiently for Jake's program to begin.

For Elizabeth's program she had to wear a "dressy" dress. She and some of her girlfriends got together to get ready for the program.

December Activities

2010-12-13T10:46:00.003-05:00

This is taken out our TV room window.

This was taken out our living room window (through the screen)

Getting ready for Christmas

2010-12-13T10:06:00.000-05:00

While Elizabeth and Jacob were in California for Thanksgiving, it gave me plenty of time to decorate for Christmas.

This is our living room with the main tree.

The books all had to be cleared away to make room for snowmen and Santa.

This is our small tree in the TV room.

Halloween

2010-12-13T09:38:00.000-05:00

These are a little late getting posted.
Elizabeth and Jacob went trick or treating with neighborhood kids.

Eizabeth's birthday part 2

2010-10-18T10:33:00.000-04:00

We continued to celebrate Elizabeth's birthday in Hudson, where Steve's good friend, Tracy lives. We had a wonderful evening; the girls made kabobs, yummy potatoes and salad and she got Elizabeth's favorite cupcakes, red velvet. Two of her good friends, Raiana and Haley, from school went for the weekend. There was a bonfire with smores after dark; it seemed to be a wonderful weekend for everyone.

This is Tracy's daughter, Meredith. She is the same age as Elizabeth.

Girls doing what girls do, while Jake looks on.

More birthday pictures

2010-10-18T10:25:00.000-04:00

Tracy's house is on a small lake. There is even a kayak that Jacob loves using.

The backyard is all set up for the evening bonfire and "smores".

Fall in Hudson is beautiful!

Even Sochi is ready for the party to begin.

October colors in Ohio

2010-10-18T10:16:00.000-04:00

Not much explanation is needed here. It's fall; it's colorful; and it's Ohio.

Teenager in the house

2010-10-18T10:04:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth turned 13 on October 12. We celebrated by going to dinner at one of her favorite places, Hartville Kitchen.

We came back to our house for cake and presents. Elizabeth had help opening her gifts from Brook.

I think her favorite gift was money from her Daddy.

Here is Steve with Brook's mommy.

Chagrin Falls

2010-10-18T09:55:00.000-04:00

We've been having beautiful fall weekends. It's a perfect time to visit little hamlets like Chagrin Falls.

No, this isn't Napa

2010-09-13T23:07:00.000-04:00

During our anniversary weekend getaway, we drove about 20 miles north of Niagara Falls to one of our favorite little towns, Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you look very closely, across Lake Ontario, you can see the skyline of Toronto. It was a beautiful day to visit some of the vineyards this area is known for. If one didn't know better, you would think we were in Napa. This is better...it's Canada!

We were lucky to hit this area on such a beautiful day.

Vineyards as far as you can see.

This lovely little fruit turns into

this!

Niagara Falls Anniversary

2010-09-13T22:56:00.000-04:00

We spent our anniversary (our 45th) at Niagara Falls. We just recently got our passports and wanted to put them to use. It is only a 4 and a half hour drive from home, but it seemed like we were in another country. We were!

Here is the horseshoe falls, the prettier and more spectacular of the two.

I love getting up close and personal. It really is beautiful!

We are enjoying the sights along the Niagara River... while we waited to board

this cage that took us across the rapids.

Hollow Rock/Labor Day work day/Reunion

2010-09-07T11:47:00.000-04:00

We decided to all get together for one last "big bash" at Hollow Rock. Since Wes was visiting from Arizona, it was a perfect time for the local family to get together for a day of games, eating and as usual, there is always lots of laughing. Deana and Bill, Mom and Dad, and Cherie Vogley all used the time to close up their cottages and get them ready for the winter to come. We had a picnic in the shelter and the kids all had a great time sliding down Cooper Hill on cardboard boxes. Steve brought a new friend, so it was a great time getting to know her.

Elizabeth, Jessie and little Brook

My sister Deana...always a wonderful hostess!

Steve and Elizabeth

Steve, (very tired of having his picture taken), Jake, me and Brook's mommy

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-03T17:22:00.000-04:00

Today the kids did not have school. It's the beginning of Labor Day weekend, so it was a perfect time for Elizabeth to go to Cedar Point with friends. That meant Jake was available to go kayaking with Papa. He looks a little excited, doesn't he?

We have great places to go within 15 or 20 minutes from us.

Is this guy cute or what?

Who knew you could find oysters in Canal Fulton?

Back to school!

2010-09-03T17:15:00.000-04:00

Steve went shopping at Sams for school lunch snacks.
Hooray for Sam's!

It was Elizabeth's job to find a place to store the supplies.

My Birthday

2010-08-22T15:19:00.000-04:00

For my birthday this year, I wanted to do something fun with the family especially since the kids had been away for 3 weeks. We rented a pontoon boat at Tappan Lake about an hour away from home. It had a big enough motor so the kids could go tubing. We took a picnic and spent the entire day on the boat. We motored to the beach area where the kids could swim for a while, but it was actually a lot more fun just finding little lagoons and swimming right off the boat. My sister, Deana was able to spend the day with us. It was absolutely perfect!

Home again!

2010-08-22T15:08:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows us very well, knows that Steve's children, Elizabeth and Jacob had to make their first trip back to California since moving to Ohio. They were away for 3 weeks, which seemed like 3 months to their daddy. Since they are underage, they had to be chaperoned from gate to gate and airport to airport. Here is Steve signing for them when they arrived back at the Canton airport.

There were lots of hugs and lots of tears!

Home again!!

Olde Harbor Inn

2010-08-22T15:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Steve, we found a new place to dine outdoors; Olde Harbor Inn. It has a really neat deck overlooking the lake and we are told that in the winter, the lake freezes over for ice skating. There is a nice fireplace inside for those cold Ohio days.

Weekend getaway

2010-07-31T14:06:00.000-04:00

Rick and I recently spent a weekend in Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg Virginia.
There is so much history!

Statue of Captain John Smith

This is the York River. We had a wonderful sailboat tour.

The weekend away was exactly what we needed!

Weekend in Michigan

2010-05-05T14:17:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted on this blog. I should have remembered to do things in reverse. Oh well! This is a sunset off our balcony in South Haven Michigan. We had a wonderful time!

Lake Michigan is so big! We were told that it's 80 miles across at this point.

This is the lighthouse and pier at Grand Haven Michigan.

We spent a lovely weekend on Lake Michigan. We had heard that South Haven was a pretty place and it really was! We were a little too early for their tourist season which starts after Memorial Day, so it was just as we like it; uncrowded but very fun! If we didn't know better, we would have thought we were at the ocean. We decided we like this much better. There is no sticky salt air or humidity; just lots and lots of water.

Spring Activities

2010-04-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

Bob Evans is a popular restaurant in the Midwest. Each year Hale Farm (in Cuyahoga National Park) hosts a breakfast featuring Bob Evans pancakes and sausage. It goes on during maple sugar time so people can tour the farm and find out how maple sugar is tapped from the trees and boiled down for syrup. Lots of people came out of hibernation after a very long winter. It was fun!

The stuff in this bucket is going on my pancakes??

The farm is located in part of the Western Reserve which was once owned by the state of Connecticut.

Hiking at a local Nature Center in Amish Country.

February snowstorm

2010-02-06T11:54:00.000-05:00

It's hard to tell, but we woke up to 14 inches of snow this morning.

Rick is shoveling our neighbor's walk.

It'll be a while before the snowplows make it to Lindy Lane.

This is our dear neighbor Jimmy. He said he's been waiting for a long time for a snowstorm like this. Thankfully he loves being outdoors and has always helped us clear our driveway . His new "toy" is a snowblower with a tractor.

First official snow day!

2010-01-08T15:29:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth's teacher told her if she flushed ice cubes down the toilet, it would cause it to snow more during the night and they'd probably have a snow day the next day. Well, I think she emptied the ice maker and it snowed all night. Now, Elizabeth loves school...but EVERYONE needs a snow day once in a while!

It started snowing lightly at dark.

We have lots of icicles...watch out...they're deadly!

My folks have a great hill for sledding in their front yard.

Go Jake! If you look closely, you can see Great Grandma and Grandpa watching out the window.

Snow time

2010-01-06T17:53:00.002-05:00

These are mostly for Todd who wanted to see pictures of our snow.

This is on the golf course just behind our house.

1138 Lindy Lane Ave in the winter.

It's a great place for sledding.

Christmas time

2009-12-31T13:08:00.000-05:00

We baked cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve

Steve and Jill are playing Santa

Steve and Elizabeth

It was nice that Patches got into our group photo

It's been a long time coming!!!

2009-12-11T09:16:00.001-05:00

These are just some random photos of some happy people during the last few weeks. Everyone is well and adjusting to life in Ohio. It's wonderful to see smiles on these faces again after what they've been through the last few years.

Elizabeth has a new camera, so she's had fun taking silly pictures.

In case you didn't know, this is Jacob and he's tired of having his picture taken.

Steve, Elizabeth, Jacob and Jill, a new friend, on their way to a movie.

Happy Birthday Todd!

2009-11-28T19:56:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that Todd is 43 on November 29.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODD!

Here's Todd with his "baby brother, Steve".

Me and my two boys.

Happy Day for Special Kids

2009-10-18T20:29:00.002-04:00

Here are a few pictures from Elizabeth's 12th birthday.
Everyone looks happy!

Here is Elizabeth and her "knight in shining armor".

Elizabeth and Jacob

Elizabeth chose her cake; an icecream cake from DQ.

South Carolina

2009-10-15T09:00:00.004-04:00

We just spent a wonderful week in Beaufort South Carolina.
We rented a beach house close to Hunting Island which had an
indoor swimming pool. The kids made great use of it. We spent
many hours at the beach, rested, found wonderful seafood restaurants,
and did lots of sightseeing.

Steve's new job was very understanding about taking a week off
for our South Carolina trip, in fact they encouraged it! They knew
how important it was for them to have this time together. God has
been so good to this family. We are so grateful!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIZABETH!!

2009-10-12T10:27:00.002-04:00

Today a very special girl turns 12 years old! We love
her very much and are so glad to have her in our
family!

Steve's 1st day at work

2009-09-28T15:33:00.000-04:00

Steve recently got a job for a company called FiberSeal. They are located in Bedford Heights. They take care of carpets and upholstery in homes. These are very "high end" homes; they often take care of professional sports figures homes. He called today from a home that has an ice rink in the lower level. I can hardly wait to hear whose home this is. Here is a picture of Steve when he got home from his first day at work. Elizabeth and Jacob were here to greet him.
God is so good! All the time!

Cedar Point

2009-09-28T15:22:00.000-04:00

We recently had a wonderful time at Cedar Point amusement park. It is rated one of the top parks in the country as far as roller coasters go. I went on several rides I never would have thought of going on a few years ago. It was very fun! Here are a few pictures.

The view of Lake Erie is beautiful.

I did not go on this one; others did.

Happy Anniversary, Honey

2009-09-11T12:01:00.004-04:00

I know everyone thinks their mate is the very best...but mine REALLY is. Forty four years today; but who's counting!!

Isn't he just too cute!!!

First Day of School

2009-08-25T10:34:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day for Elizabeth and Jacob to attend North Canton Schools.
Elizabeth is in Middle School and Jacob is at Orchard Hill Elementary. They were excited, but a little apprehensive.

God is good!

2 Days on Lake Erie at Great Wolf Lodge and Cedar Point

2009-08-08T21:02:00.001-04:00

We told the kids we were going to a nice Best Western that had a swimming pool. They were surprised when we pulled in at the Great Wolf Lodge that had an indoor water park. It was fun for all of us.

Trying to decide what to do for dinner.

This is "Raptor" and even I rode on it!

Arcade games resulted in fun things to take home. Cedar Point was even better than they imagined!

First week in Ohio

2009-07-08T20:34:00.000-04:00

We've had a busy week with football, 4th of July holiday, fireworks, hiking, climbing, fishing, and lots more.

Jacob and Papa Odie ready for fishing

Elizabeth met a neighborhood girl, Payton

Jr. Championship Football at Fawcett Stadium

Waiting for fireworks at Silver Park

2009-07-08T20:28:00.000-04:00

A beautiful day for a hike

Climbing at Cuyahoga National Park

2009-07-08T20:24:00.000-04:00

On top of Brandywine Falls

At Brandywine Falls

Steve and Elizabeth at the lookout

Jacob and Rick on "balancing rock"

Newest Ohio residents

2009-06-29T13:28:00.000-04:00

Hummm...I can't tell. Are these kids excited? I'm not sure.

Here they are with relatives who were waiting to welcome them.

Happy Birthday, Honey!

2009-05-15T09:16:00.000-04:00

Today is my honey's birthday. I have known him since the 5th grade. We have been married for nearly 44 years and we are still best friends. God has been very good to us.

Beaufort South Carolina

2009-05-05T17:53:00.003-04:00

We spent 4 wonderful days in Beaufort South Carolina where we really

enjoyed being beach bums. We can hardly wait to go back.

How We Spent Our Spring Vacation

2009-05-05T17:45:00.001-04:00

After a long, cold winter, we decided to head south for a while to warm up our "old" bones. We spent a couple of days in Gatlinburg Tennessee before going over to the coast of South Carolina. Gatlinburg was fun, but too crowded for us. We did enjoy the Smokey Mountains and while in Gatlinburg, and were fortunate to have a nice place to stay along a stream.

.

This was the view off our balcony

Shopping area in Gatlinburg

Easter in Ohio

2009-04-15T11:51:00.000-04:00

My coffee table centerpiece

My dining room table

Mom brought dessert.

We had an Easter egg hunt after dinner. This is my sister and Nina.
(please notice the blue sky)

Parkside Easter Babies

2009-04-15T11:38:00.000-04:00

I had nursery duty on Easter Sunday. Here are a few of our little ones in their finery.

This is Isaac and Benjamin.

This is sweet little Jenna, about as perfect as they come!

This is Summer and her mommy

Here are Benjamin, Summer, Isaac, Ella, and Jenna

Before Easter dinner and After Easter Dinner

2009-04-15T11:30:00.000-04:00

Rick and our nephew Dean, just before Easter dinner

Dean was pretty proud of his Rick Draa belly.

Happy Birthday Connor

2009-03-12T09:08:00.000-04:00

March 13 is a very special day in our lives. It's the day our first grandchild, Connor was born. This is his 17th birthday! I remember it like it was just yesterday. He is such a special young man. He is everything that a grandson should be, and more. We love you Connor! Happy Birthday!!!

Praising God for His Faithfulness

2009-03-05T08:48:00.003-05:00

I haven't been putting a lot of "personal" information on this blog; it's done mostly on my Facebook page since I've been informed that certain people look at this from time to time.

But I know there are people who check in occasionally who are not on Facebook. So...I wanted to let those people know that after 14 months of taking care of Elizabeth and Jacob on his own, Steve was once again given "primary custody" of his children. We feel this is truly an answer to prayer since the kids could have been forced into seeing their mother more often. The next step will be pertaining to the actual divorce.

Not Quite an In 'N Out, but Close, Very Close

2009-02-15T08:20:00.000-05:00

We were sooooooo hungry for In 'N Out the other day. I'd mentioned that to Valerie Armstrong, a former co-worker one day and she told me about "Five Guys" which is as close as you can come to the famous In 'N Out. I did a search on Mapquest and located this one just north of Akron (about 35 miles from our home). The drive was well worth it. We mentioned to the guys behind the counter that we'd heard this was similar to our favorite burgers and they wanted our "feed back"...no pun intended. We knew it was going to be good when we had trouble finding a parking place and it was hardly 11:00. The place was packed. The place smelled like In 'N Out when we walked in; that was a good thing. We were sorry when our meal was over. We will be anxious to try it again. Thanks Val!

It says "burgers and fries", but they also have hot dogs. You can also have mushrooms on your burger and they offer grilled onions as well as raw. We went with the raw.

Happy Groundhog Day!

2009-02-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

In October we took a drive to Punxsutawney, PA. "Groundhog Day" is one of my favorite movies and I wanted to see where it was filmed. We found out it wasn't actually filmed here; it was filmed in Illinois. Too bad, because this town is really very quaint. The day we visited, we had Gobbler's Knob all to ourselves. According to the news , there were over 40,000 people there this morning to see Punxsutawney Phil predict 6 more weeks of winter. I'm not real happy about that!

I can't imagine 40,000 people descending on this little town.

This is where Punxsutawney Phil actually lives...the picture is not very good since it's taken through a window in the town library. Phil did not want to pose for a picture.

There are statues of Phil all around the town. Someone told us there were 50 some. We didn't bother to find all of them, but here is one. (the statue is the one in the middle)!

Did we move to Alaska?

2009-01-17T13:16:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe, but we've been living in Ohio now for almost 4 years. This is the coldest weather I can ever remember being in, although they are saying it is not a record. I can't imagine anything colder than this. There are times that I think it's even too cold to snow. When it's 12 degrees below zero, the snow is more like glitter. We are looking forward to a warm-up. By Monday it's supposed to be in the 20s. Woohoo!!!

This is our driveway

A warm welcome is extended to any hearty souls who would like to visit!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Normally there would be kids sledding out here, but I think they'll
wait till it gets above zero. Maybe then I'll join them !

More California Fun

2009-01-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

Playing games was fun in the evenings.
Here's Todd with all the kids.

Todd and Rick at the Bakersfield Soccer Tournament.
Our team took 2nd place!

Our un-traditional Christmas dinner.
Everyone's favorite...spaghetti!

Todd, Julie and Cody, waiting for tickets at Disneyland.

Grandkids

2009-01-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

We are so grateful to have such dear grandchildren. It was wonderful spending the holidays with them.

Christmas Program at Pine Mountain Club Community Church

2009-01-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth enjoys singing. She was able to participate in the Christmas Service at Pine Mountain Club Community Church.

Elizabeth is the one on the right.

This is Rachel, one of Elizabeth's best friends.

Family Fun

2009-01-06T13:01:00.000-05:00

We spent many wonderful evenings at Todd and Julie's house. One evening, there was so much snow coming so fast, that a friend of theirs came to pick us up in her 4 wheel drive vehicle. She dropped us off for the evening and when we were ready to leave we were to call her. She was afraid to drive in such deep snow, so another friend came to get us instead. Rick laughed at me because I was wearing a pair of Crocs, instead of snow boots. Which one of us ended up falling on our back? (A hint...it wasn't me)

I'm sure there is a driveway there somewhere.

Our traditional birthday photo...all the grandkids.

Cody was obviously pleased with a new pair of golf shoes.
It will be a while before he will be able to use them on the PMC golf course.

Bootu, the traveler

2009-01-05T19:06:00.000-05:00

I wasn't going to put this on my blog, but in fairness to Bootu, who was so much a part of our lives for 12 years, it didn't seem fair not to mention him. He had epilepsy all his life, but with medication it was controlled till the last few months. We knew he was not doing well before we started our trip to California. By the time we arrived, we knew it was time to have him "put down". (I hate that term)! You can really tell when they are hurting...it's like they look at you with those big eyes and say "please"?
So, Boo did not make the trip back to Ohio with us, and we miss him.

On the road. Boo really loved to travel.

This is Boo in our hotel room.

This is Boo and Steve's dog, Ellie. Ellie couldn't understand why Boo didn't want to play.

A couple of days after Christmas, we went to see "Marley and Me"; a big mistake.

Christmas in Pine Mountain Club

2009-01-04T17:03:00.000-05:00

This is what we woke up to on Monday the week before Christmas. And this is southern California! It made for a beautiful holiday. This is Steve (I think) uncovering our car for us.

Since there was no school, the sleds came out.

Steve with Elizabeth and Jacob.

This is taken from Steve's front porch.

Cody's birthday

2009-01-04T16:23:00.003-05:00

While we were in California, we got to help celebrate Cody's birthday. It's hard to believe he is 15! He is a joy to all of us. We were so grateful to be together for his special day.

I am so grateful to be Cody's Nana!

Birthday Fit For a Queen

2008-12-09T17:21:00.003-05:00

We enjoyed salad, soup and a wonderful assortment
of yummy treats.

We celebrated my mother's 80th birthday today by going to "high tea" at the "First Ladies Tea Room" in town. It was a very special day; we just missed having my California sister here to help us celebrate. Debbie, here are some pictures of our afternoon.

Dad's birthday

2008-12-09T17:10:00.000-05:00

My dad recently had his 82nd birthday. We went to a favorite restaurant in Amish Country, then back to our house for birthday cake.

One never outgrows birthday presents!

Happy Birthday Todd!!

2008-11-29T08:32:00.002-05:00

Forty two years ago, something pretty wonderful happened in the Draa household.
Happy Birthday Todd!!!

Happy Birthday Steve!

2008-11-15T09:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Steve!!!
I wish we could be there to celebrate with you!

This was in Toronto at the NHL Hall of Fame

Rick and Steve at Cracker Barrell

Bundled up for a Cleveland Browns game

Steve and his buddies, Elizabeth and Jacob

Mill Creek Park

2008-11-03T10:09:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful Saturday. The temperature was perfect for exploring. Through some of my "Flickr" friends, I heard about a park near Youngstown, "Mill Creek Park". It turns out that Rick and I had gone there when we dated ______ years ago. I didn't actually remember much about it, other than we had rented a canoe. (I'm lucky that I remembered that much). We were surprised at how beautiful it was, and how uncrowded. We hardly saw anyone else there. The park is huge and has a wonderful 36 hole golf course which is open to the public. We spent several hours hiking and taking pictures. Here are a few of them...the rest are on my "Flickr" link.

Fall Weekend

2008-10-20T19:22:00.003-04:00

We had a beautiful weekend. It was cool, sweater weather. So we headed up to one of our favorite hiking spots, Cuyahoga National Park. It couldn't have been more perfect. Here are
a few of the pictures we took.

There are more on "my flickr" photos. There is a link on the blog.
Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

2008-10-07T16:33:00.001-04:00

Our granddaughter Elizabeth has a birthday this week. She will be 11 years old, which seems impossible to me. It seems like only yesterday that she came into our lives. Our prayer is that this will be a better year for her than the last one. Thanks to all who have been praying for this family. A cousin told me recently, "as much as you love your grandchildren, God loves them even more". What a comfort that is!

Through the years

2008-09-11T10:41:00.005-04:00

We all know how important the date 9/11 is. We all know what we were doing when that horrible thing happened 7 years ago. We were on a trip through Canada with our family when we saw the news on TV. Rick and I were babysitting the grandkids while the "big kids" were hiking to the top of Whistler's outside Jasper. We saw those images over and over and over again. So I know how terrible that date is for so many people.

Forgive me, though if I go back a few more years (43 in fact) to Sept. 11. My husband and I got married while we were still teenagers. We met at a wonderful little church camp, Hollow Rock, on the Ohio River. Rick grew up
going there and I started in the 4th grade. So, while I want to pay tribute to the people who perished on Sept. 11, 7 years ago, I also want to remember Sept. 11 as the most wonderful day of my life, 43 years ago, because I married my best friend!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
I LOVE YOU RICK !!

The first of 88

2008-09-07T15:13:00.000-04:00

We have 88 counties in Ohio. In honor of the bicentennial a few years ago, one barn in each county was chosen to be painted with the Bicentennial Logo. I would love to be able to take a picture of each of the barns. Here is my first one. Unfortunately as we were driving, I didn't make note of which county we were in.

If anyone knows which county this is in, please let me know!

Not one of the 88

2008-09-07T15:07:00.000-04:00

This is not one of the 88 bicentennial barns.

Guess Where???

2008-09-07T15:03:00.001-04:00

I put this up for my husband's boss who, I think, likes this particular chain of restaurants.

Here's for you, Jay!

A Trip to Yoder's Farm

2008-09-07T14:12:00.003-04:00

We've driven by here many times, but decided to pull into the driveway this time. You can visit an actual "working" Amish farm, take a buggy ride, visit a school house, and actually go through the farmhouse where they are baking bread. Unfortunately, we arrived too late for the tour, but not too late to take pictures of the yard.

Next time, we'll be on time for a tour.

My Favorite Time of Year

2008-09-07T14:09:00.000-04:00

We happened to make a drive to Berlin Ohio on the day they were having their Fall Festival. All the stores were decorated for fall. I'm wondering what happened to our summer? That's ok...this is my favorite time of year.

Lunch with good friends

2008-08-18T11:35:00.002-04:00

After living only an hour and a half away from Hermitage Pennsylvania, we finally made it over to visit with Ellis and Irene Stewart, good friends from Grace to You. We enjoyed lunch and a wonderful afternoon with them.

Down on "The Farm"

2008-08-13T18:08:00.005-04:00

The exterior of "The Farm"
The Old Crow Pub
The dining room where we had lunch

We had a wonderful drive through the country to a place called "The Farm". They don't advertise, they don't have to. We heard about it from my folks who had met someone in Amish Country who told them they'd heard "it was good". So, I did some research on the internet and found the location. It's almost 80 miles from home, but it was worth the drive. If anyone comes to visit, we'll be sure to take you there!

One claim to fame is that Richard Nixon's aunt used to live in this house. Honest!

Update for Yesterday's Hearing

2008-07-30T09:49:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a trying day for us; it's hard with the 3 hour time difference. We spent the whole day just sort of wandering around the house, looking at the clock and wondering what was happening. Steve called at about 7:30 last evening which was just 4:30 for him. He was already home and had talked with the kids. Once again, we have seen God's protective hand on this family. Nothing has changed other than visitation days being tweaked a bit. The children are to be with Steve EVERY Sunday now, so they will be able to be in church each week. In the past, it's been every other Sunday. Tracy will have the kids about the same amount of time as before, but with school beginning in a few weeks, some modifications have been made. This will also allow the kids to remain active in Awana and their soccer. My prayer all along has been for them to have a "normal" life (as normal as it can be with a Mother who is living a sinful lifestyle and tries to get the children to accept what she is doing as normal) and feel loved and secure. How sad that they would ever have to hear a parent call them "brats" and tell them they "need to grow up,stop acting like children, and start accepting the situation". Thankfully, Steve is there for damage control.

I have heard that "someone" may look at my blog from time to time and is not pleased with the picture I have painted of this situation. Nothing I have ever said is untrue. I have tried to come across as loving even after all that has happened. After the children, my concern is for the person living in sin. I would hope and pray that she would acknowledge her sin and turn from it. I know this marriage is over and I have accepted that. But she is still a person in need of a savior. No one is sinless. But to continue in sin with no thought of how it is grieving our Heavenly Father, all the people who have loved her over the years, and to see how it has hurt her children...I just don't get it. I shouldn't be too surprised, because I was told on Christmas Day that "I'm not conviced that the kids are the most important things in my life. After all, I have to be happy for them to be happy". Maybe the truth in this is that she never was happy because she didn't really have a saving relationship with our Savior, and that's where our "true happiness" comes from. So I will continue to pray that she will find the source of happiness.

Happy Boy Jake

Jake and Papa

Elizabeth (Sis)

Sis and Papa

Calling Prayer Warriors

2008-07-27T12:42:00.003-04:00

Steve and the kids on a recent camping trip.

This Tuesday, the 29th is the next court date for Steve. The kids do not have to be there and Steve has decided he wants to go alone. We have no idea what will be decided. I'm not sure if this is still regarding the children, or if the is the next step for Steve and Tracy. If anyone reads this, please be in prayer. Once again we are praying for wisdom for the judge and calm hearts and nerves for the adults.

Many thanks to all our friends who have been in prayer with us.

Friends are Friends Forever!

2008-07-25T12:48:00.007-04:00

This was Beverly Kay and me dressed up for our 8th grade graduation. I'm the one on the right. Here are Pete, Beverly, me and Rick at our last reunion. I feel so fortunate to have found them again! I was right, wasn't I? We haven't changed at all!

Today I'm expecting a visit from my oldest friend. We were in grade school, jr. high and the first 2 years of high school together. After we were both married and starting families, we lost track of each other. It was my fault....we moved to California for many years and I just lost track. We were so close, we were like Lucy and Ethel. (I was Lucy and she was the very practical Ethel...no surprises there)! We double dated together...these were pre-Rick days. Her boyfriend's name was Pete. Over the years I wondered what ever happened to her. I would sometimes look them up on white pages.com, but I'd forgotten that Pete was a nicname and his real name was Gary. Once we moved back to Ohio, by some miracle, I located some old friends who knew where my friend was and told her I was looking for her. She called one night and we talked and talked. We decided to get together for dinner one night when she and Pete were spending time in Amish country; one of their favorite places as well. What a reunion we had! We told each other how we had not changed at all. LOL

What makes this reunion so wonderful is that they are Christians and we have so much more in common now. As I was typing this, a song came up on my playlist; Michael W Smith singing "Friends are Friends Forever". So, that will be the name of this post.

"Just Right"

2008-07-20T14:32:00.002-04:00

After 3 years, we have finally found a church we can call "home". Who would have ever thought it would take so long? I remember working at Grace to You and receiving phone calls from people around the country who were having trouble finding a good Bible teaching church. I would check our "recommended church list" and try to give information, but I always thought to myself "how hard could it be to find a church?" Well, we have been in the same boat for over 3 years. I sometimes felt like Goldilocks..."It's too cold, or too hot", but we could never find one that was "just right". For the last year we have been driving all the way up to Cleveland to attend Parkside, Alistair Begg's church. That was almost "just right". The teaching was wonderful, but with being so far away it was hard to get involved other than Sunday morning and evening. Now, with the gas crunch, it's just too far to make the drive twice on Sunday. Then low and behold, just a couple of months ago, we learned of a church only 10 miles away from our home that is, in a way, associated with Parkside. This dear church had actually just come out of a church split the end of last year and asked Parkside for help. Parkside generously offered to supply a pastor each Sunday and is now helping in locating a fulltime pastor. The name of the church is " Harvest". We feel very fortunate indeed, to be led to this church. The people are warm and loving and have accepted us into their family. We found out on our first Sunday there that there are ties to Grace Church in California where we had been members for nearly 35 years. One dear family even knows where Pine Mountain Club is and asked if we knew of Henry's, a tiny restaurant with the best salsa in the world! So, for now, we are a flock without a shepherd. We are praying for a pastor who will be "just right".

Harvest Church, our new home.

The parking lot and rear of Harvest

Someone must mow this lawn, but I'm not sure who.

This is Parkside, Alistair's church.

Adiela

2008-07-19T12:07:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures of my little great-niece Adiela. She was visiting here in Ohio while I was in California, so I missed her third birthday. Her mommy is Shannon. They live in Oregon, so Shannon, these are for you. Be sure to show Adiela, ok?

My mom, Shannon, Adiela, and Shannon's mom, Sherry.

Poor Adiela...she had to endure being in a fashion show.

I'm sure she was tired of trying on clothes and having her picture taken.

Finally...it's time to play with Daddy. He is my nephew, Wesley.

Hollow Rock Camp

2008-07-16T14:29:00.004-04:00

More pictures of Hollow Rock camp are located on my Picasa photo link. It shows lots of the cottages and surrounding area. (Mostly my family will be interested in these)

We spent an afternoon driving to Hollow Rock Camp on the Ohio River. I think it's one of the oldest camp meetings in the states. Rick's grandfather, A.K. Householder was the president for many years and was responsible for building many of the cottages on the grounds.
On this very corner 44 years ago, Rick and I talked to each other for the first time. We were still in high school. His folks had a cottage; I was a "dorm girl". We both worked in the cafeteria that year. One of my girlfriends said they had walked by his cottage and heard him singing "Sherry Baby" in the shower. The rest is history.
This building is located on what they call "Groaner's Hill". Men used to meet here to pray in the evenings and tradition says they could be heard all around the camp.
This building is where the cafeteria is located in the lower level. My job 44 years ago was to serve salads in the food line. Once someone told me they thought Rick was interested in me, I volunteered to wash and dry dishes which was what Rick's job was. By the end of camp, Rick and I were already talking about getting married. We still had another year of high school to go, but we got engaged in January of our senior year and got married right after graduation. (and they said it wouldn't last!)
The cottages are not at all fancy. Here is one under construction, and yes, those are cinderblocks used for the foundation. People here don't have to worry about earthquakes.

OML

2008-07-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

We had a cookout at our house recently. The guys all wore shorts.

Dean and Rick...with chopped-off heads

Dad...looking startled

Dean, Bill, Dad and Rick...all with OML (that's Old Mens' Legs)

Think the Amish have the right idea

2008-07-12T09:16:00.001-04:00

This is an Amish Parking lot !

We came across an Amish school where they were having a party of some kind. With our high gas prices, I think they must be laughing at us. I'm not sure what the price of hay is, but I know they grow it themselves.

This is one of my favorite Amish restaurants. Miller is a common Amish name. I was distraught when I found out the restaurant had been sold. Not to worry...it was bought by the Yoder family, so nothing will change much.

Parkersburg West Virginia for lunch

2008-07-12T08:53:00.002-04:00

It's hard to tell where the clouds in the sky leave off and the mural begins.

This is the Blennerhasset Hotel in the historic district of Parkersburg.

Gardens surrounding the patio

Happy Birthday Deana

2008-07-07T11:36:00.001-04:00

We celebrated Deana's birthday with a cook out at Mom and Dad's. All of Deana's kids, Wes, Jessie and Dean were there as well as Trish, her daughter-in-law and little Nina...one of Deana's granddaughters. Trish made yummy cupcakes which we all enjoyed.

4th of July Festivities

2008-07-07T11:15:00.000-04:00

Every year the Canton Symphony Orchestra (yes...we have one and it's very good) puts on a concert in the park. It seems like most all of Canton turns out for it. We have a great city bus system. It picks us up at the mall and deposits us right at the McKinley Park, named for President McKinley, a Canton native. We usually always run into someone we recognize. The weather was perfect...warm but not humid. This year we took a picnic of Kentucky Fried Chicken. My folks went with us. We enjoyed the concert which always ends with the William Tell Overture, then waited for the fireworks display. It didn't start till 10:00 since it stays so light this far north. The buses were waiting for us so we had no crowds to fight on the way home.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

2008-06-30T09:49:00.000-04:00

Today is my Mom and Dad's anniversary. They have been married for 62 years...(and they said it wouldn't last!)
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!

Something happened here in 2008

2008-06-30T09:42:00.000-04:00

Maybe nothing happened on this site in 1897, but something certainly happened in 2008! This is (was) one of our favorite places to go for lunch. The hotel is Landol's castle near Amish country. We happened on it by accident. We could never afford to stay there...the price is anywhere from 200.00 to 450.00 a night. But, the restaurant was wonderful. We loved sitting in the dining room looking out over the grounds. It was the most beautiful setting. A friend from California was visiting not long ago and I called the restaurant to make reservations for lunch. I was informed that the restaurant had "burnt" to the ground. A very sad day indeed. When asked if they would rebuild, they just said "we don't know". I think it had just happened and they were still in shock.

God is Good!!!!!

2008-06-18T16:58:00.003-04:00

I prayed for a wise judge. Why am I so amazed when God answers my prayers??

We are so relieved. Steven is to retain full custody of the children.
Of course he is. God is looking out for those dear ones. So, why are we surprised? Shame on me.

I know none of the particulars, only that Tracy's visitation is less than she has had for the last 6 months. The judge said she had caused her children much mental anguish. Peter is to be nowhere near the children when they are with her. The judge said he couldn't make it a "law" but it will go very badly for her if she has Peter around them. (And can you believe that Tracy and Peter were sitting in the courtroom together.) After a while, her attorney said something to Peter so he left and didn't come back.

Thank you to ALL who have been praying for us through this ordeal.

God is so GOOD!!!

This is the Day

2008-06-18T07:50:00.002-04:00

After a very long time; I can't believe it's been 7 months for us, but much longer for Steve; this is the day. Everything that can humanly be done has been done. Now it is in the hands of the judge and attorneys. I am praying that the judge will be clear thinking and wise. (There must be a wise judge in California). I am praying
that this wise judge will be able to see through all Tracy's lies and have the best interest of the children at heart. I am praying that this will be the last day of heavy hearts for all concerned. I was sharing with a dear California cousin how I really believe that God is in control, but in my humanness I still worry. He sent me very wise counsel. "We worry because we aren't sure that things will come out the way we desperately want them to turn out. But regardless of how they come out, God will ultimately work out everything for good. But we are human and when things don't work according to what we are sure is best, it becomes a real test of our faith to believe that God is still going to bring good things out of what we consider a bad situation. So, no matter what happens, those children are in God's hands, not Tracy's." Niles, I am really hanging onto this...thanks!

My new favorite song, which talks about the Providence of God is "In Christ Alone".
It says...

NO GUILT HAVE I
NO FEAR IN DEATH
THIS IS THE POWER OF CHRIST IN ME
FROM LIFE'S FIRST CRY
TILL FINAL BREATH
JESUS COMMANDS MY DESTINY

NO POWER OF HELL
NO SCHEME OF MAN
CAN EVER PLUCK ME FROM HIS HAND
TILL HE RETURNS OR CALLS ME HOME
HERE IN THE POWER OF CHRIST I'LL STAND

So...I'm standing...

Happy Birthday Jacob

2008-06-16T08:59:00.000-04:00

Today Jacob turns 9 years old. Happy Birthday Jacob!!

A Father and His Sons

2008-06-14T15:48:00.003-04:00

We have 2 sons. They are as different as night and day, as anyone who knows both can attest. They are wonderful sons and they are wonderful fathers. I believe that they are wonderful fathers because of the dad they have. He is truly a role model. While most dads were busy making money, "this dad" was busy making memories. I know these 2 sons have many memories of growning up in a house where there was always (well, usually) laughter. I know they remember the nights when their Dad, even though he might have been tired and wished he could just sit and relax, would sit and talk with them and read "Leading Little Ones to God". Friday nights were always special as they were growning up. Friday was "their night". They would come downstairs with stacks of games for us to play because they knew they could stay up as late as they wanted. I can remember many times when Steve would be invited to do something with a friend, and he would always say "no", because he didn't want to miss out on the fun at home. I know they remember the nights when the 3 of us would sit watching out the window of BOB'S BIG BOY waiting for their dad's bus to drop him off on the corner. We would hastily eat our meal and then drive back down to the church for Awana. (This was because we were down to one car for a while...remember Todd?) I know they remember the ski trips, the Yosemite trips, the trips across country to Ohio or North Carolina. I wonder if they remember the time we went to see "Chariots of Fire" and loved it so much that we bought tickets on our way out and went right back in to see it again? I'm sure they remember the times we sat on the ground outside the Chinese Theater, eating pizza while we waited to get in to see Indiana Jones. I'm sure they remember a lot more than I can.

It's been wonderful to see these 2 sons grow into the men they have become. I am ever so grateful to my husband who deserves the "Dad of the Year" Award for being such a wonderful example. Now, we not only have 2 terrific sons, but 5 wonderful grandchildren who are growning into adults who love the Lord.

Not Much New to Report

2008-06-11T18:37:00.003-04:00

I haven't said much about what's been happening with Steve and Tracy on this blog lately. Things are happening, but I'm not at the liberty to say very much right now. I never know who might look in on this and I don't want to give out too much information. The kids have had their meetings with "their attorney", once with Tracy and once with Steven. Everyone survived and things are calm for the time being. Next week on the 18th will be the next court hearing; this will be with both parties, their attorneys, and the attorney who will speak for the children (she told Steven that the kids do not have to be in court for that. "She will be their voice". I'm glad that Elizabeth and Jacob don't have to sit there...it could be unpleasant.

If anyone reads this, please remember to keep them in your prayers. Those of us who are in Ohio will be on "pins and needles" till the evening of the 18th. Thanks to all of you dear people who have been so encouraging to me.

Sisters

2008-06-10T10:37:00.002-04:00

I have 2 sisters. One lives very close to me (after a separation of almost 35 years) the other one still lives in California. Some day, she will see the light and move back home to Ohio.

Today is my California sister's birthday. I was thinking about her this morning and remembering the day she was born. She and I are almost 4 years apart, so I don't really remember the day she was born, but I recall seeing pictures of very soon after she was brought home from the hospital. In those days, new mothers had the luxury of staying in the hospital for close to a week. So I stayed with Grandma while our mom was in the hospital with a newborn. I was the oldest of the grandchildren, so I had Grandma's undivided attention for the whole time. I don't remember, but I'm sure I loved it! The earliest pictures I can remember of us showed Grandma and our parents holding you. I was in the picture also, but I did not look very happy. In fact, I looked pretty mean, and not nice at all. (hard to imagine, eh?)

Well, I just wanted to tell my sister "Happy Birthday" and I'm very sorry for all the years that we were not close. I'm not proud of the big sister I've been to you, but you've been very forgiving and for that I'm grateful. I adore you and I am so proud of the person you have become!

Doing Business...Ohio Style

2008-06-09T12:31:00.003-04:00

Well, this was the fastest and easiest transaction ever. No sooner did I hit the "submit" button on Craigslist, than the phone rang (I'm not kidding it was less than 1 minute)..."Is this Cherie? I'm calling about the Jeep Wrangler". I said "Are you kidding...I just now posted it". Anyway, this morning he came, he saw, he liked, he went to the bank for $$$ and he drove away with it. I was kind of sad to see it go, but now we have the fun of looking for something a little more practical for a couple of seniors.

A sign of the times

2008-06-08T14:37:00.002-04:00

A very sad thing is happening. We have a jeep. We have had a jeep for 10 years. We have loved our jeep for 10 years. We thought we would always have a jeep. Jeeps do not get great gas mileage. At least 10 year old jeeps do not. We are selling our jeep. I am very sad. Neighbors on each side of us are driving a Toyota Prius hybrid. I think we are going to have to do the same. Maybe not a Prius, but a hybrid of some kind. (It's very hard to get a Prius right now...the wait is about 3 months) I'm very sad, indeed.

A Little Update

2008-06-05T09:48:00.002-04:00

I updated my other blog, but thought maybe I should do the same here. Monday was the day that Tracy was to take the kids to their first meeting with "their" attorney. They were all primed for it and waited and waited for Tracy, but she didn't show up to pick them up. So, Steve had to call the attorney to let her know that the kids wouldn't be able to make it. They were disappointed. The next day, Tracy said "she'd had a brain malfunction" (those were her words, no one else's) and that "hey...everyone can make a mistake". My brain gets foggy when I try to think like her.
So...it looks like if everything goes as planned...today will be the meeting. Thanks again for any prayers!

I think later today I'm going to look for some really fun pictures to post of our little vacation to New England last summer. That seems like a veeeeeeeeeeeeery long
time ago!

Happy Birthday Catherine!

2008-06-04T08:25:00.002-04:00

Today is Catherine's 10th birthday!!! Catherine, these pictures are for you! I wish I could be there to help you celebrate. I will be thinking about you!