allmorgan

Funny thing happened in Rabbit Hash, KY

2009-01-18T20:49:00.003-05:00

Another cold Sunday found us paddling over the rough, Ohio river waters to Rabbit Hash, KY. We meet at the public landing in Rising Sun to paddle across to see the best kept secret in Kentucky, Rabbit Hash. The General Store attracts many awesome musicians. I mean, awesome. It's almost like a rites of passage thing for any serious musician in the midwest area to play the General Store. If they don't play it free, it's very cheap. They are not playing here for the money, I'll put it that way.

We canoe over there, well, because we like to canoe anyway... and Rabbit Hash it right across the river from Rising Sun. A little walk up the bank on the other side, and you're right in the middle of Americana. Imagine this, you walk in, and you're greeted by the locals with a genuine welcoming smile, there's cornbread and taters on the wood stove, and a buffet of other country-folk food brought by the locals placed there to help yourself. No cover, no charge, just buy your beer, play nice and be merry. Be yourself.

A few friends of mine head over about once a month and I'm in attendance whenever I can. There's ALWAYS great bands that play in the General Store... sometimes in "the barn". Last time I was there, we watched the "Gregory Morris Group." Today, we saw "The Tillers." Just plain out good times, good friends, true music, the good people of Rabbit Hash and the best dutch oven corn bread this side of the Appellations.

But you know what made today's visit exceptionally awesome? As I was shaking hands with the locals and listing to the Tillers rippin' on the dobro and stand-up bass, I was bending over to ladle out a some chicken and and dumplings off the stove and I bump hands with... Jean Robert de Cavel, yeah, that one, the biggest chef in Cincinnati, and he has his little girl with him. And he wasn't the only one with a kid there. This place is essence of my most nostalgic place on earth.

Many of you know my love of cooking... and food/wine experiences, so I'm really interested in what Jean Robert is eating, or not eating. Last time I saw him was at Seven Days for SIDS at the Cincinnati State Culinary Institute... next to the likes of David Cook (Daveeds, in Mt Adams) and other culinary dignitaries. Seeing Jean Robert ladle out the same dumplings as me, is like meeting Donald Trump partying in a trailer park. This goes to show that a true culinary experience... has to be found, and it's alive and well in Rabbit Hash.

The General Store can probably only hold 35-40 people legally. It was shoulder room only and everyone is just happy. Happy on a Sunday. Happy in general. Man, it's really what the doctor ordered.

Memorial to my grandma, Edith Balsly

2008-11-12T10:39:00.010-05:00

Edith was the matriarch of our family... the glue that held our families together and she will forever be an inspiration to us all.

My grandma played a large part of NOT ONLY my childhood, but my entire life. She has always been there... at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays and every other significant event. I am grateful for the time that we have had with her. I'm grateful for the time my children have had with her. I *think* they will remember her when they grow up.

Her sense of humor, and love of travel have carried her far. She was a humanitarian, a role model, the unsung hero in many of our lives, and a gift to us all. While I can't speak for but a fraction of this rich, woman's life, I can say this:

She was Extraordinarily loving: never missing a beat when it came to acknowledging an accomplishment or special event for someone else or having the foresight to know that we had to save so that we can properly take care of our families.

She was Genuinely forgiving: when we messed up, sometimes violating the very principles that she stood for, forgiveness still followed.

She was Uncommonly strong: the discovery of a box of Ralph's old letters to her during the war surely kept her going during his almost 6-year absence. That, along with a diligent exercise regimen for so many years... and even up until this October.

Anyone remotely connected with our family knows of her adventure to California, much of which is documented on video.

Her love of God inspired many years of service in her church from Deacon to Women's Society President and Circle leader for years. We also found notes from circle meetings in 1979 & 1980.

She practically raised her grand children and has influenced everyone she met for the better.

And during the last years of her daughter Pat's career, she shopped and cooked meals for 4 people, 3 nights a week, followed by many Bridge games. She was an avid card player and has requested a deck of cards be in her coffin!

We've all enjoyed numerous photo albums and are grateful for the technology enabling us to share some of them with you today. (in the other room, you'll find almost 400 pictures from birth until death)

Many celebrations were held in her Kreis Ln. home of 64 years. She has been blessed with good health for 95 years and was thankful to enjoy that final birthday celebration in October before her illness was diagnosed. She had a full life and confidentally told everyone "I'm going home to die". She even called her friends to tell them goodbye. All she hoped for, was to go quick and pain free.

Most don't have the opportunity to have "Death and dying parties" and she reveled in them! She told us final words of wisdom... like to count our blessings, and be thankful in all things, and bury any sorrows in doing good deeds to others. Then, we too, can have a legacy like hers. Maybe not as long as the 34,718 days she was on this earth, but hopefully close.

Before she knew she had cancer, she whispered to me at our birthday party that she lost much of her appetite and was concerned about losing 10 pounds. She said, "that’s not good for a person my age." ...knowing I don’t talk to many other 95 year olds. Only days later, we got the diagnosis.

At one of these "death and dying parties," I told her it would be nice to have her around for the upcoming holidays, and her response was "...oooohhh no, I’m ready to go and in fact, I hope to be with Ralph in time for our anniversary" (This Sat. Nov. 22nd) She expects Ralph to be anxiously awaiting her at the gate and greet her with, "Edie, What took you so long?"

Well, we all know that reunion happened Tues. morning. So, my tears are tears of happiness… and it should be for everyone here. For she’s been preparing for this occasion with great fervor and dedication, other traits for which she’ll always be remembered.

View a photo gallery

The state must love me... for Jury Duty

2008-08-15T11:42:00.002-04:00

Jury duty... our civic duty. Something that each of us are supposed to do at least one time in our life. Maybe you've been called for it, maybe you've done it... maybe you've done it more then once?

Well, I'm only 36 and I've been called four times now. It's getting old being a whiner. Is that what I sound like? I know my obligation to this country is still lingering over my head since I've talked my way out of it each of the previous times. But, for good reason, in my opinion. Everyone knows I'm P.O.A. for my dad and if I'm not running across country to and from work, or busting late hours at the office, I'm trying to get a second to be a dad, and a decent husband.

Apparently my letters of woe are taken seriously, because they just throw my name back into the hat to be called again... and the cycle repeats.

They tell you to bring a book, there will lots of waiting, and you will likely be presiding over something intensely wild, like traffic or seat belt offenders. It pains me to think that I could spend a week, or 3 days, or even a day of my life for $10 bucks an hour and worse, more time that I don't have to spare. Kids need fed, bills need paid and ailing dad needs me, family wants attention, feeling guilty not being there. Life is cruel sometimes. But, maybe these are the tests that if we pass, we're really are a man worthy of God's countenance upon us.

I think our system is broken, in many ways, but I'll keep it to one thought. If you can afford a lawyer dream team, it all comes down to knowing the granules of the law and having a set of people who want to save your ass, i.e. money. The jurers in there typically don't know the law enough, myself included I'll admit, to possibly offer any intelligence on evidence evaluation, proper ethics associated with the field, the list goes on. Others, arguably couldn't pass a 5th grade civics test. But, most of us with a shred of brain, feel that an officer who gets his head beat in by a perpetrator, or a son that wipes out his family, should be put away. Again, enter the dream team.

I know it sounds like I'm making excuses, but... I *really* am not interested. Ashamed, maybe a little... How life is right now, still not interested.

Michigan City, Our new Beach Vacation Spot!

2008-07-02T16:33:00.019-04:00

Our family vacation is going wonderfully. We spent our first night exploring the beach resort. Our house is situated across from "waterfall park," and overlooking Lake Kai, one of the man-made lakes. So that is where we went first. It is a pond surrounded by tall grasses and has a waterfall in the middle and a dock that extends out in the water. While we were there, we spotted a beaver at work, he was pulling sticks across the pond and took them under with him. Then we went to go find Sheridan beach, since we planned to go there in the morning. Along the way, we toured the streets and admired all the beautiful houses. The community is perfect, from the houses to its people. Everybody is very friendly. The community is very diversed and everyone seems to get along well. Nothing like you find in the city. When we arrived at the beach we went across a long board walk that is surrounded by an aray of plant life, trees, and birds chirping. The sounds the birds make are very relaxing and beautiful and is only a prelude to what it is like at the beach. I would never have imagined these freshwater lakes would be like the ocean, and even more breath-taking. We played on the beach some, and then headed back to out house, when it started to get dark.

The next day we went to Beachwalk's community park for children. Hannah wanted to go the night before, but it got too dark. The park has lots of tires, slides, a treehouse, and is equipped with a zip line just for small children. Nicholas likes playing on the tires and Hannah likes the zip line. After the park, we went to the beach. The kids have really got into playing in the sand and water. We have fallen in love with the community and could even imagine living here.

Sunday we woke up and got ready to play on the beach. After the beach we retreated back to our house and ate dinner. We went to the park and headed back home when the bugs started biting. We have played in the houses back yard with their yard toys and of course the red wine has been flowing. We ended the night playing boards games with Nicholas and Hannah.

Monday was pretty much like Sunday, more relaxing times on playing on the beach and at the park. Jason played in the sand with the kids and sculpted a crocodile. The kids loved it. We also brought the ipod for tunes at the beach. The weather and everything couldn't be more perfect.

Tuesday was Hannah's birthday. I woke up and baked a cake for her 6th birthday. I can't believe it has been six years already. We first spent the day playing on the beach. Jason made another crocodile for the kids. I don't know who is enjoying the sand the most. We also brought the ipod back again, so we could enjoy the tunes while we were relaxing on the beach. Then we came back and ate lunch. Hannah wanted to go to the park and Nicholas wanted to go to the swimming pool. So that is what we did. Jason took Hannah to the park, and I took Nicolas to the swimming pool. Jason played hide and seek with Hannah in the park, and Nicholas and I played "going on a shark hunt" in the pool. Nicholas loves the water and can't get enough of it. That night we ate a crock pot dinner along with birthday cake and played in the backyard with their yard games and bubble guns, I packed. After the bugs started to get thick we headed indoors where they all enjoyed playing on the playstation.

Wednesday we went to the beach, it was a little breezy, so we didn't stay as long as the other days. We went out into the water mostly since the sand was really blowing on the beach. Hannah and Nicholas wanted to come back home to the "purple" house, so we headed back and stopped at the heated swimming pool on the way.

There are people across the street who live in Moores Hill, IN. They came over and said hi and they knew a friend of Jason's. They also gave us access to their wireless network, so Jason doesn't have to go into town to check his email. We've used all the amenities of the house fully. Jason sits out on the top deck with his guitar (or laptop) and we've been through the yard toys and games inside. We're only half way through the vacation. We have a lot of pictures and video that we'll get up when we get back.

More in day or two, Susan.

Flat Rock Canoe Trip

2008-01-05T18:56:00.001-05:00

On a brisk, late December morning, the crack of dawn found the fellas and I heading to St. Paul to find some more Indiana water... and some scenery.

A couple of canoes, cameras and some MRE's provided a the fun for the day. The sights included an screeching eagle, a flock of wild geese dragging their wings in the water as they took off, loads of natural rock and river formations and some wild, very cold water.

Take a look at these fine photos and videos and you'll agree that winter is as beautiful as summer.

October Water Skiing

2007-10-19T18:23:00.001-04:00

Who'd a thunk it? A beautiful day in October on Brookville lake. The water was great. Here's some pics of a fina day out on Brookville lake with Michael and the kids.

September 2007

2007-10-01T09:26:00.000-04:00

We celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary and managed to squeeze in a night out alone. Jason's mom and grandma watched the kids. We had a very nice dinner together. The kids enjoyed staying at home and playing with their grandmas.

We celebrated Bill and Shirley's 50th wedding anniversary together at the Canoe Livery. It was great seeing the whole family. We hope to get to see everyone soon.

Hannah continues to work very hard in school and has completed her first grading period.

Hannah went on her first field trip. Susan went too. They went to an apple orchard. The whole class got to pick their own apple, and later peal and eat it together. They saw how apples are sorted, washed, and stored. The class played games together and had storytime. They even got to go on a hay ride. Hannnah had lots of fun.

We managed to get a few extra swims in at our friend's pool in the month of September. That is one good thing that has came out of all the hot September weather. Hannah and Nic have become quite good getting around in the pool on their own.

Susan, Hannah, and Nic went boating on Susan's brother boat. It was Nic's first time on a boat. We were uncertain how he would react, but he kept saying "faster, faster". Hannah went tubing with her cousins Abby and Andrew. She didn't want to get out of the tube when it was time. It was a wonderfully relaxful Sunday. Too bad we forgot our camera, but we drew a picture when we got home.

Jason has remained busy throughout the month of September working most nights and weekends. Despite his hectic schedule, he is making time to practice with his band to get ready to play at a benefit. If you are interested in attending the benefit and contribruting to a good cause, contact Jason for more details.

August 2007

2007-09-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

The whole family came together to celebrate Nicholas's birthday. We grilled out and played games. Hannah started kindergarten so Susan busily gathered school supplies and clothes for her. Nicholas got a lot of exercise riding his new and much bigger bike he received for his birthday. Hannah continues to read lots of books.

Both of us continue to work around the yard. The garden was our largest, and most successful ever. The grass is officially the worse ever due to the drought. We're glad we didn't pay a lawn service this year.

Here are pictures for August.

July 2007

2007-08-13T13:01:00.000-04:00

July was a busy month for us. At the beginning of the month, Jason had his neck surgery. He was back at his desk in 4 days but taking it easy. Five days after, we went to a riverside party at a friends.

The following week, we went to Moonlight Gardens at Old Coney to see Old Crow Medicine Show (a concert Jason scheduled his surgery around.) Jason's brother Kyle came in from Korea with 9 of his extended family. We hosted a Saturday at our house, and we prepared about 7-8 American dishes. Most things were grown in our garden and Jason served plenty of homemade wine and beer (dark and light).

For the kids, Susan arranged activities from sack races to roasting marshmallows over the fire. We hoped to provide the real American experience and look forward to seeing our extended Korean family again soon.

2007 Spring Wine Grape Workshop

2007-03-30T12:48:00.001-04:00

A well-rounded, all-day workshop. We toured the facility, the vineyard, and watched Bruce Bordelon (Purdue University, Ag Dept, Small Fruit Specialist) prune several variety of vines. There was LOTS of wine tasting and trying it various glasses.

It happened at Ertle Cellars in Batesville, Indiana. This cellar and winery is a brand-new, state of the art facility. Energetic and determined winemaker, Brian Ahaus and and Gary Ertle, the seasonsed vineyard manager are running a very nice and clean operation with all areas well thought out. I plan to write up more here in the future, so check back.

February 2007 Ice Storm

2007-03-01T16:36:00.001-05:00

I say ice storm because it was icey and cold and went on for a two week stint... not that I'm complaining. I loved it. We're talking natural tree pruning at its best. The weather conditions were ideal for enclosing EVERYTHING in a thick case of ice.

It made for great pictures, although the pictures do it no liberty.

I like the midwest because we get to experience all four seasons. I'm more upset when we have a warm winter with little snow. I even like being stranded at home for a while. I got to get the kids out for a little sled riding too.

Hope the season finds everyone happy, healthy... and warm!

Morgan Christmas in Brookville

2006-12-27T17:34:00.000-05:00

The Morgan family Christmas took place at the Brookville Canoe Livery. A White Elephant gift-exchange was thoroughly entertaining and spirits were high and happy.

We remembered June Morgan who we lost in August.

We were happy to see all the family and look forward to seeing those who didn't make it SOON!

November 2006

2006-11-22T14:26:00.001-05:00

Here's photos for November 2006. A lot of photos taken by Susan capture the essence of Fall quite well. Also included are some photos that I left out from October... the pumpkins and Susan in her Raggedy-Ann get-up.

A quick, overdue visit to Louisville to see Andy and Debbie really hung Susan up on the pinball machine. Susan didn't really have a lot of time for small-talk and to socialize since there was a 790,000,000 high score to beat. Great fun.

We hope November finds everyone in good spirits and ready for Turkey. If you stop by the site, sign the guestbook so we know you're still alive. We look forward to seeing everyone for the holidays... or shortly after? Until then, be safe, have fun and hug your family for us.

Camping with Steve, Dick and Bill

2006-11-09T17:25:00.001-05:00

No, not Tom, Dick and Harry... Steve, Dick and Bill... I was invited to share an evening with "the Dickel" on their annual camping trip with the guys. You haven't partied until you've had an evening around a fire with guitars, shischk-a-bobz, gin... and "the Dickel".

Fun times. Of course Bill was there to shed a little civility on matters. I wasn't even aware of the existance of a coleman coffe maker. Set it on top of some heat and it'll brew you a pot of fresh coffee in minutes. Between the coffee maker, the stovetop, the tent heater and lanterns, it was an evening of music, debachery, and expending cans of coleman fuel by the dozen.

The weather was jsut incredible... almost as if the sun came out just for us. The night was a little chilly but well worth it and it beats rain anytime.

Note to self... not to miss out next year. Dickle + gin + homemade beer + bill's coffee maker = one helluva good time an no dissappointments.

The WinePod

2006-11-09T11:56:00.003-05:00

A friend sent me the most interesting link and I just had to blog about it. For the winemaking yuppy, try this on for size. A completely contained and integrated vessel for pressing, fermenting and making wine.

For me, the biggest challenge in making a stellar wine lies between tasting, interpreting and making changes. That is, truly understanding what you are tasting, making educated interpretations and ultimately the best decisions in changing the chemistry of the must now for your future award-winning wine. These interpretations are subjective in nature and you will not know how the decisions you make now will affect the wine several years down the road.

I could see using something like this to sharpen such decision-making skills... assuming one could afford it. However, once you own one, why would you need to learn anything since this thing will do it for you. It's probably not for me, but I love the idea of checking the temperature, pH, brix etc... from work!

The WinePod is a state-of-the-art tool for small lot artisan winemaking. The WinePod integrates fermentation, pressing, and ageing in one elegant unit yet it is simple and easy to use. The WinePod controls the heat of fermentation and maintains appropriate ageing temperature using electronically controlled thermoelectric heating and cooling. Your wine ferments and ages in a variable-capacity stainless steel tank with an integrated wine press. The WinePod collects and transmits fermentation and temperature data wirelessly to your PC where our software offers winemaking guidance and manages your processes and records.

You would think they'd at least make it resemble a barrel? If you haven't heard of the WinePod yet, you should in the next couple years as it will be marketed to commercial wine makers in 2007. All for now.

October 2006

2006-10-31T14:10:00.001-05:00

October is a busy month for the Morgans. Of special meaning to me is celebrating my Grandmothers birthday. Edith turned 93 this year and she's truly an amazing woman. She still drives to the spa and gets in her workout per the doctors orders. She takes her friends on bus trips through Branson, MI to see stage shows and still watches her grandchildren whenever she can find a free moment. She's an example and inspiration to us all that truly loving life and enjoying your family can bring longevity not known by people half her age. We love you grandma.

October brings birthdays for myself and Aunt June as well. Included in this album is a picture of the October birthday crowd, the kids and happnin's around the house. Hope this month finds you well too.

Coyote Creek Farms

2006-10-23T15:24:00.001-04:00

Friends Freddy and Anna invited us to join them at Coyote Creek Farm (a local trip!) for a family day of pumpkin fun.

Highlights of the day were the pumpkin sling-shot, the corn-cob shooter, buffalo burgers, a hayride to the pumpkin patch, and of course all the animals on the farm! The kids were in heaven. Time was well spent and the weather was perfect!

Spring 2007 Grapevines Ordered!

2006-10-18T22:46:00.001-04:00

I finally located the Vidal Blanc vines that I have been wanting. I found a pretty reputable place in NY, called Double A Vinyards. They grow pretty much every varietal you can think of. It's important that you get quality, disease-free vines. Handling is important. The grape-growing/wine-making forum I belong to highly endorses this place with the bulk of its members ordering from here.

While I was at it, I couldn't resist the urge to snag a few Swenson White vines. These vines will come in the Spring of 2007. Many varieties are already sold out. Gotta get 'em early.

These new vines will be added to my first-year Mars, Concord and Niagra vines... truly making the backyard, my backyard vineyard :)

In addition to the grape vines, I have two Mont Morency cherry trees, one Bing cherry with an additional Bing being added in the spring (for cross-polination) and 1 or 2 North Star trees.

I have made my first batch of Blackberry wine from my brambles also in the back. The goal is to have the backyard supplying I'll the wine fodder I'll ever need within 5-6 years. Caio till next time.

Talls Stacks '06 and Old Crow Medicine Show

2006-10-10T21:22:00.001-04:00

I love Old Crow Medicine Show and it was even sweeter to see them in such a setting. River boats along the Ohio River... imagine that. I was thoroughly bummed about missing the Aug. show in Louisville. I was full of shame... then I found out they were playing Tall Stacks. I was originally in disbelief, but the moment it was confirmed, we snagged some tickets for a cruise and said screw it's on. Susan and I were able to get out and take a cruise on the Belle of Cincinnati and then catch Old Crow at 9pm.

The weather was perfect. I was so giddy, I was taking all the pictures I could, video too. Tall Stacks in Cincinnati has become quite an event. I'm looking forward to the next one already. The charm of cruising a riverboat (the ski club was also in attendance,) coupled with a great night of music was just the thing we needed. Huge thanks to my mom for playing both baby sitter and chauffeur. It just wouldn't have happened otherwise. Mom's so great!

Photos for September 2006

2006-09-29T16:49:00.001-04:00

Finally got that new driveway we've been wanting since we moved into the house. Bit the bullet and did asphalt. Held out so long for cement, but it would have been a cool 12-13k and I knew I'd never spend that kind of cash on a driveway. I found a few flaws already, but the dude is coming back and hopefully squaring things away.

Plenty of pics of the kids and the new driveway in use already! The kids are growing faster then I'd like! Hannah was a natural in preschool and looks forward to every day of it. Here's the pics for September.

Ice Wine: CAN$30,000 for a half-bottle

2006-09-25T12:37:00.001-04:00

Man, ice wine too damned good. And so, I'm actually making a batch of it. That is, I got a kit that has the juice of Reisling grapes that were allowed to freeze on the vine, then harvested pressed. 3-gallons for US$75.

It is a lot of work (with risk of failure) for a vinyard/winery to grow and produce ice wine. The government will not let anyone sell a wine labeled "Ice Wine" unless it has went through the true process. Instead, you may have seen it labeled (Iced Wine). Take a look at the difference in price, but you may still notice it can be higher then the traditional bottle of wine.

Ice wine is here to stay and people are paying big bucks for it. Naturally, I wanted to try it out at home. And I don't have to wait for the first frost to start it this time :) I'll follow up later with updates.

I'll let the link to below say the rest.

Wine and Beer... coasting in the cellar

2006-09-19T09:21:00.001-04:00

I just got another batch of wine going Sunday night. Chianti. It's a red wine and more dry that I usually make. I thought it was about that time in my process to try something new and different. That makes a total of six batches of various wines and two batches of beer rippin' in the cellar.

In my efforts to stock the cellar, I started most batches in the spring. I did start another batch of Watermelon wine over the summer, but it was just too delicate and didn't survive the fermentation process. It smelled and tasted horrible. That was 3-gallons I dumped about a month ago. After much research, it turns out indeed that Watermelon wine is pretty difficult to make. It is usually better when fermented with another fruit that has more body. I'll try it again one day.

Most of the wines will be ready to taste around Christmas. But really, they'll be tasted, adjusted if needed and then bottled to do another 6 months or so in the cellar. I of course always hand a few out 'round the holidays.

I didn't want all the wines to be done at one time, so hence my efforts to stagger them. It's my goal to always have something new ready to be tasted, or bottled.

I have always been a fan of country wines i.e. wines made from fruit instead of grapes. I think it may be mainly because I don't like spending money on base ingredients. I get that from my dad. I am fine with buying my supplies etc., but it gets costly to always have to buy your base ingredients. I grow my own cherries and blackberries in the back yard. While I do have 7 grapevines of various variety going now, they won't be producing grapes for another year or so. I am planting additional grapevines (and a shitload of various garlic varieties) next Spring.

I did bite the bullet and bought 4 gallons of Gewurstiminer grape juice in late spring just so I could have a grape wine going. I have three other cherry type wines going. One of them also has blackberries in it. Damn that sounds good don't it? One batch is going on 4 years old. All the wines are going great and they are coasting. That's why I decided to start a red wine. Yeah, I bought that juice too, and that's all for this year I promise! Again, my reasoning was because I've never made a red grape wine yet and well, I guess you can't be a vintner without those under your belt.

Anyway, I have about 40 more gallon freezer bags jammed with cherries for other evil experiments :) Ok, that's all for now.

Researching the following surnames

2006-09-18T10:27:00.001-04:00

I am researching the following surnames:

Armitage, Atkinson, Balsly, Boeres, Boone, Capal, Ciner, Dornette, Dovey, Fesler / Fessler, Greiser/ Grieser, Hathaway, Heberger, Helfrich, Heninger, Holzhause, Jarman, Kenderdine, Klapkova, Kopstain, Kopstein, Lambert, Lichtfusz / Lichtfuss, Lienweber, Litzenberg, Lucas, Morgan, Nisonger, Ohlhauser, Oberwitte, Schmaltz, Schmidt, Schneider, Siebert / Seibert, Wright

If you would like to share any information, please contact me via the link below. I am interested in any information you would like to share, family notes, any photos, family recipes, and old records. Susan

Lunchbreak thoughts of 9/11

2006-09-11T13:10:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about life a moment ago and of all the things I love to do in this world. Things like, kiss my wife, chalk up the sidewalk with the kids, make music, sniff a bottle of un-corked vino, plant a garden and watch friends prosper. I was thinking about Sept. 11, 5 years ago... and then, all the things in life I take for granted. For a moment, things went quiet and dim.

Shit, life is fast today. You can miss a lot in just a wink. There's so much to think about now days that it's easy to forget most of it.

Today, I'm only urging everyone to do nothing, but contemplate what it means to you to do what you really love to do and to give gratitude to those who make it possible. There's so much I have to forget today, but NOT the people who mean everything to me... and NOT the people in this world who give what they give... to ultimately enable me to forget about life for a while.

Our 5th Wedding Anniversary

2006-09-05T20:41:00.001-04:00

It was all Susan's idea. Of the many things she could choose from for our 5th anniversary, she wanted to do a canoe trip with just the two of us... something that has not happened since "before kids."

It was a great idea, and it turned out in a manner that is noteworthy. It was Labor Day weekend. The weather was already if'y. Since it was just the two of us, we didn't have to pack bottles, a ton of food and countless other articles. We simply took one dry-bag with our camera, a couple towels and a small cooler with some tuna salad and vodka and cranberry... of course.

We were ready and even expecting rain. We did get misted on a little but I think it made it all the better.

It was a great trip and I wouldn't have changed a thing. It reminded me that we are still capable of taking a lightweight trip and willing to take whatever Mother Nature intended.

By the time we got off the river, Greg had some people setting up the field for a huge fireworks display. These were genuine Class 6 works (see the picture of launch tubes) - They took the whole day to set up and the field was staged for a huge, private display. There couldn't have been more then 30 people (family) here watching this awesome display.

The show lasted longer than the WEBN fireworks and of the same caliber too. The picture here does it no liberty, but my accompanying video does.

These guys just got back from Japan to "test out the latest" at the canoe livery. It turns out they struck a barter (canoe and camp for fireworks display)

I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate 5 years with my lovely bride.