Another Birthday

Well, another year has gone by and I am one year older. Here are some pictures when Dar and Terry took us out for birthday bash. Good food and good company. Also received new lovely Olympus 7. megs ditial camera (about size of deck of cards) from my hubby. Here are some results. Picture was right side up in folder, why does this happen.......

The rasppberry torte was wonderful - could hardly finish it. Thanks, Goulds.

Tom Maier, Sr. Master Seller

Well, Tom has done it again. Put his old mower for sale on Craig's List and sold in 1/2 hr. I guess it was priced right but now we are looking around for something else to sell. Two young guys came last night and managed to get it in their truck with much heavy lifting. That is my news for today.

As you can see, it looks brand new -a little water & manpower was all it took. Not much water since we are in big time drought in GA. Restrictions are getting stronger every day. Lakes are really down.

Anniversary dinner

Well, Dar and Terry had Dad and I over for an anniversary dinner - delicious Continental Chicken which I am sure you are all familiar with. A tasty treat and a homemade cake with chocolate icing. I could not resist taking a picture - Michael was happy till I wanted to take it but he really has a great smile. Sophie helped her Mother ice the cake - was hard not to have just a little taste. Next time you can have the bowl, Sophie.

HOT IN ROSWELL

Well, the heat wave is still here, only going to be 95 degrees this week. Last week it was in the three digit numbers --101 to 103. Thank the good Lord for a/c or these old folks would have a hard time. School has started in Ga and the school buses come by about 7 AM. That is very early for the young ones. Gone are the days when you could walk or ride your bike.

One of the Roswell community died this week and I attended his funeral. He was an Episcopal Pastor at St. David's here in Roswell, and also very involved in the community. They had to close off the street by the Church, so many attended. It was a great tribute to a fine man.

Picture on right is shop of Construction timber frame company in Mass - you could eat off the floor, it was soooo clean. I have never seen shop like this, have you?

Picture is of the big three at Pat & Tom's in Jackson. Dar went for visit and it was time for a family portrait.

Last but not least - here is one of the three apprentices at the Heartwood school at the reception for completion of a timber frame barn in Stockbridge, Mass.

Back from trip

Well, we are home again after our trip to great state of Massachusetts to see Michael at the timber frame school called Hartwood in Washington, Ma. It was a very interesting trip and Michael looks great. We were actually able to watch as some of the classes were going on. Dad and I very much impressed with the school and its owners, Michele and Will Beemer. Timber framing is a whole new ballgame compared to just building a house. Lots of man labor and time consuming. Also went to Stockbridge to see an actual barn that has been brought from Toronto and then rebuilt in a very, very large shop. It reminded me of an airplane hanger - only larger. The owners had a lovely party to celebrate the final phase of rebuilding this barn which will now be taken apart and shipped by five trucks to California. It was an amazing sight.

Top left is building which the class made to protect their earthern over and next day put a roof on it. Right one is Hartwood school itself, the window at top is where Michael resides. It is a generous building, classroom on top floor, kitchen and eating area plus large workshop on main floor. The apprentice have their own small kitchen and bathroom. Second left is the BIG three at the reception for the timber frame barn. Last one is the loft of the building where they reconstructed the barn from Toronto.

lost my pictures again, oh my

Here are the pictures from previous blog. More to come........

Cruising the Chesapeake Bay

Well we made our cruise and it was super. This is picture of top deck which was very cool as you went down the Chesapeak. The nice thing about a cruise is you only have to unpack once. The rooms was more then adaquate, service very good. The food was wonderful, every meal a treat. The cook outdid himself in presentation - As Dad said everything has some green sticking up or out of it.





Dad and I posing in front of ship in Yorktown - beautiful town with lots of history. Took bus tour to Williamsburg about 1/2 hr away. Back to ship for lunch and then another tour around Yorktown. Lots of history in these towns.






Picture of ship - held about 100 passengers - and crew who were mostly young and energic. They did just about everything from serving meals, cleaning up rooms and laundry. A wonderful group of young people.

Michael & Lia again

Well as promised, here are some more of Michael and Lia-did not get many since the photographer kept getting in our way.

It was a beautiful setting and weather was just right - not to hot.

Michael & Lia Shipley Wedding

The whole bridal party is listening to Michele doing a reading. Beautiful group of young people The stained glass windows were something to behold and provided a beautiful backdrop for the wedding party. Clare and Tom Shipley are in the front row as you can see. A great time was had by all.

Here we are at the Chapel of Washington University before the wedding. Dad, of course, took the pictures so he is not in them. This one is of myself and Michelle Shipley Dorsey. Michelle came by herself for wedding leaving Alan and four darlings home with Daddy. Children are still in school so it would have been a real rush weekend. Flowers were all in bloom and everything was very lush and green. Chapel was very beautiful.

This is Brian Toohey and Steven's wife Camilla with five month old Lucas. He was so well behaved in church, a beautiful little boy. There could possibly be more pictures to follow, still practicing.

Happy Brendan and the BIG Fish

Let's try this again. Last night I put three pictures on the blog and somehow ended up with none. How does that happen? Here is one of Happy Brendan on the road again with Peg. Happy campers visited old friends and had a good time. Brendan mastered getting in an out of car seat by himself - good boy.







Second picture is of BIG fish that Terry caught with Dad last week. As you can see the fishing trip was a success. Does anyone recognize the old cart which is still around. It sure could use a new paint job.

a tearful grandson

On Peg's visit - here is Brendan being taken care of by Grandpa and Peg.

Mad & Bill Out on the town........

Look at the happy smiles of Bill and Mad (did you notice there are no children here). Looks like they both got a sunburn - nice time.
This is a new way to do my blog and it might be the best way from now on. Kudos to MOM

Bill and son on the Water

Well, I tried to do this on my regular blog and was not successful, one more try. Looks like the Pequannock Maier's had a good time in Florida. Have two more pictures - will have to try them.
All is well here - Dad caught 15 spots today at Lake Lanier with friend Mario - unfortunately it was Dad 15 and Mario 0. Did not bother Mario - just likes going out on the water with his friend.

More from the BIG party

Well, Mary sent me pictures which Ray took and they were so good - they deserve the blog. All is well here - Dad had 15 pine trees taken down from rough area in front and it looks so much better. We now have a very large pile of wood chips - any offers to help spread would be appreciated. Weather still cool for Atlanta - flowers got hit with frost and thet are still forcasting more cold weather. We will probably miss Spring and go right into Summer, such is life in the OLD SOUTH. Top right is the two JOE'S, left is the sisters who had a good time as you can see and bottom left is Larry, Terry's husband Bruce and then yours truly - looks like all had a great time.

Traveler has returned again!

Well, the party is over and it was a HUGH success. All went well - the caterer was wonderful and Joe O outdid himself. All showed up on time and Peg and I were there promptly home at 6:30. My job was to keep her busy all afternoon and I thought it would not be a problem. Going shopping is right up her alley. However, the plan was to go out to dinner (had grand reservations) and she wanted to be sure we were on time. I came up with some lame excuses but was able to do my job. We took some pictures but as you know, when there is a crowd it is hard to get people together. Somehow these pictures are darker then they should be. Grandma needs more practice. .

Nice to be home!

Well my trip is over and had a great time. Mike, Katharine and James were great hosts and treated the Mother special. Trip home eventful -Delta agent sent me to wrong gate (marked on the ticket) and after spending about 15 minutes looking to see why I was only one there, walked back to find someone who would know where I should go. Two gates down they were just about to start boarding and I showed agent my pass. He immediately put me in front of line and all was well. I was able to download my pictures today and will post some. Dad did fine while I was away and finally is over his cough. Right now he is out putting some stuff on his weeds. Spring is here - 77 degrees today. I need to learn how to have pictures and then caption. Mike and Kat in Enschede while we were out checking out town on Monday. We did not know nothing opens on Monday till noon so we just did some sightseeing. Other one is large church in Amsterdam , very old and very large. Took this from across the street while waiting for canal boat.

Visit to The Netherlands

Well, I made it here and Mike and Kat were right. The weather here is changeable by the minute. Sun could be out and next you look it is raining, sleeting and very windy. Having a wonderful time, enjoying my visit. Took a canal ride on Thursday thru Amsterdam, very relaxing. On Saturday went to a local castle in Delden with their friend Kristin and her two girls. I had never seen a castle with a moat - very interesting and educational. We were all able to get into her Honda van -nice to have friend like that. These pictures are some that Michael took since I cannot download mine. I left my wire at home, live and learn. Picture of canal and a houseboat of which there are many along the canal. Beautiful ones and some not so. People even have gardens on their boats. Pretty ride and also educational. More to follow.......

Woodworker

We visited Peg and Joe last Fall and Dad became aware they needed another set of steps in the garage. These pictures are of the latest creation in modern steps. After all it would not be another -Odenthal-Maier household without a little help from the Father. Birthday presents come and go but I have never gotten steps for mine. Top pictures are of new construction and bottom is where steps are now.

Winter weather has come to Georgia - about 20 degrees last night and tomorrow promises sleet and icy conditions. Actually it is nice to have some cold weather, even bought a pair of boots today to keep my tooties warm.

Life in the South

Well, just updated my blog and Google account. Rather easy to do, not sure I like the color but they say you can change anytime. All is well here - birthdays in January are almost over, only two more to go in this family.

Had lovely time at Buena Noche (next door neighbor annual Christmas Eve event). Small party this year, only about 40 people, usually around 70. Seems people were ill or too far to come. Times they are a changing. The food as usual was wonderful. The Maier table was very small, Dar and Sophie and Dad and I. Maybe next week we will fill a table. Here's a try at a picture. First is "goodie table" --so so good, Second is Hostess Marily at the bar and last is Terry walking Michael.

Weather here unusually warm - 70 degrees again this week - where or where is Winter in Roswell?