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?

Long time, no post

Well, I have been getting some flak from different people about updating my blog. Not much to tell here in Roswell. Weather getting cooler and leaves are coming down big time. I keep looking for a person to pick up my piles of leaves but no one shows.
Dad busy putting hardy plank on front of house. About half had been done when we had the new garage put on. It takes a lot of time to take off the old pieces, scrap down and then put up the hardy plank. Dad paints the pieces before putting up, found that easier. We have a scaffold by the back rooms - had to because back of house is on a hill. Here are some pictures of the project.

Fishing has not been successful this fall, lake is turning over and hybrids are no where to be found. Hopefully, when project is done, the fisherman will go and catch some nice fresh fish.

Back to school for Maier boys and Mom too!

Well here we go again, back to school. The time passes so quickly and children grow so fast. Isn't it nice that we have these reminders and photos for posterity. I think they look great, do you not all agree. We are looking forward to the Maier reunion this weekend. Dar and family and Mike and family will be missed. There is always next time.

Descriptions of pictures below

Well, I managed to get the pictures direct from Picasa but could not put in any copy. First one is Tom, Pat and Dr. Steven in the Church. Second is the enormous group shot of the whole family. It does not happen often that you can get whole clan together. Third is the happy bride and groom Stephen and Camilla. A fine time was had by all and as is usual, the Shipleys are gracious hosts. I brought the camera but Dad took the pictures. I have no claim to fame on this one. Ones here are Brian and Clare (maid of honor) and Missouri Botanical Gardens.
Dad and I drove the bride and groom to the reception in the Windstar (rather informal)

Stephen Shipley wedding, St. Louis, Mo

 

And more grandchildren - 17 in all

Well, it has been a time but I am now ready to try and keep up with my children. Weather here in Roswell has finally gotten a little better. It will only go to 90 degrees today and that is surly better then 101. Nephew Stephen (Dr. Shipley) is getting married this weekend in St. Louis and Dad and I are going on Thursday. It will be nice to see my sister and her family at a celebration. The birthday party for James Dalton was a big success. You could see him blowing at the balloons and having great fun with his Dad and friends. I think Kat was on camera and was not as visible as we would have liked. She did a good job. If the sound had come thru, it would have been good but you take what you can get.
This picture is of the Jim-Ann Maiers at the beach in NJ on vacation.

Big guy from Pequannock,NJ

Well, I have been waiting for some time for some pictures and lo and behold I found one today. Son Bill sent this along with play by play of the All Star 10 year olds in our old home town. I can't believe Cole Patrick has gown so. This is from one proud grandmother.

Oldest son, big fish

Hope I can import the picture of oldest son Larry and his catch of the day. I like to give equal time to all siblings, let me know if I miss you.
All is well here in Roswell, weather warm and NO rain. This is not a good thing for lakes and grass. We could use a nice rainy day. Well, here he is in Rhode Island after delivering some custom rods to guide customers. Some of the perks is going out with them. Don't you just love it. Dad is out on lake today with friend Don Johnson(not the actor)hope he does as well.

Oldest grandchildren - oh my........

Well, here it comes - pictures of the oldest grandchildren. Aren't they just the best looking grandchildren you have ever seen. G & G are very proud of all our grandchildren, just hard to believe we have such old ones. Here is graduation picture of Frank and Carly posed for Grandpa. It was a real "Kodak" moment as we do not see them too often. Keep looking for more of the Maier clan. Now how did that picture of Emily Clare Gould get in there - so precious. I tried to edit out Grandma but was not successful.

Second try today - keep losing

Well, I thought I had some pictures to show of our grandson Kevin who made his First Holy Communion last week. Somehow I cannot find the pictures I just downloaded from e mail from Bill (his Dad). Another day, another dollar, try, try again. Will wonders never cease, a success.
Sorry we missed it Kevin but it looks like you had a great day. Fr. Kevin and you look mighty fine together. I wish I could have tasted your dip.

Well, grandma Maier has been very lax. Time to update. Went to oldest grandson Frank graduation Sunday, May 7th in Boone, NC at Appalachian State University. Very impressive campus. Had dinner with the Aquinos and good visit. Weather was cold and wet but did nothing to damper spirits. Indoor facility was top shelf, could hear and see all. Then on to Pennsylvania to visit Joe and Peg in their new home in Downingtown. Beautiful area in country setting - only ten minutes from shopping. As with most trips, it was good to get home. Picture is graduation faacility

Someone was reading the blog.

Apparently someone was reading the blog and decided to take me up on my offer. Some new picture of grandsons, Cole, Mathew and Kevin on Spring vacation at the Outer Banks. I think this is a great shot, all are in the air. Thanks, Bill and Mad.
I cropped this but somehow it did not come as I had hoped. Better luck next time.

Here again with picture

Well, it has been a while - very busy grandmother. Just received some hot pictures from NJ and need to share them. Son -in- law Ray has been very busy fishing (and catching). Those are some beautiful fresh trout and we need to visit and do some bonding while we catch fish. All is well here in Roswell - don't know if you heard about tornado which rolled through North Fulton and caused much damage to trees in area. Luckily not too many homes but lots of trees across roads, power lines down, and they are still cleaning up. We were without power for 24 hrs and it does a number on all the technology in the house. Here is picture of daughter and grandson admiring the Father catch. We try to be fair -send a good picture and you might make my blog......

Old boat be gone

Well a very nice couple who live in Norcross (originally from NJ) came today to check out boat. He was delighted and said exactly what he was looking for in a fishing boat. After much to -do getting rest of stuff that went with boat, Dad drove boat to their house and dropped it off. All participants were happy for this major event. Now all we need is for new boat (after a few minor adjustments) to go on its first voyage and hopefully catch fish. The boat saga never ends.

Brendan -grandson in PA.

Well for some reason I could not get these on my original blog. I should do this more often and it would probably work better. Here he is and the bear is as big as he is. Next one - favorite spot - under the table, thanks Peg for the update.
 

Time for update -another grandson

It's been a while so here goes. Time marches on - boat up for sale by this weekend hopefully. Usually first one here buys the boat - does that tell us all something about the condition of a Maier boat. Spring supposedly here this afternoon, but you cannot tell by Roswell weather - cool, rainy, windy. Sophie was here over weekend and was her usual helpful and cheerful self. " I can help Grandma, I always help my Mother" so of course, I put her to work. Emptied out the dryer for me and dragged basket (heavy) into bedroom. We had anice time.
Here are some updated pictures of grandchild Brendan who has moved to Pa. Isn't he special and such a beautiful smile.

THE NEW BOAT -BRAND NEW

Well, it has arrived, the NEW BOAT. Dad finally able to take pictures - has been rainy here and cold, hard to take a picture in the garage. Of course, even thou it is new there will be some modifications made to it. It will definitely be a Maier custom boat. It is wider then old one and a little longer. Dad had already modified the garage door (3 inches too short) and that was only first step. Picture of large gas tank which was on new boat is coming out It holds 28 gallons and will never be going that far or that long. I hesitated to update till I had some real news and this is it. We shall have to see which one of the Maier boys gets on the boat first.