Another Chef in the Family

Well, it looks like we have another chef in the family. Brendan was very happy to be helping Peg with her trifle for Fourth of July dinner. Their block party was called off (till later in fall) due to rain. All we keep getting here in Atlanta is thunder, slight shower and then it's gone. How about you Northerners sending some rain down here.

I just realized how long it's been since I blogged but I just checked my grandson Frank and I beat him anyway.

His Aunt Mary suggested he now will have to acquire a chef apron - bib will just not do.

VISIT TO CHARLESTON FOLKS

The flowers were in full bloom down by the battery in Charleston, my picture.

Dad took this picture of the new bridge - we drove across it and it was an amazing structure - eight lanes and seems to go on forever. Great addition to the Charleston experience.

Top left is Will chasing James at the condo we stayed at in Seabrook, SC. Absolutely a real treat but the weather did not cooperate. It was ok as we were visiting and sightseeing. Good weather for that. Good time....

BIG SINGLE FISH

Well, Dad finally went out on the boat Friday - spent five hours fishing and was ready to call it quits when this large mouth bit. A long day but at least he caught one. When he got to Altoona there was a fishing tournament going on and there was no place to park. He had to circle around and find another ramp open. Such is the luck of the fisherman - either too cold, too windy or everyone else is out there. The lake has finally come back to pool but Lake Lanier is still 14ft. down. We are going to Charleston this weekend and hope the weather there will be better. Looking forward to seeing the come back people from Holland.

HOT TIME IN NEW JERSEY

Well, it was a great time in NJ last week. Top right picture is Alex Liotta getting his hair cut by Mom, the beautician. The high school had a fashion show for the prom and Alex was one of the models-good job Mary.

After the play Sunday afternoon, we ladies went to a very nice restaurant in Princeton. It was hard to get a picture of all and we don't all look so great but here they are anyway. Peg's two neighbors fit right in with the Maiers. The play was interesting (being nice) and Tyne Dailey was here usual great self.

I also got to see some old neighbors from Brooklyn. We haven't lived there since 1965 so it was a great visit, wonderful to relive those memories when we were all young and raising our families.

I did not get lost (had own car) too much, roads have not changed, just more traffic who all know where they are going. Thanks to all my relatives and friends in NJ for their hospitality.

WOW! SNOW IN ROSWELL

Winter arrived with a blast here in Roswell - temperature dropped and the snow came. It was really beautiful if you did not have to work or shop. I can only remember a handful of times here in Atlanta that we have actually had snow which stayed for more then a few hrs. The grass and trees still covered as the temperature this am was 15 degrees.

On another note, Dad had two very large Bradford pear trees taken down recently and had them cut into log size. He has been putting them out for refuse pickup and the last few times they have been gone before the refuse people came. We have a mystery man - Dad said he should really just ring the bell and we would be glad to have him take all.

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. .