Monthly Archives: December 2005

We rose early Friday morning and headed south towards Cincinnati. As we pulled around the corner to Newport on the Levee (a wonderful shopping plaza, parking garage and aquarium) Jonathan kept saying, “Go up the elevator, go up the elevator.” … Continue reading →

The one thing that always chokes me up is during the end of the year when television programs list those who passed away during the year. The academy awards always takes a moment to honor those who died, and although … Continue reading →

My friend Jason came over last night around 9:30pm to bring me a post-Christmas gift, a tin of his famous fudge – chocolate, peanut butter and butterscotch. He returned Sunday night from his family’s residence in Cincinnati and indicated on … Continue reading →

We left Elwood at 9:00am and arrived in Kettering right at 11:20am. The boys unpacked all their clothes and had lunch while I set up my new camera and docking station. I love taking photographs and took the boys over … Continue reading →

Here are some photos of those attending Jonathan’s birthday party. My sister, Dena, and my great-aunt, Norma My nephew, Andrew, and Aunt Norma My younger brother, Destin, and Dad Aunt Norma, her son Wally (Gary), Dena and Mother My youngest … Continue reading →

Here are some excerpts from my journal, 8 years ago… December 23 – woke early, did laundry, cleaned the townhouse, taught several lessons, went to Normandy Church [where I was director of music] to rehearse choir and Christmas eve performers; … Continue reading →

In many ways, I am glad this portion of the holiday season is over. I am always amazed to hear the stress in the voices of others as they prepare for this season. I hear how others agonize over shopping … Continue reading →

We arrived in Elwood around 10:30pm Thursday evening and drove immediately to my sister’s to drop off my nephew, Andrew, who had stayed the week with us. Some friends of hers were over so we visited with them a spell … Continue reading →

Sunday, just as Pastor Monte was starting announcements, he said, “Merry Christmas… or should I say, ‘Happy Holidays’?” The crowd of Lutherans began jeering with boos (and a few hisses) which confused me because I thought Lutherans only jeered at … Continue reading →

“Someday, I hope that someone will take the time to consider the role of the First Lady and assess the many burdens she has to bear and the many contributions she makes.” Harry S. Truman, President, 1945-1953 Lady Bird Johnson, … Continue reading →

I often joke at the coffee commercial “celebrate the moments of your life” and it has become an even more poignant statement since purchasing my first coffee maker this week. Well, this turned out to be one of those days … Continue reading →

Whew! I cannot believe it is now December 16th, but am also relieved. Jose’s concert at Van Buren Middle School was Wednesday morning, and he was NERVOUS. As we were tying his tie, he asked me if I got nervous. … Continue reading →

Wow! I hear folks say that I look younger than my 41 years, and have more energy than most my age… well, after an all-nighter this past Friday, and a near all-nighter Sunday night, I am feeling less energized this … Continue reading →

Well, the Sunday for a concert and a party which I had been eagerly awaiting, arrived. After church, the boys and I grabbed a Chinese dinner and then I hurried home to change in to my new suit. I arrived … Continue reading →

Friday evening I finished teaching and once Matt got home from work at 8:00pm I drove Matt and Jose to the church we have been attending for a youth lock-in. Since the boys were still fairly new to this church, … Continue reading →

Yesterday I had this strange sensation in my stomach as the afternoon hours ticked away – there was a snow storm coming! The meteorological indicated it would begin around 4:00pm. My students began arriving at 2:15pm, each hoping for a … Continue reading →

Today was the first day that I actually felt like driving after Saturday evening’s attempt to recreate Dorothy Hamill’s awe inspiring performance from the 1976 Olympics right on my front steps. I seriously doubt Ms. Hamill attempted a double loop-triple … Continue reading →

The weekend is over… Friday I finished teaching at 6:15pm and hurried to ACTION Adoption to teach a class to prospective adoptive parents. Afterwards, I chatted with some former students, Ted and Annie, who will be going to committee on … Continue reading →

Monday morning, my friend, Phil Clary, a choral director in Cincinnati invited me to attend a performance of a professional ensemble to which he belongs for this coming weekend. Since Matt has his high school choral concert on Saturday (with … Continue reading →