Payback

Photographers


are


so

totally

and

completely


unappreciated.

Work, work, work

Because I'm at my library often enough, they've finally decided to pay me for being there. I'll be working three days a week. I started a few days ago, and it's been really FUN--except I still don't know where I'll find the time to actually DO this. LOL



What I really think is that they tired of pulling my holds and figured I could do it myself. :)

We may sit in our library and yet be in all quarters of the earth.
John Lubbock

Trip pics!

Our Friday morning departure was typical. We left 30 minutes behind "schedule," and before we even hit Roanoke, I made my first bathroom stop. But it improved quickly, and we arrived in PA a full hour before I'd planned.

I haven't been back to Pennsylvania since 1980, and that was the last time I saw any of my relatives.

Aunt Barb and Uncle Al's girls have grown up and moved out. This worked out especially nice for US, since we were able to stay in Marie's and Laura's old rooms. THANKS, Aunt Barb and Uncle Al!

Aunt Barb, Uncle Al, and Walker

My grandparents used to live here; now it's my Aunt Ann Marie's home. The first thing I did was wander around the yard and remember how things used to be. :)

Aunts Ann Marie and Barb

Uncle Joe lives a few blocks away, and he's popped the top of his house, built a sunroom, a giant fort, a two story garage, and terraced his garden.

We spent LOTS of time visiting with everyone--which was exactly what I wanted to do!

Trevor instantly made friends with Aunt Barb's dog

The last time I was there, my uncle had recently married Kathy. She seemed grown up back then, but she's only 7 years older than I am. She is a doll; if she lived closer, I'd be her instant friend (whether she wanted me or not!).

Uncle Joe--I'm quite sure he's still about 26

I'd never even met my cousin Tommy, Joe and Kathy's son!

Aunt Loretta

Aunt Ann Marie

We spent a lot of time eating (definitely a good thing!)

Uncle Al making us scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast

Aunt Barb planned ahead and made 280 kiffels for us.
But I swear I only ate about 20 or them.

Or 100.

Aunt Barb remembered and bought us
a couple of boxes of Laughing Cow Cheese--
a favorite of mine and Lori's from 1974!

She fixed strawberries with Cool Whip for Holly and Trevor.
The teensy dab of Cool Whip
I usually give them will never happen again, I'm sure!

Holly and Trevor with the chocolate dipped apples that
Uncle Joe, Kathy and Tommy brought

Family BBQ--and I didn't even have to bring anything!

Trevor was toooo cute! He ended up between me and Holly at the BBQ. "I want to sit by RELATIVES!" he declared, and he moved to another table.

Trevor and Aunt Ann Marie

Holly and I were grateful to get in some shopping that we don't have here in Stickville.


After taking this picture, a clerk told me that I had to stop unless I had permission from the store manager. (eyes rolling)

Well, I DO prefer ULTA over Sephora ::snicker::

Holly and I shopped for shoes

The kids relaxed. Hey, it WAS vacation!


And they slept in.

Hey, Walker, YOU're not on vacation!

Trevor had a resort-style vacation. He canoed with Uncle Joe on the Lehigh River.

Trevor, upon seeing the canoe: "COOOOOOLLLLLL!"

He swam at the neighbors'

And swam again the next day

We admired Uncle Joe's creativity.

He carved the snakes on the sticks from vines

Turkey spur collection

And we visited some more.


The kids and I spent a few hours at a nearby hands-on science museum.



And we left on Tuesday morning, 15 minutes behind schedule...as usual. We sang our favorite songs.

"Travelin' along there's a song that we're singin'"

And had a nice ride home.

Of course she really does wear a seatbelt;
this was in a parking lot right before we got home

As soon as we got home, Trevor didn't even go into the house. He dug out the two turkey callers that Uncle Joe had given him and ran into the back to see if he could attract some turkeys. And yes, some turkeys came running, but they were named Robert and Kristine, so that didn't really count....

We had a GREAT time visiting. It's ALWAYS great to see family!!! The six hour drive wasn't so bad, and now that we're closer, I hope they'll have us again soon. No matter what, I know it won't be another 28 years until I go back.

Back row: Barb, Joe, Kathy, Tommy, Kristine, Ann Marie
Middle row: Holly, Loretta
Front row: Trevor

Surprise pictures

As I work on our Pennsylvania photos, these two jumped out at me. While we were there, I spent some time looking through old photo albums and reminiscing.

I was thrilled to see a photo of my Dzedo (Slovak for "grandfather"). I'd seen pictures of him, but as a younger man. I know that I met him but I don't remember. I think this was taken in 1969; he passed away a few years later. (SSDI says 7/73, is that right?)

Aunt Barb, Grandma, Grandpa, Dzedo, Aunt Ann Marie, Uncle Joe

We found this one at my Uncle Joe's house. WHOSE MOTHER IS THIS?????? I will NEVER tell. But I will say that it was taken around 1968, so it's definitely NOT me!

NICE trick!

I got such a kick out of this pic that Uncle Joe gave it to me. Which makes me laugh even more....MUHAHAHA!

Weekly menu

spaghetti, Caesar salad, breadsticks

(Father's Day) cheeseburgers, Creamed Cucumbers, Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Corn, crab stuffed portabellos (store bought)

tuna salad, Garbanzo Salad
hot dogs, breaded noodles, fruit
Quesadillas, Very Veggie Guacamole
BBQ or Grilled Fusion Pork Chops, Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad
teriyaki meatballs, rice, pineapple, eggrolls
????

Lunch (with or for):
smoothies
grilled PB&J
Linda's Marinated Mozzarella
parmesan pesto things

On the back burner:
cutlets Romano
chicken ala king, rice, strawberries
chicken souvlaki, couscous
bbq hot dogs, pasta or potato salad
chicken jerusalem derivative
pork loin
Chicken Fingers with Lemon Sauce

In the news...

This article is noteworthy as Mary is my dear cousin's daughter.

Bookwork from birth

Adriene and I are actually second cousins. We had never met (or heard of each other!), yet began our online friendship many years ago via email. I KNOW Adriene is one of a few people whom God put in my life to lead us to homeschooling, and she (somewhat reluctantly!) took on the role of supporter and encourager. She continues to inspire me with her dedication to her children's education.

It was six years ago last week (!!!) when we finally met each other in person for the first and only time. We were living in Littleton, and Adriene's family included us on one of their vacation stops. They spent a few days in town and we all spent time getting to know each other, including her wonderful husband and their four lovely children.

(I'm desperately wondering where my disks are with my old photos so I can post one here.)

Right now, we are too caught up in even more hectic lives to write as often or chat as we used to. But I continue to count Adriene as one of my closest friends and look forward to seeing her again!


Hmm...I wonder if they've ever been to Virginia...

We interrupt our regular programming

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I am taking my kids up to Pennsylvania for a few days to meet my dad's family, including my aunts and uncles whom I haven't seen since 1980. I've been wanting to do this since we moved last year, and I'm really excited! Robert will be holding down the fort at home. Please pray for our safe travel!

I'll be posting later next week.