Part 2

After returning to Abingdon from Holiday Lake, I had another Elderhostel to get through. This is a biking program that we do every year. The hostelers spend several days biking on the Virginia Creeper Trail, which used to be a rail line into North Carolina, and one day spent on naturalist studies in Tennessee and Virginia.

Shady Valley, TN. Eons ago a meteor formed this bowl, it was once a marshland, then a forest, now being returned to marshland.

A Salamander we found in Shady Valley. Scientists come from all over the world to study salamanders here, apparently there are more varieties than anywhere else, and a few that don't exist elsewhere.

This 1/4 acre cranberry bog is all that remains of the vast cranberry bogs that filled the Valley. This site is the smallest parcel of land owned by the Nature Conservancy, which is the largest single land-owning organization in the world.

A stand of old-growth forest in Shady Valley. The sun barely reaches the ground here.

Backbone Rock. The highway goes right through the rock, like Natural Bridge. This is a big recreation area, there was a group of kids climbing and rappelling off to the right.

The view from atop Backbone Rock. Look at the previous picture. Yes, we hiked/climbed to the top. Yes, we walked across. Yes, this is what it looks like peering over the edge.

A creek that runs parallell to Backbone Rock, under the road. It reminds me a lot of Passage Creek, near Elizabeths Furnace. In fact, the whole area bears a strong resemblance to the Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest.

Climbing back down from Backbone Rock.

As you can see, this Elderhostel program is a particularly interesting one. We're doing it twice more this fall, so hopefully I'll get some biking pictures, maybe on the trestles that cross over the Holston River.

It's now quarter to one in the morning, and I have campers coming tomorrow. So I'm off to bed, and I'll talk to you all in August. Except for when I'm home in two weeks for Adam's wedding. And when I call on a weekend sometime. And maybe an email during the week. You get the idea.

Camp Approaches

As I told mom, I have been taking pictures and contemplating a blog entry in my mind for months now, I just haven't gotten around to doing it. So now, on the night before camp begins, I decided to throw something out to you all before I drop from sight for the next ten weeks.

It's been a busy spring here in Abingdon and at the 4-H Center. Since March, we have had three Elderhostels, one week of State Staff Training, one week of staff training, one board meeting, one Serve-Safe class for foodservice workers from the area, a teen and adult volunteer training weekend, three groups of foster kids on the ropes course and, starting tomorrow, camp!

In early March, we hosted 18 hammered and lap dulcimer players from as far away as California and as close as North Carolina. It's a program we do every year, and this year we had several repeat customers. Apparently, most Elderhostel sites don't get many repeats....we do. It seems the hostile elders like our approach of quality over quantity, the individual family atmosphere we achieve with our smaller groups.

A few weeks later, we had another Elderhostel, this time working with the local Hysterical Society to put together tours and lectures on the history of the area. We visited the Museum of the Middle Appalachians in Saltiville, several restored historical homes in Abingdon, and had an interesting tour of the oldest cemetary in town. It's actually two cemetaries...one for the whites, and one for slaves across the road. We took a walking tour of downtown Abingdon, stopping behind the Cave House to see the cave that Daniel Boone supposedly named the town after, when it was known as Cave Hills. One of the more interesting activities was afternoon tea served up by the Daughters of the American Revolution - Blacks Fort Chapter. The ladies came in full period garb and in character, serving tea while telling stories. Sam and I had a laugh at our handling of the delicate china...I took pictures, but they're not on this computer, so I'll have to share them some other time.

About three weeks ago my camp staff and I drove to Holiday Lake 4-H Center in Appomatox for the annual State Staff Training event. The other five 4-H Center Program Directors and I had begun putting the event together several months prior at a three day retreat. It's a great event, camp staff from all over the state teaching each other new songs, new games, learning to teach classes...in short, a nerd-fest for "camp people". Everyone's a type-A and loves attention, a rowdy group.

Nate, PD at Holiday Lake, and I pose for a picture. Nate was in the Peace Corps in Bolivia.








Leading a group in a team building exercise.









Southwest leads all the other 4-H Center Staffs in a song before lunch.








Yes, we stil square dance at camp. Well, at State Staff anyway. Thing 1 & Thing 2 are on my staff.









Southwest leads a flag raising ceremony on the last morning.










Everyone's favorite (former) teen counselor, Megan Stephens, makes an appearance.





One or two familiar faces for Andrew. Bob Meadows, Associate Director of Virginia 4-H in the blue shirt, and Barry Garst (reddish shirt, no book), my boss, next to Bob. Andrew remembers Bucket and Bubbly Bob fondly, I'm sure...




With that, I'll close this post. I'll do another one on the last Elderhostel.

News From Browntown

News From Browntown

Who knew that an interest in sticks and string could lead to such things as Christmas in May in Browntown?

Cleo and I had a surprise this morning. We got up and, as usual, the first thing I did was to follow Cleo to the front door to let her out. We were both taken aback when she had to navigate her way off the porch through two boxes that hadmysteriously appeared there. I have not opened them but I already know that they contain a SPINNING WHEEL sent to me by a friend in Chicago! Bev Nachtrieb and I had such a good time talking about fiber crafts when she was here with her husband a couple of weeks ago that she sent me her spare spinning wheel.

I am shocked and amazed at her generosity but, even more than that, I am really anxious to "take it for a spin" (groan...). The Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival is this week-end and I had planned to attend. Now it will be even more exciting to see the spinning demonstrations and learn about that ancient skill. Will post pix of the wheel as soon as I have unpacked the boxes and put it together (uh...Win can you come home for the week-end? You are the official assembler in the family).

Atlanta Braves

Audrey and I had the pleasure of seeing the Braves beat the Marlins last night, in the 11th inning. It was a good game, and we had a good time. I got two tickets at the last minute from a coworker of mine who couldn't go. They were good seats and they were FREE (ca-ching!!!). We had a great time, just us girls, like the good old days... Aud and Em wreaking havoc in Atlanta. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

News From Browntown

A Cozy, Rainy Moms Day in Browntown

Mother's Day in Browntown started off with church and the Moms' high hopes of playing in the yard. However, just after church it got very chilly, clouded up and things started to look iffy. Grammy and I dashed home, changed clothes quick, and ran outside trying to stay ahead of the impending rain to get some planting done. I have lots of vegetables and flowers all waiting patiently for their new, permanent homes and the weather has not been cooperative so I can get them settled in properly. Grammy has her stuff planted because she plants and putters in the garden during the weekdays between rain drops and showers. Anyway, we dashed outside bundled up against the May chill and while Cleo fretted and paced around us worrying about the impending storm, we managed to get a few things planted on my end of the compound before the storm broke. It rained heavily the remainder of Mother's Day, 2006.

We spent the rest of the day eating lunch, watching a movie, winding yarn with my new Mother's Day ballwinder and having Mother's Day observance what with cards to each other and calls from the children/grandchildren. It was so nice to hear from each of you when we could both chat a bit.

Dad and I gave Grammy corning ware for Mother's Day. Her cookware (which I remember PawPaw giving her for Christmas one year in the early 1960s) is more than a bit worn and she has resorted to using some odds and ends that only resemble cookware in that they are metal vessels with handles of sorts. I hope she can adapt to using nice French White Corning Ware and, even more important, will discard the worn out, make-do stuff.

Thanks so much for the cards and the calls Win, Emma, and Andrew.

I will be doing a bit of traveling this summer if all works out. Sometime in June Dad has to stay in Maine for two weeks and we were thinking we might make it a bit of a long week-end. I will go up on a Thursday and stay over until the following Tuesday or so. Dad says it is really beautiful and I have never been that far up into New England. June in Maine will be beautiful, I'm sure.

Sometime after that and before mid-August, Grammy and I plan to drive down to Atlanta via China Grove, NC (where we will visit the Fulghums) and on to Atl. to visit with Melanie, Em and Andrew. That trip date is not set yet - waiting to confirm with those kind enough to host us and sorta hoping the Virginia Highlands yarn shop is open by the time we get down there.

Thank you again for the Mother's Day rememberances and for being you (all three of you).

Florida Gig

Well, here I am, in sunny Florida! It'a hot............DAMN HOT! The only thing I have going for me is the AC in my hotel room. Thank goodness it works! I must say, traveling from Regan National Airport (National Airport) for us old timers, was a breeze. The downside was driving from Front Royal to DC, howwever, my return flight gets into National Airport on Friday at 6PM. Do I have to say more??? Blog when you can. Win..........I'm glad you got the Sony off loaded into your apartment. I'm still trying to figure out how best to get HD on my new set.... More to follow.

dad

News From Browntown

News From Browntown

As the week winds down I thought I'd give an update on my first week back to work after the very nice vacation time off. I was fortunate to be able to ease back into the routine with only a trip to Roanoke, Va. Not too bad of a drive, and gave me an opportunity to see Win and have dinner with him. The occasion was preceded by the transfer of the Sony TV from home - my car to Win's. None of you ever had the opportunity to feel just how heavy a TV can be. Seriously, I think it is the heaviest piece of equipment I've ever had to move. Fortunately Win and I got it done without breaking anything important. I left it up to him to figure out how to get it into his apartment!

Next week I'm not as fortunate with my schedule as I've been assigned to a project in Naples, Florida. Now, some of you might think heading to Fla. would be a good thing. I guess it is if you're on vacation! To make it even worse, I won't be anywhere near Gina or Thomas so a visit (which would make the whole trip bearable) is out of the question.

I am going to spend the remainder of today and the weekend catching up on ... you guessed it ... MOWING! I'm hoping to get Mom and Grammy out on the mowers too! Happy Mother's Day to them! That's it for the moment, blog when you can!

dad

News From Browntown

News From Browntown
A little something for everyone on this blog - from gardening and mission work in Browntown to music festivals in Atlanta to sheep and yarn in Maryland to blues clubs in NYC to NASCAR in Richmond!! Doesn't get much more eclectic than this, folks.

We are missing some news from the lurker in Abingdon, though. Win, what's going on in your neck of the woods?

Two More

Dale Earnhardt spinning tires at the finish line, and doing his victory lap....Daddy would be proud junior, daddy would be proud.....

Without Further Ado

Here they are, the long anticipated pictures of the NASCAR Race....not as many as i had hoped of people watching, bur these will do! The ones of Campbell running the grill is my personal favorite.....

News From Browntown

Sheep, Alpacas and Bunnies - Oh My!

The MS&W was quite something and did not disappoint. There was more wool-related stuff and activity than you could shake a needle at and then some. I really never have seen anything quite like it. The wool and yarn stuff was spectacular. The rainbow of yarn - hand spun, hand dyed, hand painted, and, ultimately hand knitted or hand woven, was incredible.

We arrived early (8 a.m.) on the advice of my yarn shop friend (voice of experience). She suggested that we would probably want to make more than one trip back to the car before we were finished for the day and that early arrival could insure a reasonably close parking space. Well, she was right and when we returned to the car (second trip) around noon we could see that later arrival would have been baaaad...regardless of Dad's parking karma which would have been useless in that situation. Fairground parking directed by Boy Scouts who make sure all is fair and parking is organized by the "first come, first served" method rather than "parking by karma". One report I read on the Internets this morning said there were more than 60,000 in attendance and that seems to be a conservative estimate from what we observed.

The crowd was a great mix of wool crafters, old hippies and animal folks (and all sorts of hybrids thereof) so it was a very congeniel group and large crowd size was not an issue. Even incredible bargains on some fabulous yarn did not create havoc. The weather was perfect!

The yarn was beautiful and producers from all over the U.S. and other places were there to display their most gorgeous stuff. The animals were also lovely and we really enjoyed watching the sheep shows which went on all day (10 hours) both Saturday and Sunday. The show actually started on Wednesday, May 3 and there was some sheep judging on the days leading up to the week-end. Not only were the sheep judged but there was also fleece judging - that is, fleece without the sheep underneath. The fleeces are judged, awarded prizes and then auctioned off just like the 4-H Beef Cattle Auction at the Warren County Fair. Obviously the prize-winning fleeces are the most desirable.

Speaking of fleeces, what a sight to see dignified, gray-haired ladies dressed in lovely hand-knit finery trudging to their cars with huge plastic trash bags thrown over their shoulders! Dad calls them the "hard-core knitters" - the ones who buy the full, raw fleece fresh off the sheep, process it by hand (washing and carding), spin it into yarn, dye it and then knit it up into really exquisite items. Of course, some of the also weave as well.

Saturday we watched the dogs herd the sheep and caught the Junior Spinning Contest - both fun to watch. There were a surprising number of youngsters involved in the Spinning Contest including some boys. Some had nice wooden wheels and some just had drop spindles (as Dad says, "spinning on a stick"). It is a fascinating and ancient art - one of the most ancient of man's skills.

The other really interesting event was the "Sheep to Shawl" contest where several spinning guilds competed on Sunday morning. The task was to take raw fleece (the sheep was sheared right there that morning), pick it clean, card it, spin it and weave it into a shawl within a three hour time period. Each guild had an educational display on weaving and spinning and a somewhat costumed team competing in the event.

It was a well-planned show - of course it should be after more than 30 years and it is the biggest of it's kind in the U.S. Although Dad is not interested in yarn or crafts, there was still enough going on keep it interesting. Much better than an arts and crafts show or an antiques show, he said, because "there are animals to see here!". The animals really were fun to watch and we saw some beautiful sheep. There again, some ancient breeds that have been key to survival of our own species.

The only disappointment of the whole event was the Navajo exhibit which I expected to be far more than it was. I am thinking maybe we missed part of it or something but Dad says not. He Who Was Not Blinded By Yarn could be a bit more observant than I.

We had great food the whole week-end, especially Saturday night at Phillip's in Baltimore. Dad gave me a driving tour of downtowon Baltimore and I saw the UofMD hosp. where he spends a lot of time these days.

We left early on Sunday in time to stop for brunch in Frederick, MD at Cracker Barrel. We had just finished eating when Dad looked up, got a funny expression on his face and said quietly, "knitting alert behind you!". I turned around and, sure enough, two ladies seated behind me were knitting socks while they waited for their order! Of course, we got to talking and had a nice chat. They were on their way back to PA from the show and gave me their blog addresses. A great way to wind up the week-end.

It was a good week-end and the MS&W lived up to all my expectations. I hope we can do it again. The week-end after next is the First Annual Virginia Fiber Festival in Berryville. It is a very small event that is in it's infancy and has no animals - none featured, anyway. I am planning to go to that one and drag along poor Grammy (poor thing, Char and I keep sucking her into this craft stuff) and Barbaba Greco (already sucked in as a long-time knitter).

Dad has some more good pix including some of the Scottish Black-Face sheep with their beautiful, curly horns!

Wool & Sheep Festivus

So, the week (and my vacation) ended with a trip to Howard County, MD and the Wool & Sheep show. It was quite a sight I can assure you all. Mom enjoyed barn after barn of wool porn, while I amused myself with some serious people watching. We had decided that the place would be full of old hippies (did not disappoint) and various other characters. I'll let mom fill in the blanks here, I just wanted to get some pictures up on the blog so you can all see the fun we had. Seriously, it was a hoot! The first picture below shows some of the stars of the show....


The place was mobbed for most of the weekend, the picture below doesn't show it clearly, but it was elbow to elbow down the mid-way. One of the highlights of the show was the Sheep Dog exhibition. It is amazing how smart those dogs are. Of course Auntie Char has known this forever. If only Cleo would behave as well. The pic below is kind of far away, but you get the idea.




There was excellent music too! Notice the Golden in the band!




After awhile all we could do was just stop, drop and knit (well, mom did anyway) I learned more than I probably needed to know about the craft, but it was interesting. Especially the machines and tools that are used. Of course the most fun for me, was watching the street circus of people. In the end, a cool shady spot under a tree was the best place to just sit and observe as mom found out below.

That's all I have for now, Mom will jump in here I'm sure with her comments. Meanwhile, where are those NASCAR pictures???

NYC Update II-On To Richmond

So the great eastern trip is hitting leg #2, as Im sitting here at LaGuardia waiting for the 2:45 flight to Richmond. New York is done with as far as I am concerned, it was a good week and I learned alot about how the show operates in NYC as opposed to Atlanta. I didnt see Elizabeth too much, she was around Monday, but was off the rest of the week. II did get to see my old Shep roommate Tim last night, who entertained me with tales of his life as a struggling actor, and working full time as a mime in central park and the NYC Subway. No, really, he is a full time mime. He works for money from tourists, and other generous folks. The two of us went to Greenwich Village, where i talked him into going with me to see a band called Jason Ricci and New Blood, who, for my money, and from what I had heard from my harmonica teacher, is one of the best harmonica players on the planet. The guy came out and looked a little more like one of the Sex Pistols or someone from one of those 70's punk outfits, but the kid started blowin the harmonica and my mouth was hitting the floor. He was the best harmonica player Ive ever heard, and apparently, in the blues circles, the guy is absolutely legendary. He is only about 30, so he is still young, but dad, win, you guys would dig it. Was cool to see someone who is a master at the instrument blowin it away.

After a week, I came to a few conclusions about NYC. First off, while I used to discount the idea of ever living here, annd not being able to take the hustle and bustle, I think I wouldnt mind living here at all. That is, for a little while. After 12 months or so, I feel like I might have had my fill, and be ready for something a little more slow. There are things that are great here, but of course, there are things that are kinda crappy too.....I mean really people, chill out. Do you HAVE to run everyone over? We are all in a hurry, and if we all chill, we will get there on time. But what can you do.

Campbell is set to pick me up from the airport today about 4 o'clock, and god willing, we could have the perfect pickup, considering when im supposed to land and when he is supposed to get into Richmond. Jerkface will be there as well, and a few other folks who will be gearing up for our first ever NASCAR race....Im pretty excited about it, I must say. Anyway, thats about it, Im gonna get back to uh......waiting.........

From the Atlanta Front

Things have been quite busy here in the ATL, even with one roomate gone from 991 Rupley. Andrew is correct, I did spend most of last weekend playing with the Capital City Opera. We were performing Susannah, an American opera written in the 1950's by Carlisle Floyd. It really is an excellent piece, and I am glad that I got the opportunity to play it. The performances were held on the campus of Oglethorpe University, on the northern end of the city. It was a nice gig to get, Nicole and Audrey both played in the orchestra as well. It was nice for the three of us to play together. It's cool when you play with the same people a lot, you get to know each other's tendencies and anticipate things. It's nice. So we had an open dress rehearsal last Thursday, and then performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Here is a link to a review of the show from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/reviews/entries/2006/04/29/susannah_by_cap.html

So the opera is over, but the practicing is not. I have decided (at the last minute) to take an audition this weekend. Sunday afternoon I will be auditioning for Prinicipal Bassoon with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. It's a union gig (I know Mom is proud), and the audition is "down to the hall". Lucky for me, that is literally just down the street from my house. I barely have to leave the 'hood. (Thank goodness, because you all know we hate doing that here!) This will be my first real professional audition. I am trying to cram in practice this week, although I know that one can't really cram for such a thing. But I try, nonetheless. Luckily, I have a very supportive roomate -- Jarrett has been very encouraging and patient as I have worked continuously this week to squeak out a high D for Stravinsky's Rite of Spring excerpt. The dogs in the neighborhood have not been as patient and understanding, I must say. I have been practicing like crazy, it's like being in college again. I run home from work at lunchtime to get in some quick practice, then run home after work and hole up in my room for more... Jarrett is asleep now, so I'm taking a break before I start again at 8 when he gets up to go to work. So, we will see... everyone send me good thought vibes at 2:00 on Sunday afternoon. At this point I'm just looking forward to Sunday at about 5, when the whole thing is over!

I did take a break last night to go to a birthday dinner for a friend of mine. We went to a really cool restaraunt in Decatur, near my favorite hangout: Eddie's Attic. Dad, next time you're in town we're going there!

OK, I think that's all for now. Gonna grab some dinner before "the baby" wakes up and I can make some real noise.

Big Apple Report

So I made it to NYC in one piece after a detour through Richmond.....Needless to say, this town is rockin and rolling. Work is going well, my schedule has basically been get up at 8am or so, go get some breakfast (usually a bagel) at one of the ten million bagel spots around, and then kind of just walk around and observe people, which, as far as Im concerned, doesnt get any better than here. This morning I walked a few blocks down to 63rd street, and happened to run into the Metropolitan Opera House (see photo Em) I noticed a little gathering, and then realized that is where the world famous David Blaine is doing his latest freak show. Basically he is living in a fishbowl for a week, and well, as one would imagine, all the media vans and trucks are there. I happened to be there when Miles O'Brien of CNN's American Morning was down there, doing a liveshot. He looked as if "I went to Georgetown, spent 6 years in Atlanta plugging away on a mid afternon show, I get a promotion and become the main anchor for the morning program, and they want me to interview some idiot living in a fishbowl?" That's TV dude-The freakier the better. I couldnt help but take some photos....

As for the evening, Ive been getting off around 9pm, and the other night i cabbed it down to Taylor Water's neighborhood, and met with her for a beverage, and we caught up, and she showed me her place and I met her roommates. Taylor is still, well, Taylor, but it was nice to see her. She is graduating from PT school this weekend, and will be a full on doctor, and her parents are going to be here tomorrow night, and she invited me out to dinner with the Waters family, which would be nice, but I declined, dont want to intrude on that whole deal. And Id rather meet with my friend Tim, the old Shepherd roommate anyway.

Work has been cool, Elizabeth is off this week, so I havent seen much of her. Nancy is in DC today testifying before congress about child predators, so she wont be here today, so i think it will be a little more laid back. I have to say, I never thought this, but it may be a little more laid back up here with the staff than it is in Atlanta, only because I dont work with a certain individual, and there are more people up here, and it makes it more of a communal effort, rather than me and said co-worker, who tends to try and act as my supervisor sometimes. I got to do sme cool stuff yesterday that was on air, that Nancy gave me props for-Always nice to get some cred from the big boss.

Tomorrow is my last day working, and Ill be hanging out with Tim, the roommate from Shep, who is the typical struggling actor in NYC. Dad, it was quite funny, I went to a spot last night not too far from my hotel, and wound up talking to a guy named Silvio, a horse and buggy driver in Central Park, and he ranted to me for 20 minutes as to why the Yankees need to stop saying "next year is the year" and that they need to get over losing to the god forsaken Red Sox. And of course after the conversation, he was foaming at the mouth, and my eardrums were a little injured. But quite funny none the less. The pictures are shots of the Time Warner Center from the front, the two towers are pretty impressive, and it basically holds everything Time Warner owns, which is, well, everything....Im trying to find David Chase walking around somewhere, but I doubt his offices are in the building....The other shot is from my room window....Im heading out of here Friday mid-day, and off to Richmond to meet Campbell, Adam, Jerkface and a number of others for the soiree at RIR (RichmOnd International Raceway for the Non-NASCAR Crowd, Win, thats not you anymore) Anyway, here are some pics, Ill touch base soon....

Atlanta Update

Was a pretty good weekend for the Atlannta end of the family....Emmalee had a few shows with the Atlanta City Opera, and from what I hear, a good performance was in order by Emmalee, Audrey, and the rest of the orchestra. Im a horrible brother, I didnt attend, but my obligations wouldnt allow it. Saturday Emmalee and I hung out with the neighbors, and had a few friends over for some hospitality on the porch-A good time was had by all. Sunday was spent at the Inman Park Festival, where Jarrett and some friends of ours went and watched The Codetalkers, an Atlanta based band play-Great show, as usual. Sunday night we went to dinner with the neighbors, John-Marc and RP, before everyone began the work week. Meanwhile, Im trying to get to NYC for work this week, but the lfight from Atlanta to New York I was on this morning was interrupted by a "mechanical error" which forced us to land in Richmond, VA, so here I sit waiting for a "new plane." I know mom, its comforting isnt it? So Im SUPPOSED to be in NY working in time for the workday to begin, but judging by the way things are going, its going to be a late start for me-Anyway, I hope everyone has a good week. Im back to Richmond this coming weekend for the big NASCAR Race, which should be alot of fun. And alot of interesting people watching......

News From Browntown

We certainly made up for the lost time last week-end with this week-end's yard activities! Not only did we mow everything in sight but we also planned, laid out and planted an herb bed just behind the house beside the red shed and planted/mulched an area behind the yard shed where we previously had a thriving crop of poison ivy. It was busy! Dad on the Kubota turning the mess into a tillable area on Saturday afternoon. Then, on Sunday afternoon the "neighbor lady up the hill" came down with her shovel to dig, dig and dig some more. I told Grammy she reminded me of a terrier with all the digging she did.

Dad has pictures to post as the project appeared after we finished on Sunday afternoon. There are still some finishing touches such as rock edging, more colorful flowers to fill in (it is still too cold at night for the annuals) and other small additions to be made but the hardest part is done now. It was fun and tiring.

Grammy discovered that the two pecan trees behind the white shed have borne nuts - at least there were lots of nuts mixed in with the many layers of leaves and sticks from past years that we cleared out of there. Meemaw brought those two trees from her old house in Portsmouth many years ago (before Dad and I were married) and planted them there behind the white shed. They have been bearing for some time now judging from the amount of nut shells we found when we were cleaning out the area. I need to remember in the fall to watch for a good crop of pecans for Christmas food. Meemaw would be so pleased!

Win, we know you are happily getting ready for camp season - your reason for living through the other eight months of the year. Give us an update now and again and some pix of the activities!

Emma, Miss Social Butterfly, how about an update on the opera you played for this past week. What a full life you lead in the Big City of Atlanta taking advantage of every cultural opportunity and festival!

Andrew you are probably descending into NYC as I write this so we expect to hear from you about your adventures there this week. We will watch NG for possible sightings of you in the studio these next few days.

Dad is home all week on vacation. He has big plans, though, for chores around the house. What my electricians call a real "Honey-Do List"!

News From Browntown

News From Browntown
Yesterday's plan to get yard work done after work did not pan out. Ended up spending the evening with Barbara - eating and knitting in Browntown. It was fun, peaceful and quiet.

The Maryland Sheep and Wool Show is fast approaching and the schedule of events looks really interesting. Not only will there be all sorts of spinning and weaving demonstrations but there will be lots of activities for those who have no interest in handwork/knitting (Dad). Sheep shearing demonstrations, working sheep dog demos, auction of spinning and weaving equipment, historical exhibits of old spinning and weaving equipment, Celtic music and a special Navajo Nation cultural exhibit that will include demonstrations of Navajo weaving and sheep raising - all that should be enough to interest Gary for a day, anyway.

Progress on the house face lift is going to be slowed down quite a bit as we are heading into a rainy few days according to the forecast. Paint can't stick in the rain. The painters have been chipping, scraping and power washing so that now all around the house it looks like a heavy snowfall - paint chips all over the place. I have no idea how we can remove it but maybe the painters will do that (hope so). Some of it is lead-based from the old days so it will have to be taken up off the ground to keep it from contaminating the planting beds around the foundation of the house.

It takes time but it will be nice when it's done and Dad and I probably will never have to worry about it again.

News From Browntown

Wonderful Mid-Day Surprise and a Second Chance to get Pix!

What a nice lunchtime surprise I had today when Aunt Stella phoned to tell me she and Vickie were on the way to Winchester and wanted to stop by my office! I have been a bit disappointed that we failed so miserably in documenting their visit with photos so this was a welcome second chance and, of course, another opportunity to visit. We met at Golden Corral and the four of us (John Thomas was also along for the ride) had a nice lunch. We came back to the office and I showed Stella and Vickie the blog. They were so pleased to see all of you and even got to be "introduced" to Kris! Stella's reaction was "Oh, she is so cute and I am so happy Win found somebody!" - can't you just hear her?

I took some pix (had to go the corner convenience store and buy a disposable camera) of us at the office so as soon as they are developed maybe Dad can post them here.

It was so great to see them and re-connect even for a short visit. We are all looking forward to another visit in Connecticut. Vickie has it all figured out where we will go to sightsee including a museum that has fabulous artwork including Degas, Monet, etc. Em, I also found out today that Stella and Vickie's nephew in California (their brother's grandchild) plays bassoon! He is 18 and has already played at Carnegie Hall with a group from his high school! They went to hear him play there and it was quite a thrill, of course.

The weather today is gorgeous! Hope I can get some yard work done this evening since the week-end will be a wash-out. It is supposed to rain both Sat and Sun.

News From Browntown

News From Browntown and Cockeysville!

Congratuations to Kris on being included in the art show! We will be there.

Yesterday evening was a real trip down memory lane! Aunt Stella and Aunt Vickie came to Browntown. They had supper with us and we watched the family DVD (they were so impressed, Win) and talked over old times. Aunt Vickie is 65 years old and Aunt Stella is 76. Hard to believe it has been so long we have known them. Vickie is the same but Aunt Stella has had numerous health problems. She had colon cancer last fall, is diabetic and needs knee replacements. She is also slated for some testing in May for a suspicious growth that was discovered just before she came for her visit here in VA. She walks with a cane, reminiscent of Nana. All that and she is still the same - quite cheerful and perky - interested in everything that you all are doing and wants all the details of your lives. Uncle Mario is not well either and is losing his sight. He cannot drive any more and, from the way it looks, Stella probably is not up to much driving either.

Lisa's son, John Thomas, came along with Stella and Vickie this trip. He is nine years old and was quite well-behaved. Stella informed us that he is "a little bit autistic". Actually he was obsessed with grocery shopping lists on the internet most of the evening and entertained himself quite nicely - he was thrilled when Dad printed out his five page shopping list from Pea Pod and Stop and Shop web sites. Also very affectionate and seemed to enjoy being with "my family" which he declared several times as he planted kisses on the cheek all around throughout the visit.

Dawnie and Chrissie are both doing well. Both married for many years to original spouses and Chrissie has 3 sons. Dawnie has no children.

It was a good visit and I am planning to go up to Connecticut sometime before the end of the year to visit. It seems doubtful that Stella will make another trip here considering her health as it is now. Even if she improves somewhat marginally she will still have much responsibility with Mario so I am thinking she may not get back to Virginia as her own life becomes more complicated. She has been a wonderful friend through the years to all of us and I think the world of her.

Emma requested addresses so here they are:

Stella and Mario Uttaro
54 Elton Street
New Britain, CT 06053

Paul Berry
2471 Gooney Manor Loop
Bentonville, VA 22610

As usual, we forgot to take pictures of all of us at last night's gathering. I will see Stella again before she leaves Friday and will try to remember to get some pix to post.

News From Browntown

Grammy Posted!
See Grammy's report in comments below... doin's on the compound!

News From Browntown

Family Time and New Adventures
I should have reported before now on the lovely family contacts we had last week-end.

Last Saturday we met Kris and Christian for lunch in Harrisonburg. The weather gifted us with a torrential downpour (really was a gift since we are in such a drought right now) but we all four managed to arrive at the appointed restaurant at the same time. Unfortunately the very nice, intimate Italian place we chose is a dinner-only establishment and we were way too early. We opted for the Japanese Steakhouse next door mostly to get out of the rain. After some confusion related to culture and customs (yes, such confusion can happen even in the Shenandoah Valley) we were seated and had a nice time to visit.

Kris and Christian are understandably excited about the prospect of re-locating to Europe. Christian is looking forward to strengthening family ties and Kris is just looking forward, period! Both are really enthusiastic about the new phase of their lives and it was a real pleasure to see Kris so eagerly anticipating an adventure. Christian is leaving in early May and Kris will follow along sometime after the Luzi family event in June. Dad and I both were grateful for the chance to be together probably for the last time in a long, long time and ended the day feeling very positive about the future for them.

Saturday was a "good-bye" day and Sunday was a "hello" day. Win brought Kris to Browntown to have lunch with us. It wasn't really a "meet the fam" event (you know how those ocassions can be) since it was only Dad, Grammy and me there. Kris is completely delightful, on the correct end of the political spectrum and is a Weight Watchers veteran! You can imagine how she fit right in. I wanted to find out about her Little Sister but there was so much else to talk about I didn't get the scoop on that. We are really hoping there will be lots of opportunities to be with her. Although it was bright and sunny, the temperatures were very cold and it was not a walk around day so she didn't get a real tour of "the compound" ... next time.

It has been a quiet week. Browntown lost one of it's very long-time residents with the death of Mr. U.J. Clegg. Election season in Browntown won't look the same without all the campaign signs in his yard proudly proclaiming his loyalty to Democratic candidates.

Easter week-end plans call for services on Friday night and Sunday morning (I have become a real "C&Er" since my church attendance has been spotty at best this winter) and yard work in between! If the weather cooperates it will be such fun!!

Happy Easter

Pictures from Dogwood Festival

For some reason I was unable to upload photos last night with my post. Here are pics from the festival.

Dogwood Festival

Well, it was certainly a good weekend here in Atlanta. Andrew and I spent most of the weekend hanging out with friends at the park. Saturday didn't look so good in the morning, when we woke up to rain and mud. Thank goodness that didn't last, and it finally cleared up about 3 in the afternoon. It turned out to be a nice afternoon, we heard some music, watched the frisbee dog contest (which was hilarious). Of course the party migrated from the park to our house Saturday evening. Always good times on 991 Rupley.

Today the weather was fantastic, about 75 degrees, not a cloud in the sky. Again, we spent most of the day in the park, listening to music and people-watching. It was great fun. I would recommend to anyone who is interested to check out www.bobbyyang.com. He is an excellent musician that we heard today, rock-violin.

Back to the grind tomorrow... Hope everyone has a good week!

News From Browntown

Springtime in Browntown

Spring 2006 has been nothing but excitement for ol' Bob (I Love Weather) Ryan, let me tell you. Within the past four day period the northern Shenandoah Valley has been whipped around with the following meteorological events:
Tuesday
blizzard conditions resulting in measurable snowfall
sub-freezing temperatures
daytime overcast skies dark enough to trigger automatic night lights
afternoon temperatures in the 70s
sunshine and blue skies
All that within seven hours of one day!
Wednesday
Sunshine and blue skies
tornado warnings
Gusting wind warnings (especially on the Interstates)
lashing rain and sleet
high temps in the upper 50s
Thursday
Sunshine and blue skies
high temps in the upper 60s
Friday
All I can say at this point is ... whew, we made it this far!
It is raining (a good thing) and overcast
Temp forecast is for 60s today but no sunshine or blue skies expected for a couple days

The rain is a good thing since we are in a drought and the Spring growth is considerably less spectacular than usual due to lack of moisture. The winds have been incredible. The windows and roof on the poor old homestead rattled and roared as loud as I have ever heard. Two nights this week it was kind of like trying to sleep by the side of a railroad track with a never-ending train passing by. There will be very little outdoor fun this week-end so it is a good thing that we have some indoor plans. We are meeting Kris and Christian for lunch in Harrisonburg on Saturday. They will be in Bridgewater packing up Kris's show and we got our bid in for a bit of time with them. We are looking forward to it since it is so seldom we get together these days. Might even be the last opportunity for a good long while if they re-locate to Germany.

Sunday we are very excited to meet Kris (Win's Kris, that is - this could get confusing) and have Win home for a few hours. I hope the weather is decent enough for a walk around "the compound" and a look at Browntown in Springtime. Although Spring is not at it's best this year what with the meterological events, etc. (see above) at least Kris can see where Win grew up. I have no doubt a ride up to the 4-H Center will be in the plan.

Dad is in Baltimore this week and comes home this evening. He is gearing up for the house painting/maintenance/repair project that starts next week. I guess he will end up with a lawn chair out there in the yard supervising - at least during the hours he is home. He might need some pointers on sidewalk supervising from Uncle Rich - I think Unk got pretty good at it when they were building their house in Berryville as I recall.

Grammy has had a busy week with the funeral of a garden club member's husband and helping Rose pack up to move from Stephens City back to Front Royal. In fact, she spent the night at Rose's last night and it felt quite lonesome on "the compound" with just Cleo and me.

Maybe I need to learn how to take pix with the cell phone so I can do what other bloggers do and post pix of such things as Spring snow, weird sights on the highway, Cleo doing stuff (napping mostly these days), etc. What do you think? Oh, I have to remember to get before and after pix of the house, too, before the face lift project starts!

Paasville is no more!

Saturday was Easter Craft Day in Browntown! Auntie Char and I completely indulged our craft obsession (and dragged Grammy into it, too) with a craft afternoon on Saturday. We made felted Easter eggs and it was so much fun - also no calories which is perfect.

I bought the raw wool from a yarn crack dealer - oops, I meant to say from a local yarn shop in Winchester - and got the Kool-Aid at the grocery store. According to the knitting blogs (which now control my life, by the way), Kool-Aid is excellent dye for wool. Bright, lurid colors, non-toxic and, just a great permanent staining agent as moms of little kids can attest to. You can see from the pix that it certainly met the expectations and hype. Fun, fun Easter egg colors and the wool even smells like candy!

Anyway, it was quite a process - a bit more complicated than the Paas dye jobs of Easters past. I dyed the wool on Friday night while Dad googled "weird craft and knitting obsessions and mid-life crisis in women". After the wool was all dyed and dried, the house smelled like Hawaiian Punch and I talked Dad into making a felted Easter egg with me. Dying Easter eggs and setting up Paasville was always one of Dad's favorite Easter traditions as you all may remember. He accepted the change of method and material gracefully and we each felted an egg and it worked! After that successful little test I was ready for the Craft Day.

Saturday afternoon Auntie Char, Grammy and I spent the afternoon playing in warm, soapy water with colored wool and came up with more than a half dozen eggs which they took home for party favors (they even had little baskets which I forgot to photograph). This morning I got up and made what you see here. There is enough wool left for several dozen it appears so I may finish them out this week. How fun! Win, this is a wonderful craft for kids at camp. It involves a lot of water and throwing wet, soapy wool around - literally. You ought to check it out if you have never done it before.

Dad and I are planning to go the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in Ellicott City MD the first week-end in May. Can't wait for that! Lots of wool, yarn and knitting. Dad is planning on some "alternative" activities in the area, I believe.

Here is the wool in all stages: white is the undyed, raw wool; colored is the Kool-Aid dyed raw wool; and the felted Easter eggs are in the basket. By the way, that basket is one Emma made herself when she was in about third grade!





Easter Eggs all felted and drying in the basket

Notes from B'more

I'm glad to see SOMEONE is posting: MOM. While I'm stuck in B'more there is a lot of stuff going on at home. I can't WAIT to get the Cyclone Rake hooked up and clean up the left over leaf situation from the fall. Mom and I are waiting for a visit from Win and Kris in April, and the fresh coat of paint on the homestead to begin shortly. You all will not recognize the place when you come home! Much is happening and I'll update you with pictures as things progress. In the meantime I urge you all to post as often as you can with any news that happens. Oh, by the way, I find that I'll be in B'more on Opening Day (Andrew I'm sure you'd be amazed) that there are many tickets STILL available for the O's opening at Camden Yard on 4/3. I WON'T be there as I have to work that day!

PS: check out the pictures that Uncle Rich took of their trip to OC recently:

http://www.msnusers.com/RichieIden-Feb192004/shoebox.msnw

News From Browntown

News From Browntown
It's been a while!! March has been pretty quiet so far. I always dread the ice storms we frequently get this month of the year but so far none have materialized and we are simply suffering from a near-drought. The blooming things are really starting to pop out and I know there is loads of pollen in the air - lots of snorting and sneezing going on with everybody. We need rain to gree everything up and dampen down the flying dust!

Dad is in Baltimore this week. I am holding down the fort looking forward to the end of the one single class I took this semester. Comm 301 - Communication Between Sexes was a bit too much "Dr. Phil"-type stuff for me and I'm ready for it to be done. Spending every Saturday morning in class was not so bad in the winter time when there was no outdoor work to do but it's time to get in gear for Spring yard work now.

I had a meeting with the advisor at school and it looks like I will have to make up some lower level science and math classes through LFCC. It's the stuff I put off taking for 35 years and now I have to face it. Oh well, it's not like I'm in a rush to get this done, I guess. I do need some advice, though from you good children who did not follow my poor example. You bit the bullet and did what was required so now I need to know -

1. Math or Statistics
Which should I take? You all know all the issues involved and share some of my math anxiety issues so let me know what you recommend.

2. What science?
I know I can take geology but I have to take something else also so let me know what you think might work for that requirement.

Thanks kids!

Atlanta Update

Well, because I tend to not post to the blog, that often, and I am suddenly in the mood to do a little writing, I figured Id update with what's been going on in Georgia the last few days. Emmalee has completely unwound from her debut performance with Highland 5 (at least I think she has anyway) Apparently, she has gotten past it SO MUCH that she has officially filled out her own NCAA Tournament bracket. What world do we live in when Emmalee is fretting over the NCAA Championship brackets, and I'm not even bothering to fill one out? Oh well, Im skippin it this year.
As for me, work has been pretty hectic lately, Nancy has been doing the show from Atlanta this week, which always makes things a little more stressful around the building. I've also been practicing harmnica in the mornings when Emmalee is gone, and with Jarrett in Peru for two weeks, it leaves the house pretty open to playing in the morning with no one around. Between work and doin those things, I have been pretty busy as well.
This weekend Emmalee and I, as well as some friends of ours are going to be heading to Smiths Olde Bar to see a great rock band we listen to, The Codetalkers. I've never been one to do much celebration on St. Patrick's Day, but for this one, I will make a sacrifice. Should be good times all around, we have a large group of about 9 or so going.
The weather here has been kind of wacky, last weekend it was downright hot on Sunday, with the sun beating down at about 85 degrees, but this week has been kind of cool, and downright windy. Im hoping this weekend it clears up a liittle and the warm weather returns so I can spend some time outside.
Im sure things in Browntown are in full gear with three tractors, a ZTR, a leaf rake, a leaf blower, and who knows what else. To be honest, I've officially lost track of what you guys are using for lawn care these days. Anywayy, just figured I would check in, glad to hear you enjoyed Kris's opening mom and Auntie Char-I heard from Michael today, he is apparently coming through Atlanta in a few weeks, I think Emmalee and I are going to take him to dinner. Anyway, thats whats up with us down here......Glad to hear everyone else is doing well....

News From Browntown

Auntie Char and I are taking the responsibility for reviewing the second art event for the family this month. We attended the Miller Galler opening of Kris's show at Bridgewater College on Monday. Her work was, of course, lovely. She included some pieces that featured a technique using beeswax. They were really beautiful! The wax adds such a unique quality to the image and Char and I both were so impressed with the show overall. Char signed up for the mailing list and will keep me informed of events.

The gallery is small and very nice. The gallery director is also an instructor at Bridgewater. He and Char knew some folks in common in the academic world there in Harrisonburg - work colleagues and such. He is also a potter and we were quite taken with the pottery used to serve the food for the reception! Beautiful stuff!

Kris is moving forward in transition mode with one foot here in the U.S. and one foot "across the pond". Christian was there and we had a moment to talk. He seems to be looking forward to the prospect of being in Germany soon. Dad and I are hoping to get together with them for at least a brief visit before they leave the U.S.

The Lion of March paid a commanding visit to Browntown and vicinity yesterday. Incredible winds and the tin roof roared all night long!! Sunshine and heavy blowing snow today on the way to work was an odd combination - although pretty typical of early Spring in the Valley!

Highland 5 Debut Performance

So after months of anticipation, rehearsals gone right, rehearsals gone wrong, one old oboe player and a new oboe player, and internal strife over the setlists, the Highland 5 made their long awaited debut at Holy Cross Catholic Church yesterday, to a good sized crowd. Initial reviews are good, and if Little Feat is known as "the jamband's jamband"-well then, Highland 5 can easily be referred to as "the woodwind quintet's woodwing quintet." No really, the show was great, Emmalee and the others showed that they really are good at what they do, although Emmalee will tell you different. She will tell you none of them were on the same page, and that it wasnt that great of a performance, but of course, we all know how critical Emmalee is of herself. "The Girl With The Flaxen Hair" a favorite of fan Jarrett Bellini's, was a sure fire hit. There were a number of other sings, that honestly I dont know the name of, but they were good. Emmalee was presented with a dozen red roses by the Rupley roommates, as congratulations for her months of hard work with the 5. The crowd, which they quietly worried wouldn't be that big, was just fine. Ryan and Lori, two good friends ouf the Rupley house, attended, and Jarrett and I both had dates that came as well. No really, we had DATES. Nothing says class like a Sunday night at a woodwind quintet concert. Ryan Bybee, a band director friend of Emmalee's, as well as Ian, Audrey's boyfriend were also in attendance, along with some old blue hairs from the church, one of which asked when the record was coming out. Oh well, god bless 'em for showing up. Anyway, the show was great, and Emmalee as well as the other four are very glad that its over. Back to the drawing board, and prepare for the tour which kicks off this summer at a church near you. Talks are ongoing with Phil Lesh about sitting in on some of the west coast shows. My pictures turned out like crap, I have some good ones, but will update as soon as I get them imported, and all that.

Cyclone Rake Maiden Voyage

Ok, it's officially spring time here in Browntown. Mom and I headed out this morning to tackle the left over leaves from fall with the newest piece of equipment here on the compound, the AMAZING CYCLONE RAKE! You will notice from the pictures the ease of use. Within a few short moments, Mom was a pro at using it. We did not have it fully engaged to either tractor, opting instead for the quick assembly and use of the wand attachment. This (along with a 17' hose) allows us to get to those hard to reach places, you kids remember, flower beds, stairwell of the sping house and basement??? Well, let me tell you......you all could only wish this thing was around when you were here! The good news is, it will be here anytime you visit! I'm thinking of sending in the pictures of mom sucking up leaves to the manufacturer, or maybe to the lawn geeks bulletin boards to show just how easy it is to use. They love testimonials. Hope you all have a great weekend, get out enjoy the beautiful weather (75 degrees in BT)blog when you can. Andrew & Emma, it would be great to see some pictures of the concert tomorrow night. I'm off to go rest, tiring don't you know, driving the tractor around while mom operated the rake :)

News From Browntown

Artists in the Family

The Iden family sure has it's share of artistic talent and soon the public and family members in two states will have a chance to share!
Emmalee will be in concert with her woodwind quintent, the Highland Five, on Sunday night. I understand that there will be family support with Andrew and Auntie Mels in attendance to "Bravo" them on. Just wish we could be there too, Em. Dad, Grammy and I are thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way! I know it will be a wonderful concert. Hope your brother takes and posts some pix!

Cousin Kris will have her work on exhibit in Bridgewater with an opening set for Monday evening. Auntie Char and I will be going to that event here in VA. We are so looking forward to it!

How about that - to have a talent pool so deep and so broad it can spread over the Southeast U.S.!

This week-end in Browntown all manner of outdoor equipment will be put to good use while the weather is in full out Spring mode. Supposed to be in the seventies and sunny both Saturday and Sunday and I am on Spring Break!! Yeah!! I opted to stay in Browntown and play in the dirt rather than go to Ft. Lauderdale and play in ... whatever.

Break a Leg, Em!!

Supplies for Liberia

Mom and I got the March shipment off to Mr. Garbla today with only a minor glicth here and there. The barrels that we used this time, were donated from Royal Crown Cola in Winchester. After sitting outside all night in the Meeting House, they were extremely cold when we went to shrink wrap them this morning. All seemed ok until we got to Mr. Garbla's shop and unloaded them from the van. The shrink wrap never got warm enough to bond to itself and the tops just fell off. Imagine Mom's mood at that moment!! After consulting with various Mr. Garbla's (there are several family members who attend to the shop in Md.) it was decided that good old duct tape would fix it just fine. Off to town to hunt down a roll of duct tape. Now, one would think that in an urban area like College Park, MD it would be pretty easy to find a store that sells the tape. No suck luck, I guess the 'Terp students don't have a great need for duct tape. One hour (and a couple of accident related (not mine) traffic jams, we returned, fixed the shipment and off it went!





"I said, that'll be cash on the barrel-head son..." (Excuse the Gram Parson / Emmylou Harris song reference) but that is exactly what is going on below as Mom prepares payment for delivering the shipment: Money well spent to have the very competent Garbla Shipping Co. deliver the goods. Pictured with Mom is Nathaniel Garbla "baby-brother" to Arthur Garbla(Owner). Arthur not only arranges the deliveries, but flies to Liberia and is there to meet the ship when it docks, unloads and delivers.



I thought you all might like to see more of the Garbla Shipping Co.'s main warehouse / auto repair shop / home away from home, located in greater Hyattsville, MD. This place is a trip! Mom and I are impressed everytime we visit with how nice, friendly and eager to help, everyone always is here. Today was no exception, and when our barrel tops failed, they were right there to lend a hand. Notice the stacks of boxes, crates, barrel's, etc. lining the wall........these are all items waiting to be packaged and sent. Outside this building, Mr. Garbla showed us with some pride, a 4 x 4 pickup truck that he was going to pack in the container. I believe he drains every ounce of liquid (oil, anti-freeze, etc.) from the vehicles, stands them on end, pushes them into the containers, and off they go! Amazing!!



That's all for now from me. I'm sure Mom will have postings and other comments (after she finishes her homework). It was a good day for LOEP and a better day for the children in Liberia. Thanks to ALL of you for making it possible!

dad

News From Browntown

News From Browntown
A busy week-end planned here in Browntown. Dad, Grammy, Barbara Greco and I will be packing up the Liberia barrels tonight and delivering them to Mr. Garbla in Hyattsville tomorrow. Barbara is bringing dinner (for us) and rice (for the orphans) and we will be busy sorting and packing.

Thanks to Kris and Christian, Gina and Thomas, Char and Keith, Grammy, Emmalee, Melanie and John. In addition, we are so lucky to have great friends who have come through. Michael Natrella has signed on for this shipment and Phylis Benner and Carrie Tomechko are sponsoring again this time.

We will send the medical supplies and school supplies as we did last time. Two barrels go to the Liberian Red Cross with medical supplies, baby formula, some clothing and rice. The medical supplies and baby formula are used by Red Cross medical teams who go out into the coutryside to conduct "clinics" periodically. They reach people who have absolutely no health care or medical attention at all. Often people walk many miles to the makeshift clinics to get help sometimes carrying a sick baby on their back or carrying an old person on a two-man litter. Hard to believe that happens anywhere in the 21st century.

The rice and clothing is used in the Red Cross children's center which shelters orphans and vulnerable children (ie. street children, some as young as six and seven fending for themselves like little wild animals).

Char and Keith and some folks in Harrisonburg are sending seeds as explained in the earlier e-mail. Keith said there are enough collard greens seeds to grow collards to feed the whole country! The seeds are being sent to the Alfred and Agnes Memorial Orphan Mission (AAMOM). The seed barrel will also be filled out with rice, powdered milk, children's clothing and school supplies.

We have several boxes of children's books donated by Jennifer Pickrell. Jennifer is an old school mate of Win and Emma's and is now a school mate of mine! We have talked about the Liberia project and she wanted to donate her childhood books to the effort. There are lots of them (not surprised, huh, Win and Em?) and they are in excellent condition.

Big Lots shopper that I am, on my regular excursions there I find the children's arts and crafts stuff and school supplies irresistable. I see a box of crayons and the lovely sound of those orphans singing just rings in my ears! As often as I go to BL the stuff really accumulates!

For planning purposes, you might want to know that the next shipment is scheduled for June. It would be great if we had the resources to send a couple of mobile classrooms then. I will blog and e-mail details on those!

Also will post some pix of tonight's packing job and tomorrow's delivery.

Cyclone Rake

Ok, many have you have asked for a picture of the latest implement that I've acquired. Well, here it is! I have not taken a picture of the "rake" attached to either the "Kobota" or the "ZTR" but the one I'm showing represents the "guts" of the thing. As of now, no more hand raking will be done on the Browntown property! Any of you that want to experience the "rake" are welcome! The image shown is from the Cyclone Rake web site, http://www.cyclonerake.com/