Kurt had a lucky day!

Friday evening Keith and I went to Angola and finished our shopping and went out to eat at the Herb Garden. Saturday morning Kurt and Christy brought the kids over so they could do their Christmas shopping and then Kurt had his Christmas party at work Saturday evening.

We had a fun morning. We shopped at Pence's Carmelcorn Shoppe first. Then we visited JoAnn & John so we could see her new granddaughter, Anna Rubyrose. She was one month old on Saturday. We went out for lunch at Wendy's and then did a little shopping.

When we got home Cayla was ready for a nap and of course Grandpa helped her take her nap. The other kids and I did some wrapping of packages. When Cayla got up we had supper and then watched the movie Santa Clause Two. We had some snacks and watched a little more TV before Chloe and Cayla laid down in our bed.

Kurt and Christy got back around ten. It was Kurt's lucky day as he won a muzzle loading rifle at the party. He was pretty happy about it. I took their picture when they got home.

Today Keith went to the gun show in Montpelier, but I mainly just relaxed. I have a board meeting tomorrow night and Red Hats Christmas Party Tuesday night. As usual the weeks seem to start off with a bang.

Looking forward to Christmas with our family.

Fun evening with the kids.

Friday night I went to Butler and met Kurt's family at the Chinese place. We had a good meal, did a little shopping and then went to the girls Basketball game. Casey played during the halftime of the varsity game. I have a few pictures, though they are not real good, I will post some. I think Cayla enjoyed the cheerleaders more than anything. I was very proud of Casey and so lucky to live so close that I can go to most of the kids activities.

Keith could not go as he had an open house for his auction in Findlay on Friday and stayed all night for the auction on Saturday. Tonight we went out for dinner with Tom & Mary and Mike & Etta. We had a good time. Good food and conversation.

Library Christmas Party

The Annual Library Christmas Party was held Sunday, December 3rd. We had quite a turnout, with 99 attending. This included employees, trustees and spouses. I received my 10 year service award. It is a clock. We took some pictures and I will add them. The clock is engraved on the top. It says - Kathleen Whitman in honor of ten years of service. Williams County Public Library.

Saturday we went to visit Kurt's family. We missed Christy as she was shopping with her Mom. When we left Keith asked me what I wanted to do. I said I would like to shop in Fort Wayne. He said on a Saturday night?? Are you sure?? I said don't ask me what I want to do then. So he took me shopping to Fort Wayne. I couldn't believe the parking lot at Glenbrook. There were no places to park, even clear out by the road!! So he took me to the door and said "Do you have your cell phone? I said yes so he said "Call me when you are done!? That was not really what I had in mind. So I went shopping and I guess I am getting old. I really did NOT enjoy the crowds. I got three presents and called him to come and get me. I think I will shop in Defiance or on the net.

We went out to eat at UNO's and got our favorite seafood and crab fondue there. Then we went to Gander Mountain shopping. It wasn't really crowded there, but not as much for me to look at.

I have most of my shopping and wrapping done!!

Thanksgiving is gone-but Christmas is on the way!

We had a really nice Thanksgiving with Kurt's family. I will post some pictures. We had more than we could eat. I was so thankful to be able to spend time with my family. Kurt's had to leave around three as her family was coming to their home. We went out to Tom's around five and spent some time with Tom, Mary and Keith's Mom. Kevin called us in the evening to wish us a Happy Thanksgiving.

Keith went to the gun show in Fort Wayne yesterday. Kurt has a table there to sell guns. Kraig was there too. Christy and the girls came later in the afternoon. I stayed home to put up the tree, decorate and wrap packages. I talked to Kurt on the phone and he said Bob took pictures (I always go with Keith and take pictures for my scrapbook) I hope I can get some pictures from Bob. I sent turkey sandwiches for the guys. I put mayonnaise on them so they wouldn't be so dry. I found out something about my grandson. He does not like mayonnaise. Keith said he took one bite and then did not eat anymore. Kurt asked him what was wrong and he said it had mayonnaise on it. I will never make that mistake again. Sorry Kraig!!

I sold my nativity scene last year at our auction. I had had the same one for years. It was very large and very breakable. I bought one at an estate sale in the hills of Georgia, just north of Clayton, Georgia near the Carolina border. We stop at lots of things that look interesting and this is one stop I am glad we made. There was a sign that said "Estate Sale" and an arrow up a narrow road on a hill. We went and it was just a little ways up the hill, but the house or "Log cabin" was really interesting. They told us it was built before the civil war. Just walking around in the house was neat. I found this nativity scene there and I put it on the fireplace mantle. I bought another one at the "Hopkins Girl's Craft Sale" to put on the coffee table that is grandchildren freindly. It is stuffed and they can play with it. I couldn't really get a good picture of the tree. I put burgundy and gold ornaments on it both shiny and frosted, round and teardrop shaped. Gold garland, gold and burgundy silk poinsettas, and burgandy berries. It has a gold star on top. I'll try to get a better picture later. I bought a package of 100 hangers and only had three left, but I still have 18 bulbs left!! Keith is going to have to wire up the hanging light as it hangs right in front of it. When we go to IKEA, hopefully the Thursday after Christmas when Kevin & Sarah come home, I will get a new light fixture for there.

We have had beautiful weather the last couple days with near record highs in the high 50's. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Keith got a new toy.

I had a doctor's appointment in Toledo today, so Keith went along. After my appointment we went out to lunch and then an afternoon of shopping. Keith bought a swivel screen portable DVD player. It will be nice to take along on vacations. He is playing with it now to figure out all the bells and whistles.

Kurt, Christy and the kids are coming over for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Will miss Kevin & Sarah, but they could not come home this year. I am really looking forward to it. Bought a 17 pound turkey so I am sure we will have plenty to eat.

I am ready to put up my tree. I bought all new decorations this year. As Keith mentioned he would like to have a "nice" tree. Not the decorations that I have used for the last 36 years!! It will be a change, will post a picture of the tree when I get it decorated. I will miss the decorations Kurt and Kevin made as children but maybe they won't.

Happy Turkey Day to you all.

MURDER MYSTERY!!

Well, everyone has gone home, and the mystery is solved. No one guessed the right suspect, but we had alot of fun. First I served them a meal of tater tot casserole, apple salad and crescent rolls, coffee and lots of different teas. I also served bottled water from the Peabody Hotel in Memphis! I wore my apron that Kevin and Sarah brought me from their honeymoon while I was cooking and serving.

Our mystery was set in Paris in June of 1940. Everybody came in costume and some were really neat. As it ended up, Vickie Apt also known as Princess Idelle Chattre was the murderess.
I am posting some pictures. Bev Glore was Duke Schwazhe B.U. Klare (complete with military uniform and mustache. Jerra Mae was Barbara Z Enhussie (dressed in furs and jewels) Judy Koerner was Belinda Screete (owner of a thriving high fashion studio) Zelma was Weyland W Awfcorce (a pilot of renown) Jane was Khover T. Ageante (well travelled and worldly individual) Patsy was Malcolm R. Conntint (a soldier of fortune gangster type) and Judy Shipe was Mare K. Trairie (a journalist for a newspaper). JoAnn and I were extras as everyone showed up. We were Justin Case and Sue T. Case.

Keith came home from his auction in time to take a group picture. I will post some pictures.

Everyone said they had a great time and I have had two call me after they got home to tell me again how much fun it was! Sorry, I got carried away with the pictures, but I have so many good ones. I will have to have Kevin show me how to add as a slideshow sometime.

Murder Mystery!!

I have Red Hat's for November and I am having a murder mystery. It is set in Paris in 1940 on a train just before the Germans enter France. We have ten members and usually we have anywhere from 6 members on up attending each month. As the game is for 8 people I was a little worried we may not have enough people. Guess what, they must think it sounds like fun as all ten members are coming. I assigned the eight parts and JoAnn and I will be Justin and Sue T. Case. We will be able to ask questions and to guess who did it, just not have a part. I am having it at our home on Thursday night. I will post a picture of everyone in costume. I am really looking forward to it. I will serve a light supper before we enter the "train".

Got most of the closet done. Got rid of over 15 pair of shoes. Can't wear flat soles anymore with my ankle. I also got rid of a whole storage container of sweaters. Will either put on e-bay or give to the Goodwill. Now I just have to go through the clothes on hangers. Some have been in there for years and haven't been worn. I am not good at getting rid of things, (wish I was a little more like Kevin - he is so organized-not sure where he got that trait) but was really in the mood when I cleaned the closet.

I also took out all the Christmas presents that I have boughten and that gave me some more room. I am planning on wrapping tonight to get them out of the way for the mystery dinner. Right now they are on the dining room table.

Keith has an auction in Coldwater, Michigan tomorrow and one in Toledo Thursday and Saturday. He is keeping really busy.

Happy Birthday Mom & Chloe

Today is Mom's 93rd birthday and Chloe's 6th birthday. I called them both today and wished them each a happy birthday.

Keith has been gone most of the week in Lima getting an auction ready, having the open house and today was the auctiion so he will be home tonight. I haven't really been doing much. I brought some movies home from the library (putting off cleaning my closet-which was my goal for this week) I watched Shaggy Dog with Tim Allen and Click with Adam Sandler. And I have been reading the new Janet Evanovich book.

I guess I can't come up with any more excuses, so I will go clean my closet.

LONG TIME - NO BLOG!!

I check Kevin & Sarah's blog everyday and sometimes more than once a day and I am disappointed when there is nothing new. I just realized that I have not posted anything since we got back from our vacation in October!!

We have been pretty busy, especially Keith with all his auctions and getting ready for them. We did go to Deer Creek State Park October 15-17th. Of course I had classes for my job, but Keith got a little R&R. Our 36th wedding anniversary was the 18th. Not a record - but pretty good for nowdays.

I took a day of vacation on the 20th and we got to keep the grandkids all night. Kurt & Christy went away with another couple to Brown County and rented a cabin to celebrate their 12th anniversary. Kevin & Sarah also came home on the 20th so we had a houseful and really enjoyed it. I bought the movie "Over the Hedge" for the kids, even though Kurt & Christy had taken them to the theatre to see it, they enjoyed it.

The next day, Christy's Mom came and picked up the kids and they kept them overnight on Saturday. Kevin, Sarah & I went out for lunch and then to Keith's auction. When it was over we piled in Keith's truck and went to the new IKEA store in Canton, Michigan. We had a great time and I bought a neat picture for above the fireplace that I just love. It is a photograph taken in France. Kevin hung it for me when we got home (around 1 a.m.) and he also installed a new light fixture to shine down on the picture which is really neat. We are looking forward to going back to the store with them when they are home for Christmas.

The next day Christy's Mom brought the kids back around noon and we headed out to the Engler Christmas. We all had a good time and Mom sang a song which we all joined in on the chorus. It made Mom really happy.

I set up a get-together for my cousins, John & JoAnn, Bob & Vee and Mike & Lynn at the country club on the 28th. JoAnn's daughter & her husband also joined us and we had a great evening reminising about the "old days". It was "Trick or Treat" night in Edgerton, so the kids came over before we went.

Keith bought some trees and ornamental grass at an auction that he had for a nursery. So we have been planting trees & grass. We took some to the lake and planted there on Monday night.

My mom is leaving for Florida on Saturday morning. Keith is in Lima for a couple days for a sale so I had Mom stay all night with me last night and we had a good time. Tonight I am going to a craft auction that a church in West Unity is having that I have attended almost every year for over 25 years. My friends Etta, Vickie and her sister Paula are going tonight.

Tomorrow I am taking a day off as Mom will have her water shut off in the morning and will be staying all night with me. I am taking her to visit JoAnn in the afternoon as JoAnn has some pictures of her Mom's (my Mom's sister) that she needs help in identifing who some of the people are.

Saturday I have a "Tasting Bee for the Busy Bea" that my club, Bryan Area BusinessWomen's Club is putting on. I have to take my pumpkin rolls and scalloped corn. Keith does not have a sale for the first Saturday since I can't remember. I have bought tickets to go to the "Odd Couple" at the Williams County Playhouse in Bryan. I think it will be fun. Mike & Ettta and John and JoAnn will be going with us.

So you can see I have been busy, but I will try to not wait so long to post next time. I will add a picture of the kids "Trick or Treating." Also my new picture. Isn't it neat?

South Carolina Vacation

Well, we have been back from vacation for over a week and Keith said the other day, "I can't believe that you haven't put something on the blog about our vacation!" So here goes.....

Keith had an auction in Bowling Green on the 19th, so I went with him rather than have him drive home after the auction and turn around in the morning and drive south again. We stayed part way between Bowling Green and Cincinnati - Bluffton I think??

We got up on Wednesday and drove the rest of the way to Cincinnati. We spent a wonderful day with Kevin and Sarah. We went to see Madison, Melissa's baby, and Linda & Greg's new home. It is really nice. I love the back yard. It feels like you are in a park. I also love the sky lights in her kitchen and bath. Two fireplaces. It is a beautiful home! We went out for lunch at Red Lobster and Sarah made a delicious lasagna for dinner. Gilmore was happy to see us too. We stayed all night with them. In the morning we went out to breakfast with Linda and then started on our way.

We spent the next night in Franklin, North Carolina and had a very short trip Friday to our timeshare in Westminster, South Carolina. Well the driving was short, but of course we had to stop at a flea market and an estate sale on the way.

We really didn't do a lot on our vacation but relax. They have an indoor pool and hot tub that we took advantage of. We always go to the big flea market in Pickens, South Carolina on Wednesday. We left for the market around 7 and I don't think we missed a row!!

We left early as Keith had an auction he could not miss on Saturday in Archbold. I worked at the auction in the office trailer. We didn't have to leave until Friday morning, but we left Thursday morning. We stopped in Kentucky for the night and stopped at Kevin & Sarah's in the morning on the way through Cincinnati. They had taken the entire week off, so they were home.

We got home around 5 or 6. We took our time unloading as we wanted to put things away as we went and I started the washer. We had not called Kurt yet, but they pulled in and saw a light on and kinda spooked them as all the vehicles were out but the mustang and they didn't think we took that on vacation. Then they saw me in the kitchen window and blew their horn. Kinda startled me, but that made us even. They came in and we had a nice visit. They couldn't stay too long as they were on their way to Christy's Mom & Dad's and they hadn't planned on us being home.

This week has gone by so fast with catching up on things at work and Keith went to Michigan to work on getting a big auction ready. He didn't come home until late Wednesday night. We got to talk a little in the morning Thursday and then both went to work. He had an auction that started at 6 and I had to be at the cemetery to sell a lot at 6 . He didn't get home till around 10. We had lunch together yesterday. He is at a sale today and I am here trying to get some things done. Can't remember the last time I worked on my scrapbooks, I am so behind. If I get the laundry and bookwork done, I may just go start working on my scrapbooks. I guess that is all for now.

The first picture is of the Smoky Mountains and the next is of Lake Hartwell. I am also putting in a picture of Madison and a rainbow we saw on the way home from Kevin's. A rainbow is God's promise that everything will be alright.

Christy's Birthday

Christy's birthday was Thursday. We had a party for her on Friday night. The kids had a carnival at their school and Christy had to work in a booth, so we started the party at 7. We invited John and JoAnn, Grandma Engler and Grandma Whitman. Of course tacos were on the menu.

When the kids got here, they all had some pretty wild hair colors and tattoos. I will post some pictures of the evening. We had fun having everyone here.

Saturday Keith had an auction at the Bryan Airport. They sold several planes and there was a cruise-in of old cars there and at 5 they had an auction of donated things from merchants to benefit the airport association. I only went to the 5 oclock auction. I got some neat stuff!! Then Keith & I went to the country club for supper.

Sunday we went to the lake. It wasn't very warm. I guess I have to accept that the summer is over!! We hope to go up some this coming weekend to close everything up for the year.

We are going to South Carolina soon to our timeshare and we are both looking forward to some time off. We will be stopping in Cincinnati and stay all night with Kevin & Sarah. We look forward to seeing them, and Linda's new home, and Melissa's new baby.

Keith's 1966 Dodge Charger

I thought I would post some pictures of Keith's 1966 Charger. Keith bought one new in 1966 after he graduated from high school. After seeing one sell at Auburn, I think he is motivated to start fixing this one up.

We did not sell the truck at Auburn, but Keith has his Ford truck listed on an auction on September 16th. I drove the Dodge home and I think it was the first time I have ever driven it. I like the way it drives better than the Ford anyway. We had a lot of lookers, especially at the camper as it is unique in that it has two doors that open so the whole back end is open and it has two ramps so that you can drive a four wheeler in it.

Hope you enjoy the pictures of the Charger. Today is the first he has driven it and he drove it around the circle drive. It is just primer now, but I am sure he will have it painted silver like his first one.

Auburn Cord Dusenberg Show in Auburn, Indiana

Keith rented a spot in the car corral at the last minute. Tom got one to sell his corvette and he called Keith while waiting in line and Keith decided to have him rent one for him too. We took the 2002 Dodge Dually with the 2002 Fleetwood camper over. When you rent a space you also get two passes that you can get in every day which sell for $80 each so that made it a little more reasonable. We have been over there the last two days. We have really seen some neat cars. A 1966 Dodge Charger sold at the auction for $90,000 so that is motivating Keith to restore his. It really hasn't been lake weather the last two days so we aren't missing going up to the lake. We will go back tomorrow. We have a couple of people interested that said they would come back tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Mary's sister Patti, saw a red Mercedes convertible and fell in love with it. She went over to look at it without her husband, Norm, and got out her checkbook and wrote a check. She took it home today. I could hear Keith if I did that.

Mosquitos are back!!

Well, I will start this by saying the the mosquitos have been so bad in Edgerton for years during the summer that you cannot sit outside or work outside much because of them. This is mainly because there is a river that runs through Edgerton and it runs behind our home. We own 23 acres of the riverbottom. We built a deck on our home when we built it ten years ago, but you could count on your hands how many times we were able to sit out on it and enjoy.

This year it has been dry and we were able to sit out on the deck until after dark and read or just enjoy and no mosquitos!! So we decided to get some patio furniture to be comfortable. About two or three weeks after we purchased the furniture, the mosquitos came back in force. You couldn't even be out during the day! So Keith decided to get us a screen gazebo and set it up on the deck for the furniture. We have been able to set out and enjoy no matter what time of day!! I am sending a couple pictures so you can see it.

Also wanted to mention that I took my Mom for surgery to remove skin cancer from her face on both cheeks and they got it all! We were so thankful. I kept her at my house for three days and she really enjoyed setting out in the gazebo and reading. We will take her to get her stiches out on the 28th.

I had all four grandchildren for a day and had a great time. We visited where Grandpa works, where Grandma works, visited the children's department of the library, went to lunch and then a tour of the Spangler Candy Company (home of the dum dum suckers). Cayla took a nap while Kraig, Casey and Chloe decoraged coffee mugs for me. They did a great job and I have displayed them on a shelf in the dining room for all to see. I was tired after the day (and I think they were too) but we had a good time.

Back from Memphis!!

Keith & I just got back from a trip to Memphis. The library sent me to the annual conference of the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada. It was held at the Peabody Hotel. That was really something. Maybe you have seen it on TV. They have ducks that they bring in every morning on a red carpet to swim in their fountain in the lobby. They take them out every night at 5. They have a big ceremony every time!!

We got to go to Graceland. They closed it down for us and we could tour the home, museum, car museum, and his planes at our leisure. We were there from 6:30 to 10 p.m. (We took an earlier bus back at 9) We were really impressed with the tour. They give everyone a little recorder with earphones and all you have to do is press the numbers of what you want to hear. So you can take as long as you want and view it at your own speed. They had food set up at two places so you could eat all you want - ribs, pulled pork, beans etc. Of course they had gift shops too.

The next night they closed down BB Kings Blues Club to the public and we were the only ones there. Of course there were 350 people at this conference and many had spouses so it was really crowded. We didn't stay there long. We checked out Beale Street.

The next day we were given a free afternoon and we took a riverboat ride on the Mississippi. It was hot!! But we enjoyed it.

There were 350 people there and everyone was supposed to bring a door prize for the raffle for the Presidential Scholarship Fund. I estimate only about 150 or 200 did. Anyway. What are the odds. I took one and that is the one I won!!!! It was supposed to represent our city and state so I took an Etch a Sketch (Ohio Art Co.) and a big bag of dum dum suckers (Spangler Candy Co.) When you come for a visit, ask for a sucker. We have lots.

We are just trying to catch up on all the things we have to get done.

Keith's class reunion is tomorrow night. (40 years). When he graduated he had a 1966 Charger. He left a bid at an auction while we were gone, and he got a 1966 Charger!! I haven't seen it yet, but all I know is that it needs painted etc.

I will add a few pictures from our trip.

GREAT WEEKEND!

Kevin & Sarah (and Gilmore) came home this weekend so that we could celebrate their July birthdays. They got here Friday evening and we went to an auction Keith had in Bryan. Then we went to (a first for Keith) a "cat auction" at the Humane Shelter. Afterwords we went out for a nice meal.

Saturday we had a party at our house to celebrate. I made chocolate cake with chocolate icing for Sarah (her favorite) and red raspberry cheesecake for Kevin (one of his favorites). We had a cookout with all of Kurt's family and both of the Grandmas. Casey and Cayla were a little weary of Gilmore at first, but by the end of the day all four kids seemed to really like him. We made smores on Keith's new smore maker. We played cards with Grandma Engler till around eleven o'clock.

Sunday we slept in (except Sarah, who got up early with Gilmore). We just relaxed and enjoyed spending time together. Kevin showed me how to sell items on ebay and how to burn CDs on my computer. Kevin & Sarah got me a printer that hooks up to my digital camera a prints picture postcards, so he had to show me how to use that too. I mailed out three postcards on Saturday. It is really cool.

Casey won her first "All-Star" tournament game Tuesday night. I could not go because I had dominos club at my house. But her next game is tonight in Garrett, Indiana, and I will be there to cheer her on.

We are going to Memphis to a Conference for the Association of Public Treasurers of United State and Canada for my job. I am to take a door prize that represents the town I work in. Ohio Art has donated an Etch a Sketch and I will go to Spangler Candy and get some dum-dums to take too. We will get to go to Graceland and BB Kings in the evenings on Sunday and Monday. We are looking forward to going. Keith can get some much needed R&R while I am at classes.

Casey's an All-Star!

Just when I thought the season was over, Casey was chosen for the All-Star Team. I don't know when the games start, but you can be sure Grandma will be there if possible.

Mom's Girls

This is a picture of all of Mom's girls who could make
it to the Mother/Daughter Banquet at her church.
It's too bad not all could make it. At least 5 could
not. That is if I am counting right. Sarah lives
in Cincinnati, Kathie in North Manchester, Chris
in Michigan, Shari in Indiana and Lacey in Bryan
I believe.

Mom looks great for 92!!