Birthday Boy, Big E, and Pumpkins

Saturday was a full day! We started with a little birthday celebration for John. We had a fancy breakfast (yummy omelets), presents, and cards for him. 


Then it was off to Eric's football game. He was playing a nearby college, so we were able to be there to see him play. It was a windy and chilly afternoon---perfect football weather. His team came up with a victory and we had a chance to say "hi" after the game. 

Eric #88

On the field ready to play

In action

Far right of the photo---#88

Then we were off to the pumpkin patch where we finally picked out our pumpkins for the season. And, we topped the night off with dinner out for John's birthday. A busy and fun Saturday.

The birthday boy with his little pumpkins!

The annual pumpkin photo

Searching among the pumpkins for the perfect one

Peekaboo in the pumpkin  patch

Nursing the Sick

Poor little Shelly was unable to go on her school field trip to Old Salem today. She was soooooo disappointed. Last night she woke up feeling sick to her stomach and was up all night vomiting (sorry, TMI). So, she spent the day on the couch with a garbage can by her side.


In the meantime, sweet Daisy had some surgery this week---declawing and spaying/neuturing. So she came home with a flexible cone around her neck so that she wouldn't mess with her surgery spots. She has been such a good little patient.





Later in the day the infirmed found one another and snuggled.

Aunt Sue

Mom and Aunt Sue

A little about my aunt. She worked at the Pittsburgh Press and was divorced twice and widowed once. She never had children of her own. Her name is Ada Mary, but we called her Aunt Sue because Aunt Ada Mary was tough to say when we were little. She was a true animal lover. Aunt Sue owned several cats and the dog I remember the most was Max. He was a beautiful fluffy Keeshond whom she adored. 

Ignore the beauty on the left

One of my most vivid memories was seeing Aunt Sue get off the plane to come visit us at Christmas. She would be dressed to the nines and carrying boxes tied in twine filled with pastries from a bakery in Pittsburgh. She was a terrific aunt who loved us all so much and cared about her great nieces and nephews as much as she did us. She will be missed. Love you, Aunt Sue.

Aunt Sue, Great Grandpa, Mom, and Me
Great Grandpa's 100th birthday!

Aunt Sue and Mom doing the jitterbug on Christmas Day
1981

Aunt Sue, Me, and Dad
Virginia Beach 1976

My parent's wedding reception
The receiving line
Aunt Sue holding the bouquet

Dad, Kathy, Mom, and Aunt Sue
Christmas

Car on the Golf Course

There was a golf tournament at our golf course this past weekend. So, it was interesting to see a new car parked on the green behind our house. A golfer who achieved a hole-in-one would be the winner of this Nissan Altima. It has been awhile since we've seen happy and fun events at the course. This was a promising sight of (hopefully) better times for GNGC.

All photos by Shelly F.

Peace in Heaven

Aunt Sue & Mom
June 1984

Please send prayers to heaven for my dear Aunt Sue (my mother's only sibling). She passed away on Monday morning and in my mind she was welcomed into heaven by my mom and reunited with their mother and father. I can only imagine how lovely that must have been for all of them. I find comfort in the idea that they are together for eternity.

Mom, Grandma Ande, and Aunt Sue

And, I pray that they are spending their time happily remembering days like these.

Aunt Sue & Mom rollerskating in NY

Boo Bash

We went to a neighborhood Halloween party on Saturday night. Shelly decided to go with the 60s Go Go girl costume for this party. Lily played it a bit more low-key with a witches hat. I guess 6th graders are a bit too cool to dress up for a Halloween party. It was a fun time. No pictures of John and me, but we were an old man policeman and a bunny. 

Pink Cheerleaders

This month the cheerleaders are wearing pink bows for Breast Cancer Awareness month. It was a chilly morning at the football field this Saturday. Always a good time watching the girls cheer.

On one knee for an injured player

Happy Cheerleader

Fall and Virginia

Two of my favorite things:  fall and Virginia. John's family came for a visit this weekend and we had a chance to go with them to visit our nephew at Virginia Tech. It was a great day---cool, breezy, and very sunny. Perfect!

Bestemor and the grandchildren in Floyd, VA

Candy at the Country Store in Floyd

Sweeties in the candy shop

John buying our candy treats

Lily, Erik, and Sofia at lunch

Kaden & Lily

John & Shelly

Sofia, Mary Katherine, and Sylvia

On the drill field

Sofia & Shelly

Us

West Eggleston---my old dorm

Mom and children

Mom & Son

Football on the drill field

People playing quidditch (a game from Harry Potter---I had to look it up but that's what everyone was telling us)

Flying on broom sticks

Bestemor, John, and Shelly

Blue Ridge Mountains