In the Wetzel's mail!

Jerry was very excited yesterday when he came home from work. He said something he had been waiting on had finally come in the mail. Yes, Lynn's memoir has arrived! While we haven't had time to get through it all (that will take awhile!), we have skimmed through it and found it to be very interesting. I didn't know Lynn's kids walked to school with John (Johnny) Capasso! I didn't know some of Lynn's kids were born in Bloomington. I didn't know my grandpa's announcement of my mom's birth was "J-U-L-Y = B-A-B-Y." That would've been fun for us to have done it that way when we told everyone we were having Nathan! Anyway, good reading, Lynn! Congratulations on getting it done.

We're waiting for mom and dad to stop by tonight for dinner. They've gone to see Ralph and then will bring over Avanti's or something. Heather stopped by today. It's always good to see her. The bad part is that she needed me to buy her a $160 calculator! We tried to put Nathan in underwear this weekend, but it has failed miserably. I anxiously await the day he pees in the potty, and the night he stays in his own bed until morning. Here he comes now...I gotta go!

Good memory, Ada!!!

Thank you, Ada, for the good memory and quote of the three charms. I well remember the plaque; however, quoting them was a different story. Good job!!!

But--whatever are you doing, up at 3 o'clock in the morning?

Regarding the plaque in the dining room - the sayings were:

Do nothing you would not like to be saying when Jesus comes.

Say nothing you would not like to be saying when Jesus comes.

Go to no place you would not like to be found when Jesus comes.

All very good teachings! I must say to this day I find myself thinking of them if I'm doing something, saying something, or am at someplace that might be undesireable. Helps to keep me in check!

I remember learning these lines plus a couple other bible verses that were hanging in Dad and Mother's bedroom. I was probably 4 or 5 years old and would crawl into bed with Dad sometimes for a bit before going to my bed and we would say the verses - everyother word - sometimes he would begin and sometimes I would begin. It was fun and I thought I was so smart. Precious Memories!

More profound questions

• If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?
  
• What was the best thing before sliced bread?
  
• Why do fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing?
  
• Whose cruel idea was it for the word "lisp" to have an "s" in it?
  
• Why do they call it "getting your dog fixed" if afterwards it doesn't work anymore?
  
• Where in the nursery rhyme does it say that Humpty Dumpty was an egg?
  
• Why is it that when a person tells you there are over a million stars in the universe you believe them, but if someone tells you there's wet paint somewhere, you have to touch it to make sure?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Love to all,
Cathy

Familiar setting at Homeplace

Here's another typical photo of Grandpa K, of whom without, none of us would even be a thought in anyone's mind. The picture is from the current dining room and hopefully the wall phone can be seen in the background.

Three trivia questions:

1. What was the home phone number (easy question!)
2. It appears a toy race-car is in his lap. Is this Christmas? Who's race-car was it and where is it now?
2. In this picture, a calendar appears on the wall above his head, but a spiritual plaque was there for many, many years. There were 3 spiritual sayings on the placque? The Plaque was thought-provoking and seen by all who entered through the front door. I discussed it many times during my Sunday School teaching. Uncle Perry still has it in his library at the Homestead. What were the 3 sayings on The Plaque?

Cleve

profound questions??

There are two questions I frequently ask:

1. Why are the sheets so cold when they've been under the covers all day?

2. How can a snorer not hear their snoring when their ears are 4 inches away from their nose?

Do you have any answers to these, or any silly questions of your own that you hear yourself asking frequently?

Love to all,

Judy K

This is better!

What say ye?

Welcome new EJK family members to blog!

Crystal Klopfenstein and Jen Heiniger have signed up in recent days and will be adding their contributions--great! There are still more we need to hear from, so if you are a family member who is lurking here but not signed up, all you have to do is contact me at annbailes@bellsouth.net and I will send you an invitation through Blogger to be a part.

I have really enjoyed all this discussion and all these photos, and have learned much family history in the past month. Plus it's fun to look in once or twice a day as time permits and just see if someone has posted.

Uncle Perry--I hope you've enjoyed looking at this as you recuperate there in the homeplace.

This is sort of like the cyber version of the old fashioned Round Robin letter. Keep the "cyber cards" coming!

First ever Blog obituary

This might be the first obituary to appear on any blog anywhere, but thought I'd post this for educational purposes -- especially for the great neices and nephews, etc. I learned alot about great-Uncle Art from this -- died at age 44 in 1950 -- way too soon for me to remember him. Nor did I know we had a mortician in the family until I read this.
I believe Ada is correct by identifying the "old lady" in the black-&-white blog photo from Feb. 15th as her great-grandmother (my great, great, grandmother). If so, I'm taking some risk to think that the gentleman standing next to her might be Uncle Art. There seems to be a physical resemblance there. He appears to be perhaps in his early 30's --young enough to still have a grandmother and be standing next to her. Therefore, that picture might have been taken in the early 1930's. The only amazement is that there would have been cameras of that quality in those days! I'm open to anyone who might disagree that the gentleman is Uncle Frank. Could it be any of the other Sophia K. children?
My father has this obituary in his scrapbook.
Cleve

Hi -- I keep forgetting to come to the blog! I'm just soooo busy doing sooooo many important things! I'm enjoying the old pictures. I always thought that old lady was our great-grandma Klopfenstein. And of course I know Mother and Aunt Hilda - I think our mother was a very pretty and modern lady of her day. Must be where we all get our good looks!

I'd never seen the one of Jay's "shack" on Guadelcanal and actually never thought about how he would have lived while there.

We went to see Perry this morning. He seems to being doing well enough under the circumstances. He is pretty confined to his recliner at this time but he was in "good spirits".

Ada

Interesting Klopfenstein Reunion Note!

February 17, 2008

Hi Lynn,
This is Al Klopfenstein, son of Glenn. My Mother would like to be added to your e-mail list for those things regarding the Klopfenstein reunion. Her e-mail is jbernarda@worldnet.att.net. She is planning to come to the reunion. She is 96, lives in Florida, and is in great health. My family is planning to come. My wife MaryAnn (who you know through genealogy interactions) and I, and our two daughters.

Regards,
Al

Familiar?

This one is probably not a mental stopper; however, I just thought the idea meritorious to post the photo for review. Anybody know the year? Note the classy boots!!!

Joseph Samuel arrived Feb. 14. He weighed 8 pounds. He looks just like the rest. When I get a good picture of all the boys, I'll post it!

Thanks to all!!!

The posts are most interesting. However, help is needed. Here's the problem: I don't have the tech or computer savvy to transfer a picture to the blog. Also, there is a problem to scan something and transfer it to the blog. There is someone who can itemize the procedure with

3-4-5 lines of instructions. Old timers used to say, "Much oblige." LCK

Klopfenstein ancestors' photo identification wanted

I am posting an old photo, provided by my mother, which is believed to be of the Peter Klopfenstein ancestors. Can any of you identify the gentleman and/or the old lady in the picture? What is the location? And, who might be the younger girl peering out from the building in the back. Perhaps some of you have a copy of this photo or have seen it before.

In no way do I mean to be disrespectful, but the older lady has an uncanny resemblance to "Granny" on the Beverly Hillbillies.

Cleve P.S. If the image is garbled or non-existent, please forgive and blame my laptop. I will submit at a later time.

Cathy--

I think you need to get Tim tell us more about Real Ponies Don't Go Oink. Interesting title.

--Rhoda

Any word on how Uncle Perry's surgery went?

~Rhoda

Tribute to Uncle Perry

This post is in honor of Uncle Perry K. who, as I write (Tues. 2:40 p.m. IL time, 2/12), is undergoing surgury for the repair of 3 broken bones in his left ankle/leg. As many of you know, he suffered a mishap and fell on ice early yesterday while jogging near the Gridley Homestead. It is almost inconceivable that he had jogged every single day for over 18 years -- over 6,570 consecutive days, through ice, sleet, rain, & snow, etc - until today. This might be a Guinness World Record and is a tribute to his self-discipline and dedication to "staying in shape". He will be on crutches for 6 weeks with pins put into his ankle area. Details can be obtained from him at perry@gridcom.net
I'm sure he would love to hear from any or all of us as he intends to muster the ability to get to his computer as soon as possible. I've tried to attach a photo from his 50th b-day party - over 19 years ago.
Cleve P.S. I agree with many who say he resembles Mike Huckabee, the Republican candidate for President !!

Introducing. . .

TRUST AND OBEY, a memoir by Lynn C. Klopfenstein. Arrived at the printer on Friday and from UPS to his hands today!

What's the best book you read last year?

Boy . . . natural disasters . . . unnatural disasters . . . there is a lot going on in our world!

I learned something new this weekend that I think is worth sharing:

John 20:6-8
6Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

In the culture back then, when a master finished his meal, if he tossed his napkin aside, the servant knew he was finished. If the master took his napkin, folded it, and set it aside, the servant knew it meant . . . . "I AM COMING BACK."

Okay . . . . in response to Judy's addiction to books, which she believes comes from the Klopfenstein side, I have a question for ya'll.

What is the best book you read last year?

Love to all,
Cathy

Book Sale

I forgot to mention last night my latest "addiction" and I only mention this because I think I inherited from the Klop side - it's books! Not reading books, but collecting books. I have caught onto the Bloomington library book sales and I love them...they are now doing it 3 times a year at the old outlet mall. The sale is several days long, but winds down with a $3 a bagful on Sunday and today is "free" day. I ran out yesterday and filled three bags. The books were plentiful in every category. Anyway, I had little time, I went right at opening and the crowd was intense (as was the odor from some college kids who apparently hasn't washed his body or clothes since he's back from Christmas break!) I feel I must go back today and take my time and bring home more books which I don't have room for and will probably never take time to read. If anyone near Bloomington also likes to buy books, the sale will be back in June. I've marked my calendar!

Blog, Blog, Blog!

Well, this blog has led me to Ann's blog, which led me to Rhoda's blog...I have spent two evenings reading and enjoying getting to know Cousins Ann and Rhoda better. It takes a lot of time, but I'm a stick-to-it kind of person, and I can get through the posts, the comments, the photos, the videos, the links, and all without a much of a break (and also without cooking, cleaning, etc...it's a great distraction from other duties!)

Shelley has given me the address to Jen (Hohulin) Heiniger's site so that will be my next challenge! Any more out there I should know about?

Waiting on Sam and Shelley's baby - any day...hopefully a picture will be posted soon!

Love to all,
JudyK

I'm so glad to be back in business after two weeks without internet access. I was finally able to read all these posts with interest. Lynn, we watched the tornado news and were certainly praying that it wasn't affecting you. Sounds like it was "too close for comfort".

Also enjoyed all the pictures and comments. As for the political postings, I think Ann may be right - hold your nose and vote! How about that Huckabee now?!?!

We are in Atlanta tonight, heading for the Cincinnati area tomorrow night, going to the Creation Museum Monday morning, then heading home. Will stop at Ang's house on the way home for Kelsie's birthday dinner. We can't believe she will be 17!

We had a wonderful vacation in Florida. Beautiful weather just right for walks on the beach and dinner on the 3rd-floor deck overlooking the gulf.

Tornado and Storm

Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:39 PM
Subject: Wednesday Morning Storm

Tough news from our area. At least three killed and twenty sent to the hospital after a tornado touched down about 15-20 miles southwest of Decatur in early morning. We know the family of the folks who died in the storm.

About 1:30 AM, I awakened and got to thinking about our new car and the gallon of milk spill on the rear floor about two weeks ago. Of course we did all to absorb the milk; however, enough had overflowed the carpet and got into the padding. In due time it soured and the smell became intolerable. The Ford dealership said the carpet could be "detailed" and good as new. Such is not the case. Well--I got all this on my mind and finally at 2:30 AM I just got up.

About 3 AM the storm and tornado sirens were blaring in the far distance and I picked up on the noise. I immediately tuned into the local TV channels and sure enough a huge storm was about fifteen miles southwest of Decatur.--and coming our way. I immediately awakened Mim and we made immediate preparation to hunker down in our clothes closet with emergency spotlight, radio and flashlight (thanks, Mark and Molly). Fully clad and ready for the unexpected we waited and watched. I stood at the front door, the wind and rain was intense. I'm sure the tornado blew over our immediate Azalea Circle area. Momentarily, it was over. And the TV coverage reported the storm at I-65 and moving towards Madison and Huntsville. We were spared!

A Becky Devaney, her husband and son were killed--we understand. She attended out Awana Youth meetings and VBS many years ago and we know her parents well.

To get other details log on to one of the local tevevision stations. We thank the Lord for the safety we enjoyed! Some said the storm was as severe as the one in 1974; however, that assessment may be questionable.

Ann has an interesting post at her blog--www.fromsinkingsand.blogspot.com.

Most appropriate comment on the Today show this morning:
A vote for Huckabee is a vote for McCain.

Political tip -- Young Peoria man to Wash. D.C.

An interesting political "heads-up" since Ann mentioned Politics ---

Peoria's large U.S. Congressional district will very possibly be sending a 26-year old political Republican Wonder-Boy to Congress if he wins on Tuesday. He, for now, has no Democratic opponent in the Primary or General Election in November. He is a phenomenon named Aaron Schock who grew up in the Apostolic church in Peoria and, since age 19, has won the hearts of most people in Central Illinois.
You can get the whole Cinderella story on his website www.aaronschock.com but in a brief summary, he was overwhelmingly elected to the Peoria School Board at age 19 with a WRITE-IN campaign after knocking on 13,000 doors, defeating the incumbent Board President. He then was soon elected Pres. of the School Board. At age 23, he became the youngest Illinois State legislator by beating, by a LANDSLIDE, the 8-year Demo incumbent in a highly Democratic inner-city district. Then won re-election 2 years later, again by a LANDSLIDE. Now he is going for the U.S. Congress and leads nicely in the 20-county district. He has 2 opponents but Tuesday will tell the story. Kathleen and I have been volunteering a little in his campaign office. If he wins, he will be the youngest Congressman in D.C. by 6 years! And, you'll probably then be seeing some national human-interest stories about him. I predict he will win, so be alert for this story -- maybe even on the election returns Tuesday evening or soon after.
Cleve

Need more family bloggers

Good post, Ann.
And good post, U. Perry. Your current living room is sure getting the publicity -- it would be interesting if those walls could talk. I recently was telling my 5 yr.-old grandson bedtime stories so I told him the true story of our childhood Christmas's in that living room. During my years from about 1954-58, after dark and during the peak of the Christmas present-opening time at the huge family gathering, SOMEONE would go outside and tap on the West window. All the adults would whisper it was Santa Claus and the kids would scream. I was old enough to know that Santa was not real but could not, to this day, ever figure out who it was. I always suspected either U.Perry or U.Lynn. Perhaps someone could confess on this blog. Grandson Caleb said that is now his "favorite" story.

It appears some EJK children, nephews, nieces, cousins, etc. are not enrolled in this blog. This includes A. Alice, Larry, Mark, Bruce, etc., etc. Can they be pursuaded?

Cleve

General and Political

The end of the second week. The discussion of the photos has been very interesting and I have enjoyed both the information gleaned as well as the interaction.

I expect this to settle into a routine whereby people will post as they have time--which at times is greater than others. We are all too busy and have too many other things to do, to spend our lives on the net, but it certainly is a wonderful tool. I also look forward to more historical family photos and discussion of them as the weeks and months continue.

Concerning the current political scene: What is the evaluation and opinion of these erudite Klopfenstein political-scene watchers concerning the McCain/Romney and Clinton/Obama races? Please leave posts or comments as you care to comment.

Snowed In

Good morning from the Homestead.
I have managed to penetrate into the EDJ Blog-site.
We are sitting on top of about 8 inches of snow here in Gridley, and I am snowbound for awhile. It is not blowing, but wind is coming, they say. I have much to do in my Library, which I have titled the Anna Gramm Klopfenstein Memorial Library.

The picture of Mother and Dad on the couch is indeed memorable. The afgan on the back of the couch is still in use, on our davenport in the living room, in which I spend many memorable, leisurely hours. I use it often for naps. Reading is my pastime. The living room has been (and is) the site of a host of wonderful times of fellowship, singing, and family gatherings on holidays, etc. Sometimes, when I am alone, I kneel and pray in this room. The past Christmas observances with Mother and Dad in memory, along with our many annual Klopfenstein Christmases yet today (with my siblings and offspring). This tradition continues.

It is a winter wonderland outside, and as I peer out the window from my library, all I see is white snow, on roofs and trees, and yes, roads. I feel very cozy in here as my books surround me on nearly every wall.

I will enjoy the blogger messages, from far and near! Best to all,

Perry/Uncle Perry/Dad