How to Edit Your Posts

For Ada and anyone else: You can always edit your posts. When you are signed in, you will notice at the top that right after your email address is the Dashboard. Click on that; then you will see the name of the blog (and any other blogs you write or are a part of). Click on Manage Posts and it will take you to everything you've posted, with a way to edit them if you wish. Try it.

MORE BEETLES

After completing my last post, I thought I better check all my plants around the house. We've had beautiful dark pink climbing roses off our deck for several years. This year they bloomed more profusely than ever and we were thrilled. Lately I've noticed there weren't many blooms, but thought the first "crop" was over and another would begin soon. I just went out there and they were covered with Japanese Beetles and many of the leaves are nearly gone -- perfect example of the beetle infestation! I'm sharing a couple pictures that I took after I soaked it all with the Sevin spray! Many bugs have already fallen off and the ones left are staggering! Whether my roses will survive remains to be seen. If you're not already doing so, you better watch out for these ugly guys!

OH NO! Jerry just called me outside -- one of our trees is completely covered and they are flying all over the yard. Another - one of the pretty birch trees - has a lot. I'm leaving you now to call a pest control. Mary --- HELP!!!!!

JAPANESE BEETLES

UH-OH! We've just discovered several Japanese Beetles - two (on top of each other) on the Rose of Sharon and one on of each of my rose bushes. I got a paper towel and squished these -- but how many more are lurking? I've got some Sevin Bug Spray - ready to attack. And I'm researching online just what I can do - I know they can get out of control and I figure I better take the offense! Anybody have this problem?

Nothing Important

Well, I've been wanting to post something for awhile, but our lives here have been really boring lately. So for your reading pleasure, here is some of the minutiae that has been going on at the Bailes household:

**Saturday I rolled all the money in the change jar and came up with $61.

**Our second house phone was lost for a couple of days, but I just found it down in the couch cushions. Mary Lee has now lost and found her class ring three times in the last six weeks.

**Her new curtains came with only one tieback (they were supposed to have two). It was the last set in the department store. The clerk said my only option was to return the entire set and then drive to Greenville and try to buy another set at another store. I’m going to the fabric store today to find something to make two tiebacks. It irritates me, but what can you do?

**I wore a new outfit to church yesterday. Mike’s only comment was that the top matched Mary Lee’s curtains. (Both are black and white.)

**This is Mike’s last week on day shift for awhile. Next Monday he will start nights again for four weeks. (He works 6:00-6:00, whether it be days or nights.) So our entire family dynamic will change again. I’d say we’re used to it, but you never get used to it.

**Today I am going to school to run off lab manuals for the book sale. I have four whole weeks at my disposal before having to start back to school!

Kelsie's at Work Camp

Kelsie left mid-day Friday for Work Camp with the high school kids from church. After a stop in Cincinnati for a day at King's Island, they should have arrived in Oceana, WV, today. There is no Verizon service there, so I have not spoken (texted) her since early this morning. Heather went on this trip for 4 years, and this is Kelsie's 3rd year. It is always immensely beneficial -- they make good friends with kids from church, they see how little others have, they are rewarded for helping others, and they gain some independence from being away from parents for a week. If you would like to see the pictures, click here. It appears new pics will be posted each day.

Heater has been visiting her aunt for a couple weeks. I will go tomorrow to spend the day with Janice and the boys in Downers Grove, and then pick Heater up in Elgin later in the day. It always happens that way...one kid leaves, another one comes home. Keeps me and Jerry hoppin'!

More Photos

I've had a couple of requests for more photos of my adventure in Maine. I'm uploading them to a web album and add new pictures every day or two. I am taking some videos also and will share them some other time.

I'll do it!

Reading Mom's post about Nathan saying, "I'll be right back," makes me want to tell you all about his latest "thing." He's very independent and wants to do everything himself. Everything I try to do for him, he says, "I'll do it!" So now, from wherever I am in the house, I can yell, "I'll do it!" And Nathan comes running, "I'll do it!" He doesn't even know what it is (and usually it's nothing, just a joke) but he doesn't want anyone else to do it!!

Looking forward to a pic of Erin and new hubby from someone who was at the wedding.

Also, Happy Birthday Mom!!

Life GPS

Reading the comments on Rhoda's post regarding GPS reminded me of a bit by one of our families favorite comedians, Tim Hawkins.

Enjoy. EDK

CLOUDBURST

We had a very heavy rain/wind storm early this morning between 6 and 7. The rain pounding on our windows woke us up. I looked out the window to the north and could barely see the backyard neighbors house. It reminded me of when my dad used to refer to a "cloudburst" of rain - a term one never hears these days. Then I wondered just what term the meteorologists would use today to describe a "cloudburst". We actually only had .5 in showing in our rainguage but I think it was blowing so hard it didn't fill the cup. We saw Casey in his shop and he said we had between 1 and 1.5 in. Nothing compared to "Ioway".

We had breakfast in El Paso this morning since our Green Garden is on vacation for two weeks. Now we're looking forward to Erin Stevig's wedding this afternoon. The reception will be at the Miller Park Pavilion - should be fun.

Yesterday, I had my day with Nathan - with Grandpa's help. I was sitting on the couch when he went to the living room door, turned around, pointed to me and said "going upstairs. you stay here. be right back - be right back" So up he went and came back down about 30 seconds later. I could just picture Ang telling him she was going upstairs and would be right back!

You are blessed!

Yesterday, I went to Aldi's for a gallon of $1.99 milk because the WalMart price was $4.22. Not a regular Aldi shopper, I invariably forget something: shopping bags, a quarter for the cart or---oops, no cash and Aldi's does not take checks or credit cards. So I called my good husband and he drove the mile or two to bring me some cash (I had to use the cashier's phone because my cell phone was at home!) and when ready to check out, I told her that everyone ought to have a husband as good as mine--for fifty one plus years. She looked at me wistfully and said, "You are blessed!"

GPS

I'm thinking of purchasing a portable GPS and wondering if any of you have one and have any advice about which to get.
Which brand is best? I've pretty much narrowed it down to Garmin and TomTom.
Is street name pronunciation an important feature?
Any other things I definitely need to look for?

Thanks!

--Rhoda

Better picture of Perry & Joan

Here is a much better picture of Perry II and Joan, known to his parents as the BoJo's. Carol provided this to me and I shall attempt to get it on the Blog.
Sorry for posting an unflattering picture earlier, but none had yet been posted and I know many of you (Ann and Nog Blog!!!) had been waiting...
Cleve

Classic Southern Beauty

Hello, everybody,

After enjoying Ada/Jerry's successful efforts at beautifying their yard, we want you to know that our clay soil that turns to concrete in dry weather has produced this crepe myrtle in our front yard. Besides that, as of yesterday we are the proud owners of a digital camera and this is Lynn's first attempt to transmit a picture. (And what a frustration--LCK) Another electronic device to learn to manipulate--or should I say another confuser! This is from Mim for all of you except Cleve and to him it is from Aunt Anonymous! Wonder where he gets that?

Picture of Bride/Groom

Apparently, I am one of the few that took a photo of the handsome couple at the reception. Unfortunately, Joan was blinking at that moment. Otherwise, you would see that she is even more beautiful that what this picture shows. If anyone else has any pics, feel free to post.
Cleve & Kathleen

LAST PICTURES, I PROMISE

Jerry wanted to show you the final pictures of both angles of our house -- all mulched and clean-up in progress.

The piano tuner was here this morning - obnoxious guy. I thought I'd never get rid of him! Never again will ask him a question. I simply asked him what my piano might be worth and I learned about everything from his Dad's prostate cancer to what vegetables he likes from his garden. I kept inching toward the door but it took a half-hour to get there!

Ada

Greetings from Brooklin, Maine

You may be aware that I'm spending two weeks at the WoodenBoat School in Maine this summer building a replica of an 1889 daysailer designed by Nathaniel Herreshoff. I'm working in the shop 8-5, then sailing on Eggemoggin Reach until dusk, and turning in early in an old farm house that students stay in. Not much time to post now so I'll leave a couple of pictures and then will write more later. (Did I mention I love my wife and kids for letting me do this?)

IT'S DONE!

Here are a couple pictures of our new garden. We need some more plants -- we "design" as we go! Jerry's worked hard on this and I love it!

Klopfenstein Brothers--September, 1948

Sixty years ago!

Uncles Lee, Harry, Joe, Elmer, Fred, Bill

Obviously the six are not the brothers in total number. Frank and John are deceased and Arthur is not present. (Five daughters really added to the mix!) The reunion days of the 40s were quite a get together of the immediate family of Peter and Sophia Klopfenstein. Another case of, "A good time was had by all."

WORN OUT!

Jerry and I are worn out tonight. We went to Bloomington early this morning - had to get a blood test. Then we ate at Bob Evans, went to Owen's nursery and got some double knockout roses, yellow day lillies, and a couple other flowers. Then we came home, waited for the rain to quit and the ground to dry a little so we could plant everything. During the waiting time I mae a purse. We finally got the flowers planted, and came in the house and "crashed".

I think we'll have a bowl of ice cream and go to bed. Ada

NICE WEDDING

Just a short report to say that Perry's weddding was very nice -- the bride and groom were both beaming with love! Beautiful table decorations at the reception with glass cylindrical (?) containers with blue water and calalillys if I know my flowers. AND the cheesecake dessert was delicious and very well "presented". Sorry I didn't take any pictures so hopefully someone else will post some.

Ada

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

As I get older, it's the little things that just drive me NUTS!!! I was at the checkout at Walmart the other day and went to pick out a package of gum. Apparently all the gum manufacturers decided to change their packaging - and I couldn't find MY GUM! I got so frustrated, I didn't even know the brand name I was looking for! So I bought a pack of Orbit which is chewing up pretty good. Later I remembered - it's Extra - but what's happened to it? Oh such a dilemna!!

They must be making all the gum in the little dentyn-size pieces instead of the bigger flatter pieces so the packages are different. Is it cheaper for them, or what -- why can't they just leave things alone.

Breakfast cereals is another bad one! Why don't they just make 6 or 8 kinds and then we wouldn't have to stand there for half an hour to find the one we want! Or bread!!

So now you know, I've completely lost it!

Happy be-lated 4th of July

Comment #3 (by Eric and Retta) on the previous posting reminded me of all the July 4th and Memorial Day postings -- thanking our veterans. It would be nice if we knew of all the immediate Klopfenstein clan who served. Please add or comment on the following....I'm wondering about Dave Allenson, Joe Scroggins, Uncle Keith, Jeremy Embry, etc. etc. How about any of the others from the "original 14 kids"? Uncle Elmer? Harry? Lee? Bill? etc. etc.?

Grandpa Elmer Jay -- US Army
Uncle Jay -- Navy, overseas
Uncle Perry -- US Army
Cleve -- US Army Vietnam
Dave Knobloch -- US Army Vietnam

Cleve

More 4th of July

I have many good 4th of July memories as well. I remember lots of them spent in Minonk and I also remember the Oak Ridge Boys concert that Eric referred to (in the comments on Angela's post). I was glad to hear someone else mention it because I thought maybe I had dreamed it... the Oak Ridge Boys singing on a semi-trailer on the Minonk football field ???

July 4th is a big deal for the Steffen family. I found that out the first year we were married and I wore a pink shirt -- I was the only person not dressed in red, white, and blue. Anyway we went to Towanda yesterday for the parade and flea market. Then we headed over to Miller Park for the afternoon and evening. We saw the concert that Aunt Ada referred to earlier. It was very well done. The most moving part was when they sang the theme song for each branch of the armed forces. When they sang each song they asked veterans from each branch to stand and be recognized. It was sad to see that in such a large crowd there were only a handful standing each time. And only about 2-3 that I saw younger than 50. It reminded me of the blog discussions regarding Memorial Day.

After the concert we stayed for the fireworks and then waited in a traffic jam to get home. Today was spent recovering and catching up on laundry. My washer broke on Monday and my usual service man (my dad) advised me to call a professional this time. He can't come until next week so I had to visit the laundrymat. I did 11 loads of wash and spent $30.00. Wow! It's sure nice to have it all done at once though.

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th!

Shelley

P.S. My camera incorrectly dated the photos July 5th - they were taken last night.

July 4th Memories

I couldn't relate to the Memorial Day memories shared earlier in the year, but the Fourth of July is a different story. Growing up, it was the best day of the year! When we were very young, we would decorate our bikes and ride in the parade. At the end, we would get a 50 cent piece as a prize! Every year, there were games and entertainment for us to enjoy. Since we lived close to the football field, our house was a sort of gathering place for friends and family. The day would always end with fireworks which we would watch from the roof. A couple of 4th of July memories of interest to this group: Keith going through the screen door, thinking it was closed! And Dave Nog Blog going through the deck, thinking it was solid wood! I don't think my kids believe in the 4th of July as much as I do. I've always taken them to parades (even took Nathan to Towanda's today) but it's never been the same for them as good-old-Minonk on the 4th of July was for me!!

Happy 4th!!!

Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July to everyone! We met Ada and Jerry for brunch at the Cornerstone in Eureka.Had good food and a good visit.


This afternoon we are going to watch Tennis atWimbledon. Did you know that tennis is one of ny favorite sports? I love watching Serena and Venus.

We are excited as we just learned that Ken's apartment at Parkside sold. Now we are hoping to get him to move into Restmor Nursing Home very soon. His memory is very poor and at times he is very confused. Keith is very helpful to him and Ken pretty much does what Keith tells him. So we hope the transition will go smoothly.

We are looking forward to PerryII's wedding on Sunday. And of course our big day will be next Saturday, July 12 for Erin and Thomas' wedding.

Love, Alice

July is Here

Jerry and I planned to go to Bloomington's Miller Park last night to listen to a Musical Spectacular. We went a couple years ago and it was really good. Then I noticed that there was a community band concert/ice cream social in Franklin Park and we decided not to fight the traffic and crowds of people and go to that one instead. It was very nice with a much smaller crowd. I believe we were the youngest people there! Hmmm.

We noticed on the drive to B'ton that that the corn is looking good - not quite up to last year - but very nice considering the slow start it got with all the rain. Beans not quite as promising.

We have more lightening bugs (or fireflies) this year than I have ever seen. They are just thick at dusk and as we look over the fields across from our house it is blanketed with the blinking lights. We have also had several in the house and in the car! I guess they get on our clothes and just come on in.

Coming home last night, the Lord saw fit to spare us our third deer accident! As we approached the Mackinaw river I saw a deer in the left ditch and told Jerry "there's a deer" so he slowed down. I said "there's another one coming across" so he stopped just as the deer entered our lane. That dumb deer just stood there and stared at us as if to say "I dare you!". There was a third deer, the buck, in the ditch on the right. We honked to get them off the road.

So, such is life in farm country in early July. Exciting, huh? We're heading to Eureka to have brunch with Keith and Alice in a few minutes.

Delayed Reunion Report

It's busy around here, and sometimes I'm right on top of things, but other times I'm not. It's a bit late, but I wanted to share our reunion experience with everyone. I took Kelsie, Heater and Nathan with me. Jerry and Heather had to work. We took the long route through Indy since the brakes on my car were going out and I thought there would be too much stopping on Route 24. The kids did great in the car, and we got there in about 4.5 hours. We were quite disappointed to find the pool out of commission, but we decided to go see Kung Fu Panda, instead and that turned out to be a good time. We had dinner with the Klops that night -- alot of people I didn't know, but was fun to sit with Rhoda, Mary and Joey! In the morning, mom met a man who worked at the attached furniture store, and he let us go in early and ride the beautiful carousel. Then off to Grabill which was about 10 miles from Fort Wayne. My Garmin took us the scenic route, and it was very pretty out there. We were so surprised and excited to see Amish horses and buggies as we got close to town. Being late morning on a Saturday, there were many Amish folk driving through town and going in and out of the local businesses. I am interested in the Amish, and I read alot of books (all of them, actually) by Beverly Lewis. So we gawked at them for awhile waiting for Jason and Janice and boys to arrive. Most of what you've heard from others about the reunion itself is really there's all to tell. Great turnout, and good program. I'm attaching a few pics that show some things the other posts didn't:

Here's Nathan in the Amish hat I bought at the super cute store in Grabill. It's a winter hat, but it's what I typically think of being an Amish boy hat, so "I" had to have it! Nathan doesn't really like to wear it, but I try to make him once in awhile! :)

It's true...Johnny Appleseed was at the reunion:

This is the Carousel our furniture store Klop relative bought online from Argentina. It was delivered on a boat, along with a guy to put it together. They paid $1000 a day for 15 days to store it in Chicago before it could be shipped to Ft. Wayne. The worker from Argentina stayed in the hotel until his work on it was done. Very impressive!

Here's Kelsie, Heater and Grandpa at our table in the back so we could watch all the goings on:

Here's mom and J&J's boys practicing for their skit:

Right after the reunion, we headed back home, and would you believe Kelsie drove the whole way!. The Garmin said we only stopped for 11 minutes total the whole time -- go potty and get back in the car! It was a good time, but we must have been ready to get home!

It would be fun to do a reunion with more relatives that we know better. Who's going to organize that?

Happy 4th from SC also

I too hope you all have a great holiday. In honor of it, I've changed the title & post colors. Variety is the spice of life. . . .

Happy Independence Day

Happy 4th of July everyone. What a blessing we have living in the greatest country on earth!

My plans are to celebrate our independence with some weeding in the garden, a little pool time, and a cook-out at some friends from church. The highlight will be going to Marigold, Herman Miller's lodge on Lake Macatawa. You can sit on a point out in the lake and face east to see the fireworks in Holland and then turn west to see the fireworks at Holland State Park. Except for turning back and forth, it's a pretty spectacular fireworks display.

Weather in W. Michigan

I don’t know what your weather is like, but the last hour has been very strange in W. Michigan. The sky has gotten progressively darker, and now at 4:30 it is literally dark outside. The storms are rolling in, all the street lights are on, and we cannot see across the highway. We are ready to be pounded with a major storm and it’s quite eery. The paradox is that on a typical day it isn’t this dark here now until at least 10:00 p.m!

Ann, I’d love to send this your way!