Caleb and Alice

Here's another picture so you can see Alice, who is crawling all over at 7 months. ---Carol

Cousins in Kansas City

Ashton and Caleb went with Perry, Preston and me on a bus to KC last week-end. It was a fun trip and we got to be there for the celebration of Jesse's 2nd birthday.

More Klop Sleep Isues

Tuesday night the power was out in my neighborhood meaning it was extremely dark and very quiet trying to go to sleep.


Here's how I solved my problem: I have a crank flashlight so I wound that up for about 30 seconds to give a little light in the room and I also remembered getting a crank radio so pulled that out and wound and wound and wound it (all that winding really kind of woke me up) to listen to the end of the Celtics/Heat game on ESPN radio. I use my cell phone for an alarm clock so I knew I'd wake up when needed in the morning, except I was down to one bar as I hadn't charged the phone the previous night. I also had in the back of my mind what if the phone dies and I don't wake up in time for work.

With all the sleep issues we Klopfensteins seem to have has anyone had it too dark and too quiet to sleep with the power out?

By the way, this is the third time in two years wind has caused power outages for my area.

And the power came back on at 11:53 pm.

Update?

Always good to hear from you, Mary. Doesn't seem like you are so far away.

We need an update on U. Lynn and A. Mim. House bought? Moving date set? Somebody fill in the details!

Wheat Pillow

At a hotel where we stayed recently, a choice of pillows was offered. One was a wheat pillow, supposedly good for supporting a person's neck, and I tried it the last couple of nights we were there. It was very different, but I did think it helped support my neck, thus helping me sleep better.

Joey brought one back for me so I've been using it for a week now - and I really like it! If you like soft, downy type pillows this is not for you. But if you have any neck issues, it may help. If you get one, make sure it's fully refundable just in case it doesn't work for you. I had to order mine online since I couldn't find it at the regular department stores. The cost is sort of up there but hey, what's the price of a good night's sleep?

Sobering Afternoon

It is very sobering to go to a funeral for an 18-year-old young man. I did that today. He was a former student of mine (five classes over the years), a graduate of five months ago, who collapsed while running at a local track on Wednesday night. He was eight months younger than my daughter, and as I sat next to her today, with the casket of one of her peers resting just a few yards away, the minor things that sometimes come between us seemed so unimportant.

To those who are parents of children still at home: Give them an extra hug tonight. Life is fleeting - my church and school families have found that out anew this week.

CRAZY DREAM

This won't compare to Judy's posts about nighttime activities, but I awakened with a rapidly-beating heart about 3 am and actually she was part of my dream. We were in some airport waiting for our plane to go to Florida. Lots of people actively moving around when Judy told me to hurry our flight is boarding. I tried to pick up my purse, but it was gone and I yelled at her to help me find it, but she kept going so I ran around like crazy to find my purse, but couldn't find it. I ran as fast as I could down a huge flight of steps trying to get to the gate on time - but knew they probably wouldn't let me on. Then I woke up and in reality my heart was just thumping, thumping!! Took me awhile to calm down, but went back to a peaceful sleep and didn't wake up until 7:45 - pretty late for me. Jerry was already gone to his Friday breakfast.

I've been making table runners as I have a special order for three of them and I also want to make several for a craft show. Here's the latest three.

Have a great day.

Phoebe AnnaRae Knobloch

Phoebe AnnaRae arrived at 4:41 this afternoon. Jake and Malissa are thrilled with their little girl. Grandma's pretty proud, too!

2010 Ornaments

This is the result of my efforts on Saturday.  I'll let you look and here and here for the explanation.

There has been some speculation that the kids may be getting too old for this tradition, but I was excited on Friday when within minutes of getting a text from me almost everyone replied how much they like to get their ornament each year.

Video Clip

How Great Thou Art

10/3/10

Terre Haute IN

SWEET PICTURE

This is a bad-sleep night so I'm "playing" with my computer. I've had this sweet picture laying on my desk for awhile and thought this would be a good time to share it.

An interesting morning with Maria--Carroll, that is

Maria Carroll, German war bride, married a soldier from Shelbyville, TN during or just after WWII. I met her when we had an AiG table in Huntsville in August and found her German accent and enthusiasm delightful. I told her I had three German creationist books at home. She was interested in buying them, so today we met at Cracker Barrel for breakfast to get the books to her. I would much rather have had her in our home, but with a kitchen full of packing boxes, the idea of a guest was abandoned quickly. Of interest also was a devotional book written in old German, the frontpiece that Lynn wanted to have Maria translate. She didn't know old German very well; guess it was like trying to translate the original Beowulf in old English. This is an excerpt that she deciphered: "To the Christian reader, I wish blessing, peace and mercy from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. True Christianity leads us back to God, which is the source of our happiness."
The date in the book is 1785 (not a typo!) and was sent to Lynn from a Stephanie Klopfenstein from Crestline, OH because she was downsizing and wanted to get rid of it. Lynn had never heard of her before the book arrived in the mail. I'm trying to get him to put a picture of it on the blog, but that is easier said than done for us oldsters. The book belonged to an Isaac Klopfenstein and contains 365 devotionals. It is at least five inches thick. Lynn thinks it should go into a Klopfenstein museum that is yet to be constructed.

Back to Ada's question, "What Keeps You Awake At Night..."

Well, the night-time antics never stop in the Knobloch household. I couldn't sleep last night, possibly due to too much diet pop yesterday. So I was on the couch, when suddenly at 2:30 am I heard a loud explosion, then another. I jumped up and ran to the back of our house...and there was Dave with blood running down his face, completely disoriented, and insisting he was running from a crumbling barn. It took a while to wake him up and then we examined his damaged face. We still can't figure out what he hit, as there doesn't seem to be any damage to the house anywhere, but he must have hit a wall or door. It looked like he had scraped about 8 inches of skin off the right side of his face, and possibly had broken a bone in his cheek. He cleaned up and put ice on it and slept in his chair until morning.

This morning, the swelling in the cheek was down, but he has a nasty swollen, black eye. He bandaged himself up, called off of work at IDOT, and headed out to the farm to run the tractor all day, chiseling. His only comment was, "See, this is why you don't take days off of work for no good reason, in case something like this happens!"

And I was emphatically told, "No pictures on the Internet!"

I hear thunder now, so maybe he will get rained out and have to come home.

What happens...

...when you put 10 eggs into a pot on the stove to boil, then go off to do laundry, read emails, proofread books, etc.???

Answer: It STINKS in here!

...when the caller-ID says "Bromenn Hospital" and you answer it and they say, "Just wondered if you would like to come in this afternoon and help us out."

Answer: NO! (I'm sticking to the retirement plan!)

FATHER - SON EXPERIENCE

Tim & Amy took the motorcycle safety course at ISU.

The 20 hour course included classroom and riding instruction.

Maximum speed: 20MPH!

"It was a great Father/Son experience" - Tim

"Um, in case you hadn't noticed, I'm a girl!" - Amy

"OOPS" - Tim

 Tim & Amy celebrate completing the course.

 Tim on a 250 Suzuki

Amy on a Honda Rebel

"Little Women"

Last evening Jeanette and I went to see "Little Women" performed by local actors. The two hour presentation was excellent. When I was ten years old I was given the book "Little Women" (my italics are not working, need help) and read it over and over. Books were few and far between at our house although everyone in the house from my aged grandmother on devoured the daily "Peoria Journal Star."
I read the book so often that had an actor forgotten lines, I could have prompted easily. The book has many inspirational thoughts and the lives of the characters show much that is admirable. But years later I was disappointed when I learned that Mr. Alcott, Louisa's father, was a Transcendentalist and hobnobbed with Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. They no doubt were men of principle, but they rejected the authority of the Bible and hence God's way to get to heaven.

"Ramona" by Helen Hunt Jackson was another oft read book given to me by Aunt Angela Hemmer, when Mother, Chuck and I visited them in SanDiego in 1940. We saw Ramona's
marriage place, which made the book come alive. The book, based on fact, is the tragic story of Ramona, half Spanish/half Indian, in the days when the Spaniards treatedthe Indians mercilessly. Ramona fell in love and married an Indian, much to the disgust of her heartless distant relative/guardian. For the rest you will have to read the book.

MORE ABOUT DINNER

Since you asked Mim - here are some details about the evening. There were 260 BC Survivors there. I was surprised to see one of the "regulars" from my sewing club - we did not know we had this in common. All the other dinners we went to had entertainment such as an inspirational/comedy speaker, group or solist music, slide shows, etc. This time there was no such thing. The head of the Community Cancer Center spoke for about 10 minutes about updates going on at the Center, then said we were our own entertainment for the evening in just getting to know each other. Kind of a "letdown".

The dinner itself was interesting. There were four food stations: mashed potato bar, mini salad station, carving station, and mini dessert station. We had to stand in line about 10-15 minutes at each station, go sit and eat items from each station one at a time, then go back in line at another station. It seemed very disorganized and complicated and everyone was rather puzzled about it. We're not used to eating things separately.

The layout of the country club was not really conducive for this large a group. We were seated in three rooms with large doors and windows connecting them. We had two violinists playing in our room, another room had a pianist, and the middle room had the food. I'm not really "complaining" just letting you know how the evening went. I really do appreciate the efforts they went to in providing an evening out for us. As always, they took a picture of us and I've included mine.

Knobloch House update

Wade helping dig in Geo Thermal while Casey eats supper

Installing septic lines
Perry II and Jimmy (K & W employee) framing in attic
Geo Thermal lines in front yard

SPECIAL LADIES

This evening I'm going to dinner for special ladies at the Bloomington Country Club. This is an annual event that began about five years ago. I will be going with two other special ladies from Gridley. We will get the royal treatment with delicious food and good entertainment.

I'd like to say I wish you could all go with me, but actually I hope none of you will ever be invited to this event - it is a celebration of life for breast cancer survivors. I'm so thankful to be an 11-year survivor!

Two More

I'm taking this picture of the back of the bus and was able to include all 5 of us - the "star" with his four favorite "groupies". Pretty clever picture, huh? And I've included a picture of the entire Calvary Quartet. They will have new CD's out probably in December - be sure to get one. Their singing is beautiful.

Nice Afternoon in Terre Haute

It was so nice to look up at a church dinner in Terre Haute, IN, and see Ada, Jerry, and Heather walking in. Andrew's quartet sang at a 3:00 service and they came just to hear him - and it was great to have them there. I do have some videos, but am having a hard time getting them to post. Will go ahead and post these pictures now and try to add the video later.

Here we are in the back of the touring bus. Ada's face is buried in the flash, but you can see her in the background - and Jerry too - if you look closely!

The quartet spent Saturday recording a new CD in Evansville, IN. I did get a short video of that to post on my blog. That gives me hope that others may post as well -

Getting ready to get started on another recording session -

This producer really knew his stuff. You may be able to see the four colored lines on the computer at the left - each line represents a single voice. They can re-record over small places that need correcting, and just change the one voice that needs fixing. It was an educational experience to watch.

It was a LONG but very good weekend. I learned a lot about spending a weekend on a traveling bus. Had my own bunk - there are 12 on the bus. There is a living area in the back, and in the front is a living/kitchen area and a small bathroom. Six of us were along this weekend - the four quartet members, the piano player, and me. Usually the director's family comes along, but his children were in a play this weekend, which is why I rode along instead. After the recording session on Saturday, we drove to Terre Haute and had two services on Sunday at a church there. Then we went on to Cloverdale (didn't know there were so many hills, valleys, and curvy roads in Indiana) for an evening service. Left there at 9:30 p.m. and pulled into the director's house at 5:30 this morning.

Thanks so much, Ada, Jerry, and Heather, for taking the time to come meet us!

Weekend of Cousins

This weekend, we spent time with both of my brothers and their families.

Friday we met Jason, Janice, Zac, Noah & Miles at an apple farm near Dekalb, IL. The kids played in a little park, we made it through a really cool corn maze, and we picked apples. We also had lunch at a popular NIU place that I was longing for.

Then on Saturday, we went to see Drake, Michelle, Grace & Owen. We got to see Owen play football, and Grace cheer. They both did a really good job! Go Cougars!!


When I tucked Nathan in to bed tonight, I asked him which cousin is the coolest. He said, "All of them!" :)

MOVING BRINGS MEMORIES!!!

These photos are among the literally hundreds that we have uncovered in the moving process. The above shares only a moment of the family history--of which we have enjoyed so many moments. Who are they?

Uncle Lynn

Follow-up on LCK appointment!

Good news! The pain is caused by bursitis, which follows a hip replacement twenty per cent of the time. He gave Lynn an anti-inflammatory injection. Doctor said that he has had a possible defective prosthesis in only one case. He seems to think the media hype, even though it should be considered, is overdone. He recommended that Lynn call the DuPuy 800 number to be placed on the register and then they would pay for any expenses should the prosthesis cause problems in the future. So we are delighted and thankful that another surgery is not called for at this time. Thanks to all of you for your concern and prayers.

Information about this Weekend

Don't want to run this in the ground, but want to make this information available for anyone who still might be able to see the Calvary Quartet this weekend.

10/ 3 - Sunday morning and afternoon (10:30 and 3:00):

Bible Baptist Church, 2500 Margaret Avenue, Terre Haute, IN. Phone # - 812-233-2541. Website www.thbbc.org

10/4 - Sunday evening (6:00 p.m.):

Faith Baptist Church, 11612 State Highway 243, Cloverdale, IN. Phone # - 765-795-3789. Website www.faithbaptistcunot.org

This church is about 1/2 hour further east on Interstate 70 than the other church. The pastor told me over the phone that it is located about 6 miles directly south of the interstate exit (but I can't remember which exit). It could easily be googled or mapquested.

I would imagine that the Sunday evening service will be a repeat of one of the services held at the morning/afternoon church.

Disclaimer: I do not know anything about either of these churches other than the information given above. They may be very quiet, conservative style churches, or they may be more "out there." Just so you know!

I am preparing for two nights on a traveling bus with a hotel night inbetween. Guess the men in the group are used to it. Saturday they will be recording a new CD at a studio in Evansville, IN. It will be strenuous but I am looking forward to the trip!

Thanks much - Ann

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

Do you ever have one of those nights when some stupid little thing gets on your mind and you can't sleep? Monday night I woke up at 4 am and starting "fretting" about how I would ever get the quilt and wall-hanging finished complete with the prairie points requested by the customer! I had told her I wouldn't do the points and she agreed, then last week called and asked if I would please put them on the quilts. I said I'd think about it.

So. . . in the middle of the night I was trying to figure if I had enough fabric left to make that many points, how big were the squares supposed to be 4" or 3.5", how do I get them to attach properly around the corners, etc. etc. etc.!! Finally at 5:30 I got up, came in the office, played a little spider and free-cell, read a book - all in an attempt to get the quilt off my mind. At 6:30 I went back to bed and slept until 9 am!

The problem didn't seem nearly so bad by then and I decided to tackle the project! Always please the customer, right?!? Spent many hours Tuesday and Wednesday completing the wall-hanging. First job was to measure fabric and count, and count, and count several times to make sure how many squares I needed - which I determined to be 180. Good! I had enough to make about 200. Here are some pictures.

Step 1: Cut 180 4"squares. My cutting skills improved considerably during this tedious process. Then I had to fold corner-to-corner and press each square into these triangles.

Steps 2,3,4: Cut and "square" the top - notice the batting and backing are tucked under. Then I had to cut the back piece 1.5 inches bigger than the top, and then cut the batting .5 inch bigger than the top. Got all that? Yes, very tedious and tiring and stressful! Thinking all the time that one small slip of the rotary cutter could ruin the entire quilt!

Steps 4,5,6: (no pic) Pin each triangle to the quilt edge with the back tucked under and out of the way. Sew the triangles to the top fabric. Bring the back fabric out, fold under, pin to the top, and hand-stitch in place. Again much tedious work. I had to take many breaks in all these processes - to relax my back and my mind.

VOILA!! THE FINISHED WALL-HANGING!

Now to repeat the process to complete a large queen-sized quilt!! Wish me luck! Only one slip of the rotary cutter . . .!

Now what causes your sleepless nights?

Latest from the LCKs

Re the proposed relocation: a contract has been signed on another home after the contract on the first fell by the wayside when the home inspection revealed various potential problems. This second home is much more homey. Now we wait to see what develops. Closing could be in three or four weeks.

On a more serious note. If you are one of the many that have read of or seen on TV the recall of DePuy artificial hip, my sweet hubbie has that recalled hip. Tomorrow we have an appointment for an evaluation with the orthopedist that performed the hip surgery last December. Regretably, the implanted hip has been giving him increasing pain; we do not know what is in store for him. Doctors were notified in March not to use that particular hip and that was three months after Lynn's surgery, although DePuy apparently has known about problem since
2008. Apparently one in eight have hip problems with the DePuy hip. Google shows a multitude of lawyers like a lion pack clamoring for the kill in lawsuits.
Please pray for wisdom on the part of all in tomorrow's appointment with Dr. Hofammann.

Retirement!

I worked my last shift last night. This is the email I sent to my co-workers...

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone that I am resigning my position as OR scrub tech, effective RIGHT NOW! (I will be finishing out my scheduled CBE classes through December.) I say “right now” with enthusiasm, not because I am anxious to leave all my friends and great co-workers, but because I will be moving on to being a full-time wife, mother, and grandmother. For this, I am very thankful and excited.

Those of you who know me well will be surprised to know that my husband is actually supportive and also excited about this. He is, I suppose, now expecting decent breakfasts and delicious dinners. You can see how my life is going to change!

So though I am giving up a job that I have enjoyed and appreciated for 16 years, I am looking forward to a new phase of life. Many thanks and regards to all of you who made my years with you very memorable.

Judy K.

So YEAH! WOO-HOO! I am no longer a "shift" worker. In December I will teach my last class and really feel like a free woman. Well, I have a notebook full of things I need and/or would like to do, so free time will not be a big part of my new life, I'm thinking.

ArtPrize 2010

Saturday at ArtPrize I was surprised to see this sculpture at Meijer Gardens by an artist from Eureka, IL.  I thought I took a picture with his name and the title of the piece, but apparently I didn't save it to my phone--must be my age or lack of strong technology skills!  I think his last name is Esmer or something like that just in case any of you central IL folks are familiar with him.  I'm also including a picture of me in front of Chihuly glass piece that is on display at Frederick Meijer Gardens but is not part of ArtPrize.  In case you are interested I have some pictures of other pieces on my blog.  Click here to see. 

 

What's On Your Bookshelf?

Just wondered what the Ks are reading these days?

I'm re-reading GREAT EXPECTATIONS with my seniors - for a number of years they've read it on their own; therefore, I'm rediscovering many of the interesting characters and plot details that had kind of escaped me.

Am also going to start THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE by Stephen Covey. Apparently it's fairly well known, but I was not familiar with it until this summer. And a friend gave me THE VALLEY OF VISION, which is Puritan prayers. It's not heavy reading at all and I have been enjoying it.

And for light reading - READER'S DIGEST!!!!

Let us in on what's on your bookshelf these days.