Yes, I am home! It was an extraordinary trip which seemed to go fast, until I think back to the early days of April, and then I think, "Well, yes, 4 weeks was a long time!" I got Georgia and a good portion of NC knocked out.

I wanted to go further, but in the end I came home just at the right time to escape some cold, snowy weather in the Smoky Mts. I'm seeing pictures of people I knew who are still out there, and they are looking a little miserable.

What's next? I don't feel completely done with the adventure. My friend and hiking partner, Pam, is retiring the end of June, so a July trip may be in the works. We'd like to hike in Virginia and in the Shenandoah National Park.

Drake...put it on your radar...love to see you out there with us!

I'll let you all know if and when we hit the trail again...thank you for all the support! It was fun sharing the experience with you!

Post AT Musings

Judy:
Thank you for your most informative messages about the experiences getting ready for and negotiating all the details of The Trail. Mim and I enjoyed reading your accounts every morning. Your feisty spirit and pursuit gave you one month of testiness not to be minimized or forgotten!  And--Dave's input must be factored into the mix! I can just see him in the "Shark Tank" mode, with a smile saying, "I'm out!"

Keep posting with current events. Of course, we wonder what's next?

Sequel to GOSPEL CRUISE

Whew!!!  This has been the search of searches!!!  Thank you Crystal for the initial data to track this Klopfenstein couple.  A dead end nearly was reached when I could not find any kind of Daniel and Bev K.  So I started on Beverly and out of the gate had the right people.  I said, "HALLELUJAH"!   This couple is actually Dale and Beverly Klopfenstein from Wauseon, Ohio.  I had the nicest phone visit with Bev.

Here's the record that my genealogy file reveals:
Dale and I are 6th Cousin!
Dale and Ralph are 6th Cousin!
Dale and Cleve are 6th Cousin once removed!
Dale and Crystal are 6th Cousin twice removed!

For me--this has been a fun run.  Let me know if you need a family genealogy report.  There are 10-12,000 Klopfenstein family names in file.  Total in file of friends, neighbors and acquaintances is over 52,000 names.

GOSPEL CRUISE

Several months ago I went on a gospel cruise to the Caribbean.  I had a great time & went with many other people from Apostolic Christian churches all over the country (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Iowa, Missouri).  The entertainment on the ship was well-known Southern gospel groups such as The Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, Legacy Five, The Mark Trammell Quarter, The Collingsworth Family, and Jim Brady Trio.  Reminded me of the videos of Andrew' Bailes singing Southern gospel.  I'd highly recommend a gospel cruise!  It's so uplifting, the fellow passengers are all believers, and it's an all-around great experience.

Interestingly, the first day we received a list of other passengers and I noticed there was a Klopfenstein couple from Ohio onboard!  I didn't recognize their names & wondered what were the chances of running into them on a ship of 2,000 people plus 900 crew.  The very first night at the first gospel show I found one open seat way down toward the front stage & quickly sat down in this great seat.  I got to talking to an older couple next to me & we chatted about  how many cruises we'd each been on, how we both enjoy Southern gospel music, etc.  They asked me where I was from & mentioned they were from Ohio.  I glanced at their name badges & saw they were the Klopfenstein's!  They couldn't believe it when I gasped & proclaimed that I am a Klopfenstein also!  They were Dan & Bev Klopfenstein, both born & raised in Ohio.  I don't recall the name of their hometown or the name of his parents, but Dan was probably late 70's.  Dan said they & their whole extended family has always pronounced it KlopfenSTEEN, as they think KlopfenSTEIN sounds Jewish.  They asked me if I was Jewish  :).  I mentioned the name of some of my ancestors, but they didn't recognize any names.  Dan thought his family originated in Germany.  I'm curious if Uncle Lynn can find Dan in his list of genealogy records????????

Dan & Bev Klopfenstein

Meeting Up With Judy

I spent the last 24 hours with Judy, near the Appalachian Trail.  I left home about 11:30 and picked her up at about 1:30 in the little town of Helen, a tourist town that has been developed into a German theme.  We had planned this rendevous for awhile - she had originally planned by this weekend to be right outside the town where Andrew is helping with the music at a church, but they didn't get quite that far.  Her friend Pam left then to go back to her car at the beginning of the trail, and then back to Illinois.

We had planned to find a hotel in the town of Clayton for Saturday night, but a family in the church has a garage apartment that they offer to guests of the church, missionaries, etc. - and they offered it to us when they heard we were coming.  It was a beautiful and very comfortable place.  The hosts had thought of everything.

We went to a local cafe while her clothes were getting clean at a laundromat, then came back to the apartment and chilled for the evening. Oh, and at the cafe, Judy got her hamburger!!!

We went to the church for the Sunday a.m. service, and then afterward ate at a church potluck that was a fundraiser for the teenagers' camp fund.  Fried chicken, two kinds of potatoes, green beans, slaw, and about five kinds of vegetable casseroles - I'd say Judy got a pretty good meal before going back on the trail.

Andrew, me, Andrew's fiance Teah, and Judy, right before we pulled out from the church.

I took Judy back to Helen, where she had a ride with a park ranger set up to get her back to the top of the mountain where she had left the trail.  Then I made the hour and a half ride back home.  Just got a text from her - she has arrived at the shelter for the night.  It was so good to be with her.  And all you folks back home - she looks good and is eager to get some miles under her belt in the next week.  The weather is supposed to be nice this week.  She is in our thoughts and prayers!!

Reunion 1948

I'm posting this for my dad - it's a photo in his Klopfenstein genealogy archives.  The original is 8 1/2 x 11, and he says if anyone wants a copy, he will send one to them.

Left to right:  Uncles Lee, Harry, Joe, Elmer, Fred, and Bill, six living brothers at the annual family summer reunion in 1948.  Uncles Frank, John, and Art are deceased.

This is a neat picture!!

Interesting Connection

My mother found this in a drawer this week - Uncle Perry had sent it to Dad a year or two today.  It was a submission to the Gridley Advance, dated 10/23/30, and says:

"J.P. Gunnel, P.A. Klop., Matt Stortz, and Miss Ann Yergler motored to PV in the former's car on Mon. and attended the funeral of Max Hemmer, who was killed in a gasoline explosion."

For those who may not know, PV is Princeville, and Max Hemmer was my mom's father.  Who would have thought that some 27 years later, P.A. Klopfenstein's grandson would marry Max Hemmer's daughter.  I thought it was interesting to share.

Big News in SC

Yesterday, late afternoon, Andrew "popped the question" to his girlfriend Teah.  She said yes.  :-)

They have been seeing each other since Andrew came home from China in August; however, during his second year in China, Teah was doing a similar mission, teaching English in Poland.  Andrew's good friend Bryon is married to Teah's sister, and they suggested that the two talk on Skype.  Which they did, all year long.  So they've really known each other for a year and a half.

Teah is a very sweet Christian girl.  As Grandma K. would have said - They are just "dippy" about each other!

EJK Reunion Weekend 1998

This is a picture from the EJK reunion in Decatur, AL Memorial Day Weekend 1998. One of Mark's family found it and passed it around at Christmas. We had some good laughs at how no one is paying attention to John Michael in the high chair in the back, and yet is the only one acknowledging the photographer with that sweet little hand up. It appears he isn't waving just hand up. Throughout the Christmas weekend we would look at John Michael and just put a hand up. He was a good sport and played along as well. He's just as cute now as a freshman in college as he was at almost 16 months old.

 

Dad, Ralph and Catherine are looking pretty good as well.

 

One Year Today

Keith and I moved to Parkside Retirement Community on Jan. 26, 2015.
It doesn't seem possible it is already a year.
We have a very nice apartment with an atttached garage and our own laundry.
They serve 3 meals a week - and we have to eat 4 a month.  The food is very good.
Keith is doing well.  He helps me with everything. We walk quite a bit in the long halls.
There are about 40 units here.  Right now there are several for sale.
We like it here but at times we still miss our old home on Fernwood.

Love, Alice

Back home in Illinois

Ada and I returned to a very cold Illinois.  When we came up Center Street at noon the bank's thermometer registered "0" .  We returned after being gone for nearly five weeks.  We spent the week prior to Christmas in Jax at Angels's since Nathan did not have school.  I have already posted pictures of Christmas 2015 with the Christensen's.  It was marvelous having all of our children, grandchildren, and great grandchild in Florida.  The weather was perfect, in the mid 80's so the kids were able to partake of all the things that teenagers do in the sun.  For Ada and me, we were overwhelmed knowing that our family now has memories that they will be able to share for many years to come.

After Christmas, Ada and I returned to Indian Rocks Beach, where we have spent nearly 7 or 8 winters at 50 Gulf Condos on the beach of the Gulf of Mexico.  The first week was awesome, but the second week was cool and rainy.  We returned to Jax for one night to say goodbye to Angela, Jerry, and Nathan.

On the way to Illinois, we went through Anderson, SC and spent a night with Lynn and Mim.  Mim fixed us an outstanding

dinner and Ann Bailes came over for the evening.  Lynn and Ada really enjoyed sharing stories for their childhood in Gridley and compared all the differences.  Of course, Jay, Ralph, Alice, and Lynn were virtually gone when Ada was little.  It was interesting, for an outsider, to listen to all the "old town Gridley names" came up.  Who lived where, which houses were torn down or moved, and which relative owned what business.  Of course this old Chenoa boy "smiled" when Harry Hill's name obviously came up!!

We are thank full that we traveled safely, our family was together for Christmas, and that we were able to visit Ada's older brother.  We give God all the credit and praise for allowing this.

I will attempt to add a picture of Ada and Lynn, picture of baby Jett Heather text us, and just some other various one left over.

Ada and I wish each and every one of you good health and happiness in 2016.

The older I get, I think The road gets longer, and in many respects more difficult and complicated, but the Lord has assured us that the reward the end will be with Him on streets of pure gold.

Happy New Year!

Every year has it's ups and downs; last year had perhaps more than others. We have so much to be thankful for including ending the year on a real high note with a trip to JAX. Thanks to Ang & Jerry for hosting! I thought I'd share a few of my photos from the trip and take a moment to wish you all the best in 2016!

I call this one "Sunrise Selfie"

Grace kayaking

Owen explaining something while sailing

the entire Christensen family spent several days at Angela's house in Jax Florida.  The weather was perfect for trips to the beach, eating at outdoor restaurants, and driving go carts on a track!!   We made rockets and launched them and spent time in Angela's pool.
the pics above are 1)  Heather and Jett, who stole all the attention, 2) Jason, Jerry, and Janice 3) Kelsie made this gold leaf poster for Heather...the love of sisters, 4) duplication..sorry 5) Grandpa Jerry and Jett, really had fun,  6) Ada and I spend time doing adult coloring...this is my latest.
Our family had an awesome time and made tons of memories fotr Christmas 2015 in Florida.  All Illinois residents have returned to Illinois except Ada and I.  We will leave Sunday to go farther south in Florida for a couple of weeks.
Hope all our Illinois family is safe, warm, and your electricity is on.   Happy New Year to all of you from our family and Blessing for a Healthy and Safe 2016.

Time For Some Nostalgia

The week between Christmas and New Year's - time to do a few things that there is ordinarily not much time to accomplish.  Including looking through old photo albums and finding pics to share!  These are from some of my folks' albums.  My apologies in advance to those who might see some themselves in some long-ago cute photo.  :-)

I'm pretty sure that that is Mary that Grandma K. is holding.

...and you can certainly tell whom this cute smile also belongs to.  :-)

Maybe a July 4 party?

 Ada - you are beautiful.

This may be a repeat from sometime ago--

OK - hope this now not-so-young man is not too unhappy to see himself on here--this was TOO CUTE not to close out this post with!!  :-)

Greetings from Jax

Greetings from Jacksonville, Fl.  Ada and I have been here for a couple of days watching Nathan who is on Christmas break.  Angela, Kelsie, and Ada have been making candies and cookies in anticipation of the arrival of the rest of our family.  The entire Christensen family will be here in a few days.  We are anxiously waiting for a fun family gathering.  I have not posted for some time so this is making sure I still have the correct logons.
The picture above is out Angela's back door.  The dog, Jackson, really fond of his grandmother and this Klop loves Jax!!!   Believe that.  We will be back in a few days with some pics of our gathering, until then, Merry Christmas to all of you!!

Baby Audrey

Hi everyone! Here are some photos of my little one, Audrey, who just turned 2 months this week. It's fun to watch her grow and discover the world around her! What a blessing.

DAP -- "Day At Perry's 12-12-15

2015 DAP was a huge success with 30 present to experience the usual delicious food offerings and good fellowship in the old "homeplace".
                  Here are some of the guests....sorry I did not get everyone...
                                  Reminder: Click on photos to enlarge.

                        A balmy record-setting temp day of 66 degrees greeted us!

                                        Kathleen K., Liz E., Perry & Carol

                                                Perry II,  Keith & Alice
                                       

                                        Anderson S., David E., Sarah E.

                              Ellie S., Phoebe & Carter Knobloch (Jake's), Dave, Judy,
                              Perry, Carol, Anderson S., David E, Heidi E, Julia E.

Christmas dinner at Perry's

Perry and I invite the family to our home at noon on Saturday, December 19, for our annual Klopfenstein  Christmas dinner.  Please let us know if you can come! ---Carol

Week-end in KC

Friday, we took Carter with us and drove to KC.  It was his 12th birthday so we celebrated with cake and presents.  Maria also included Perry's birthday since it was a couple of weeks earlier.  On Saturday, we went to Scheels.  Maria and I and the children rode the Ferris wheel while Perry walked around pushing Jonas in the stroller.  If you ever get to Springfield or any place that has a Scheels---it is worth your time to check it out!  We drove home on Monday.  Agreeable, easy going, Carter was a delight to have along. ---Carol

For Hire?

While our Midwestern family has most likely put your mowers away for the winter, we are glad that Dad got out to mow part of their yard today. It's great to see he has regained the strength to do this as well as plan to go to church again tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Perry

We enjoyed eating out with the Endress bunch on Sunday and having the Schieler bunch over for cake and ice cream on the 12th.  Dale Stickling was also with us.  He works for Glenn during harvest.  We are thankful for our many blessings and for Perry's health and energy to still enjoy his work on his 77th birthday.  ---Carol     PS  Carter (who is almost 12) broke his ankle while skateboarding.