Brewer's Benchmarks

Strange Girl

2010-02-22T16:54:00.002-05:00

Valerie at Christmas - her hair "a Christmas Tree" - her personal version of the "cone heads"

October Florida vacation 2009

2009-11-23T07:48:00.016-05:00

Crazy laptop. The mouse jumps so when you are trying to delete one thing, the mouse jumps and deletes another. This picture was to be farther down on the page. It was accidentally deleted and I can only add pictures on the top. This is Sonny and Lolly (me) on the glass bottom boat tour.

Unpacking. We stayed in the apartment on the left. Since tourist season was over, we had the beach, etc. to ourselves for the most part. No one was in the apartment on the right.

We had a full, fun trip to Florida. Below are some pictures of events that took place. I'll post more later.

One of the beautiful sunsets (or sunrises ~ they look alike in pictures) we witnessed from the balcony.Sonny, Lolly and Valerie enjoying the view of the Gulf of Mexico from the balcony
Jonathan and Jeff enjoying the beach. The water was surprisingly warm.
Everyone was actually checking out DeEtta's toenail design with is hard to describe, but it was very pretty. From left to right. Valerie, part of Patrick, DeEtta, Sonny, John (DeEtta's husband) Jim
Glass bottom boat ride. Rob, Amie and Phoenix looking at us as. Tina on the side and Madison asleep in the stroller. I thought the bottom would be glass, but instead the sides were. The only thing we saw through the glass was jellyfish.
Jeff and Jonathan entertaining cousins Patrick and Tyler
Sisters DeEtta and Lolly
Captain Valerie (at least for the duration of the picture)

Dolphins escourted the boat.

2009-10-13T23:32:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Lolly

2009-10-07T11:52:00.002-04:00

This is what 55 candles burning looks like. Yes, I blew them all out with one breath. But---it took 2 people to light them. Thank you Jason and Jeff. That way the first ones weren't melted down before the last ones were lit. Jim says you can't see the writing for the light. Jason and Sheri bought it. It said, "Happy Birthday Grandma".

Jeff is 18!!

2009-09-29T22:44:00.000-04:00

Jeff is 18. Our youngest. OW! Happy Birthday Jeff.

2009-09-29T20:35:00.002-04:00

Wild driver took off after the cameragirl. Ignore the first few seconds. :)

State Fair and Roof extras

2009-09-29T20:29:00.001-04:00

Some random pics of this past summer

2009-09-29T20:14:00.004-04:00

Above: Victoria giving a "body slam" to Valerie.
Below: Playing in the water

I sure do love this little gal.

Helping water the plants.

August happenings

2009-09-16T10:36:00.009-04:00

Jonathan turned 22 on Aug. 19.

At the end of the day Valerie took a picture of weary NY State Fair goers.

Valerie standing with the living statues at NY State Fair.

The wolf took honorable mention at the NY State Fair. It is the one I made Jason for Christmas 2008.

Sheri watching Victoria as she goes from one place to another.

At the playground

Supervisors must wear hard hats at construction sites.

Finally done with the roof. Thanks to fine sons who were such a blessing.

17 Months---Not 17 years, YET

2009-08-22T11:54:00.004-04:00

Victoria had already tried the lock with her plastic keys with no success so she decided to try the handle. She pushed buttons, changed keys, everything, but never did get it to work. Some plastic isn't worth much I guess.

New roof

2009-08-22T11:37:00.002-04:00

Jim, Jason, Jeffrey and Jonathan put a new roof on the backside of the kitchen area. Shingles had blown off last year. When they got up there, Jim and Jason found there were 5 layers of shingles to remove. I didn't get a picture of them when they were done, but they looked like chimney sweeps after a full day's work.

Riding a horse

2009-08-02T20:41:00.001-04:00

Jason and Victoria riding a war horse at the Renaissance in NY

Renaissance Fair in Sterling NY

2009-07-29T08:35:00.012-04:00

Valerie made costumes for the Renaissance. The boys are wearing their "Brewer coat of arms" decal on their tunics. (She did not make the pants--just plain jeans from the 2000's :)) The snood (hair net type cap for women) was made a few years ago by Valerie --with Mom's help since it was very tedious. The swords are the boys' own possessions. Yes, they are real. Here we are getting ready to go. The day, though very, very warm, was not bad--no rain and plenty of shade if needed.

Waiting outside the gate.

Victoria enjoyed a "war horse" ride with Daddy. Here she is waving at the end of her journey. She seemed fascinated with the horses.

Jonthan and Jeff leading the way somewhere--Valerie following in the red dress.
Jim is on Valerie's right in the white hat.

Val with Sir William --the victor--after the joust.

Sir William before the joust.

Jonathan, Jeff and Val consulting the map/schedule.
If you double click on the picture you can see the detail in Valerie's snood better (her "hair net") You can also see Jeff's chainmail shirt between the black tunic and the white shirt.

He even made the rings (for the chainmail) themselves. It probably weighed a good 10 pounds. Jeff, Val, Jason,Victoria, Sheri and Jonathan

Jumping Through June and July

2009-07-24T11:02:00.008-04:00

Jonathan was asked to speak at church Sunday night.

Happy birthday, Craig.

Birthday dinner at the Chowder House. Snow globe where we can put our picture in the center. Gift from Jonathan, Valerie and Jeffrey for our anniversary.

At the dining hall at Victory Grove Camp

Valerie turned 20.

Valerie and Skippy at the

Wal-Mart Company Picnic.

Our little driver

2009-07-04T15:48:00.004-04:00

Whee, this is fun. May I please have the keys now!

Phil & Deborah

2009-06-30T08:58:00.012-04:00

All the way from St. Lucia Island!

May 23rd, 2009

A Family Picture before parting paths.

Picnic in the back yard with Sharon our neighbor.

This is NOT the proper stance!

Starting a healthy competition with the wii.

Who hit whom with a golf ball? Remember?

Deborah loves to walk, which is going to keep Phil literally on his toes.

Deborah is a commited Christian and a real thinker.
She is presently studying for her U.S. citizenship and doing VERY well.

Philip, (Jim's brother) and his new bride come for a visit.

Deborah is from St. Lucia Island and holds a masters in accounting.

Belated Mothers Day Gift

2009-06-26T09:48:00.003-04:00

Jonathan now home from college with a

Mother's Day Gift from Penn View Auction.

Valerie's Grad Party

2009-06-26T09:37:00.005-04:00

Our Celebrity with guests in the background.

Thank you all for making her day all the more special.

The Chocolate covered Strawberries, provided by

Lolly Boss, Deb ~ the Rave was Made! Thank you!

The roses return to set the scene.

Valerie's Recent Creations

2009-06-18T19:58:00.003-04:00

This is the Renaissance Outfit that looks very patriotic.

Cleaning the rental property

2009-06-02T10:57:00.013-04:00

A baby snake and a few worms--the reason we needed to clean up around the shed on our property in Pennsylvania.

We burned a lot of stuff and the rain took care of the end of the fire.

Taking a much deserved break.

Yeah! The chuck wagon with "the cook" Cheryl. Most welcome break. Thanks Cheryl.

Valerie checking progress in the dumpster

Cleaning the bottles, cans and other stuff.

Tearing the lean-to off the shed.

Sporting a hat he found to protect his head, Jim is glad most of the work is over

Dumpster full!

Dave wondering why they (Dave and Cheryl) ever let in this motley crew.
We were very thankful for a shower, bed and food. Great friends.

Flat tire. :(

Staying at the Hicks' and getting Jonathan

2009-06-02T10:53:00.003-04:00

Rev. Steve and Connie Hicks gave us food and shelter as well as great fellowship on our way down to school to bring Jonathan home for the summer. Thanks Steve and Connie. Jonathan received a $100 scholarship. Every little bit helps.

Trip to the zoo

2009-05-27T14:58:00.013-04:00

Uncle Jeff gets to tote Victoria around.

Though Daddy helped her feed the goats, she wasn't too sure if she liked them that close.

Our little tigress.

Sheri -- a lot of walking in this zoo, huh?
Jeff and Jason introducing caterpillars to Victoria (who picked it up and almost squashed it in the process).

Afterwards we had a backyard picnic. Jim sittting by the kabobs--first time we tried to make them. The carrots were not done all the way and the potatoes just barely done. We liked them anyway.

All around the table.

I liked them even though the carrots were a little crunchy.

Jason has his own idea about kabob skewers. What station can you get, Jase?

At the end of the long day we enjoy the chimnea. Sooo relaxing.

Valerie's Senior portraits

2009-05-18T07:41:00.012-04:00

We are 2 seasons late in getting them done, but here are some of Valerie's portraits for her senior year. She got her GED last fall.

Here's for you Amie

2009-05-07T09:34:00.005-04:00

John Allison--bro-in-law--is the dude (camera man for the family pics) in white on the left. Below , the listing of everyone else. Valerie is here also.

We started blogging after Feb. 2008 so my family pics did not get on (as we told Amie, my niece, they were). So here they are belatedly--1 1/2 years. The younger ones are Patrick, Rheanna, and Tyler Allison in the front (l to r).Amie, her dad Sonny (Eugene)--my brother, DeEtta Allison (my sis), Lois Wrigley ( my brother Tom's girlfriend), and Tom--my brother. John Allison( DeEtta's husband) can be seen in the reflection of everyone there--he's holding the camera. HaHa!

Jonathan update

2009-04-29T16:00:00.005-04:00

Jonathan was home for a week in the spring and shared his pics from New York City (field trip at college) and school spirit week where they do crazy things--dress weird, etc. If you know Jonathan, you know his hair lays perfectly all the time, so for this "updo" he really had to work. I wake up like that. Hehehe.

Notice his shirt is on backward. Feels funny just to look at it.

Spring!!!

2009-04-13T12:11:00.001-04:00

Jason, Sheri, and Victoria came for a visit this past weekend. Here the munchkin is carefully checking out the daffodils which did very well this year.

The Piano Player

2009-04-13T12:06:00.005-04:00

Mommy Sheri helps Victoria reach the keys. Note the deep sense of concentration. MMM--Now which key is loudest??? (She actually prefers the higher keys.) The picture is blurred because the camerawoman isn't steady, apparently.

Girls and Gummy Bears

2009-04-13T11:46:00.003-04:00

Aahhh, Youtube music (??). What treasures we find. :)

Valerie, Victoria and "Numa, Numa"

2009-04-13T11:25:00.003-04:00

A little sense of rhythm to a foreign song. Victoria even joins in--maybe she knows the language. Ha Ha

Happy Birthday Sheri

2009-03-07T07:35:00.005-05:00

Today is Sheri's birthday. We don't seem to have a really good picture of her alone. :( But we want to wish her a really happy birthday. We went over yesterday to spend some time with them.

Here she is opening her gifts.

My camera didn't take too good a picture.

So ---I picked some cute ones of Sheri from the past.

Here they are getting ready to move from Cobleskill to Johnstown

This was last Christmas time.

At the end of the day,

Victoria gave Mommy a foot massage as a bonus gift.

Daddy's girl

2009-03-02T11:10:00.002-05:00

Here is a link to a video type clip of Jason and Victoria. Sheri made it and did a super job. Hope you enjoy--hope it works :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sddlr-8hDaI

Doris' Birthday

2009-02-26T12:30:00.003-05:00

Books to read, stationary to write upon,

and cards to reach out and touch someone!

We've ate so much cake of late~

we thought we'd try a birthday PIE!

Victoria's party

2009-02-23T10:03:00.009-05:00

These are out of order, but the party was sooo nice. Sheri was such a smooth hostess.

When she ate her cake, Victoria started out so daintily, just touching it with her finger tips.

Then she picked up the whole thing and enjoyed herself.
Sheri did a great job on the party (lasagne, homemade rolls, and lots more) and she even made the cake.
Here Victoria is peeking into a gift bag.

Here she checks the tags on a stuffed animal (Jeff's gift).

At the end of the day a tired party girl sleeps for Grandpa.

I'll bet Jason and Sheri slept well that night, too. :)

West Virginia hills

2009-02-16T12:00:00.003-05:00

Trip extras

2009-02-16T11:16:00.008-05:00

I think the top eye is Valerie and the second one is Jeff. They were looking through a hole in the pole and experimenting with camera shots.

Fog in PA that limited sight to 1/10 of a mile.

Ice coating on the car in W. Va. Ahh, freezing rain.

God certainly granted us traveling mercies.

The "Peachoid" water tower near Gaffney, SC

Candidate for the AARP magazine cover

2009-02-06T17:24:00.003-05:00

Hamming it up, Jeff struts his stuff. (Our Jeff and Haley aren't impressed. They continue to play Wii. Ahhhh. Kids today.)

West Virginia visit

2009-02-06T15:20:00.007-05:00

We got to visit with my cousin Linda, her husband Jeff, daughter Haley and my Aunt Mary. We always have a great time there.

I finally got to see Aunt Mary make "Hungarian". MMMMM good.

Haley
Aunt Mary and Linda watching everyone with the Wii

Linda's granddaughter, Ansley. Such a sweetie and sooo perceptive. She likes the pirate life (complete with the loot-notice the necklace).

Cut throat pirate Grandpa Jeff with a namesake, Jeff

LOCATED: Big Foot and he wears Hanes socks.

South Carolina

2009-01-29T17:22:00.007-05:00

We visited with Rev. Ken and Ruth Rice. We always enjoy fellowship with them and the folk there. (See, this is a good candid of you both!!)

The church we attended while there. Jim preached twice on Sunday.
The housing on the church property. This is where they housed us. Great accomodations!!

The fellowship meal (pot luck is always lucky there) in the fellowship hall. We ate between services .

Where we stayed

2009-01-29T16:31:00.006-05:00

Any one feeling the call to teach should check these accomodations. This is the home on the church property.

Eating breakfast in the dining room.

Valerie getting breakfast.
The master bedroom

One of the two living room areas.

Sooo relaxing.

Vacation down south for Doris

2009-01-29T16:05:00.006-05:00

While we went to South Carolina and W Va Doris stayed with Jim's (and Doris') brother, Keith and his family.

We stayed in Ben's room on the way down south as he was away at work. Here he is returned and getting ready to go again. Thanks for the bed, Ben. :)

Kyle was in cyber school. Here he is "in action".

Tyler (on break) and Sue (in the back row) then Keith and Marcos . Doris is in the front sporting a broken shoulder. Thanks Keith and Sue for helping out and for letting us stop in and sleep each way . We enjoyed the short stays.

GBS Quartet

2009-01-29T15:47:00.005-05:00

This is the morning the God's Bible School group left. Cold and Snowy. They did a wonderful presentation with their music and testimonies.

Jonathan is standing by the PR man who spent the night in our home.
The pianist stayed here also. She and Valerie are checking out the computer possibilities.

Knights

2009-01-17T07:39:00.001-05:00

Jonathan and Jeff enjoying some horseplay while we opened Christmas gifts.

Picking and grinning

2009-01-12T16:07:00.003-05:00

Grandpa is always trying to find ways to entertain Victoria. He is showing her a video clip of herself.
No, Grandpa. I think this one sounds better. Let me try it.

Major Moments and Brewers' Benchmarks at Brewers' Blog

2009-01-12T14:46:00.002-05:00

We were able to see Larry, Sharon and Laura New Year's Day. Here they are looking great.

I had some video clips of Victoria, etc. but am having trouble getting them to load. I hope to share those soon.

Christmas pictures

2009-01-12T07:41:00.006-05:00

Bowling

2009-01-06T09:25:00.007-05:00

Since we used 2 lanes (one for boys and one for girls--make the competition fair) sometimes Mom and Dad were both up to bowl so Grandpa got to entertain the little pumpkin

Victoria checking out the scores (actually she was probably watching for Mommy)

Doris holding a colorful bowling ball just for fun

Jason waiting for the ball to return

Sheri doesn't even want to know what it did.

Got everyone smiling.

Car igloo

2009-01-06T09:23:00.001-05:00

I opened the van door to get the windshield scraper and this is what I saw on the other side.

Cross stitch.

2008-12-31T09:46:00.004-05:00

I made these little snowmen ornaments for Jim to give to his guys at work.

I FINALLY finished Jason's wolf for Christmas. I worked on it off and on for 2 years. Jim found an excellent frame and matting for it. If you click on it to enlarge it, it may show the detail better.

Ransom letter

2008-12-31T09:43:00.002-05:00

We wanted James to come home for Christmas but he has an aversion to driving. Valerie tried to tempt him to come home by holding some of his gifts hostage. The price was a trip home. I guess we will have to mail the rest to him (or charge him storage-hehehe).

Open house at work

2008-12-31T09:25:00.007-05:00

It was hard to get a picture of the llama as it kept wanting to move a lot.
Valerie getting her hand painted (candy cane design) instead of her face.

Jim doing the "child's identification" packet. (fingerprint, pictures, etc. in case a child becomes missing)

There was an open house for the families of WalMart at Jim's place of work (warehouse). We went and got free balloons (standard policy wherever there are kids), door prizes, pizza, donuts, and a petting zoo.

December's Memories

2008-12-26T09:51:00.006-05:00

He looks like he is enjoying this way too much!

Jason's Birthday ~ Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T08:58:00.009-05:00

Gifts and cash for computer. Of coarse Victoria is not far away. We try to celebrate Jason's birthday early since Christms eve is a bit busy. This year's celebration date was Dec 3rd.

Sheri and Valerie decorated the cake.

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-14T13:55:00.006-05:00

These went into the freezer.

These pictures are all backwards--sorry. Valerie and I spent 4 1/2 hours baking cookies the other day including clean up time. :) We've only done this about 3 Christmas seasons. We froze the bulk of them to pull them out as we eat the ones in the cookie bowl.

Doris sampling the end results.Lemon Squares before the powder sugar topping.

We kept a few of each kind out to eat.

Getting ready

Mixing the dough

Finding toys for Victoria

2008-12-14T13:39:00.003-05:00

Here Victoria is loving Val's bear.

Toys for Victoria

2008-12-14T13:10:00.002-05:00

Since we haven't had little ones around our house for a looooong time, we had to be resourceful. We ran the mouse through the dishwasher so she could chew on it

Valerie's "underwear"

2008-12-13T10:27:00.003-05:00

This is the hoop skirt Val made with a sheet and pvc pipe--(or is it pcv???). Any way, it took her and her father long enough to figure how to connect it properly for a skirt.

Funny new face!!!

2008-12-12T11:14:00.004-05:00

Victoria has discovered a new face. We think maybe she is feeling her new teeth on the inside of her mouth. She now has 4 of them--teeth, not mouths. Hehehe! It cracks us up every time she does this.

Visiting Grandpa at work

2008-12-12T11:11:00.005-05:00

Victoria is giving (see the co-operation) Grandpa a thank you for his help in siding their house--a computer--actually the box description. The gift was at the house waiting for him to get home from work.

Happy Thanksgiving???

2008-11-30T15:34:00.002-05:00

Valerie likes to decorate other people, too. Mine is from college. The material was from the Harvest Home material draped around the altar at PVBI. Sis. Anna Smith made the colonial outfit. Jim's jacket is from Dave and Cheryl Sickler's wedding. The wig is Valerie's idea (batting!!) We only wore them for the picture.

Where is my Mommy?

2008-11-30T14:47:00.002-05:00

Valerie got a play wig on clearance. Jason thought it would entertain Victoria, but what an expression!

Diamonds in nature

2008-11-30T14:39:00.003-05:00

A diamond has formed on the left side of this bucket of rainwater. Cool, huh?

Bowling at James'

2008-11-10T09:11:00.012-05:00

Rewarding ourselves after bowling. Jeff and James at the far table. Kristen and Chris Ewing at the middle table. Jim and Valerie at the closest table. Lolly behind the camera. :)
Everyone watching scores...hoping the machine registers more than you just saw fall. Ha. Actually we watched the animated "cartoons" inbetween pin sets.

Valerie watching her latest roll.

James' friends Chris and Kristen Ewing joined us making it even more enjoyable. Chris bowled and his wife cheered him on (and everyone else, too.)

Lolly letting go. Please, not the gutter again. :(

James ready for action. So do the computer games help your aim???

Jeff has his own style.

Chris Ewing waiting the "hit".

James by his car. He is hiding the dent caused by a recent deer hit. (No, he didn't kill the deer.)

Ladies were inside

2008-11-10T08:42:00.005-05:00

Traveling buddies carrying on a conversation.

Peeking over the chair.

Checking on the guys and the progress.

Victoria liked walking around with Valerie. Great freedom to explore.

Replacing melted siding

2008-11-10T07:57:00.009-05:00

We went over to Jason and Sheri's to help with the siding replacement where the fire had melted it.
Be careful, guys.

Jim and Jason putting siding on and Jeff helping on the ground.

Jeff helping out on the ground.

The ladder was heavy and hard to balance. Jim and Jeff placing it just right.

Jim tearing off the old melted siding.

Part of the rubble they tore off.

Happy Birthday, Jim

2008-11-02T13:54:00.004-05:00

Today is the birthday of the love of my life.

I wish him the best of everything. And all my love .

Happy 30th Birthday, James, Jr.

2008-10-26T13:32:00.006-04:00

We have no really current pictures of James. This top one is from Jason & Sheri's wedding in June 2007.

We loved him so as a toddler and are so proud of him now as an adult.

2008-10-22T15:44:00.001-04:00

God's paintbrush decorates the hillside outside Jim's place of employment.

Love Fruit???

2008-10-18T10:54:00.003-04:00

Valerie found this apple with the heart on it in a bag of apples we bought at the store the other day. No one has the "heart" to eat it yet. It will probably be the last one eaten. :(

Steve & Connie visit

2008-10-18T10:33:00.006-04:00

Steve and Connie Hicks, friends from PA were sight seeing the beautiful fall foliage. They stopped in and we went to a restaurant with a '50's decor. We really enjoyed the visit.

Valerie decided to dress for the occasion.

Here she is in her poodle skirt with '50's decor.

Connie and Valerie posing by the '50's decorations.

Fun at the Brewers

2008-10-14T11:15:00.005-04:00

Playing with chain mail.

Cuddle time with Mommy.

What time is it, Daddy?

More Fun at Brewers

2008-10-14T10:57:00.005-04:00

Daddy, can I have the car keys, please?

Yummy baby cookies. Messy baby cookies.

Men branching out

2008-10-14T10:19:00.004-04:00

Jason figuring out how to make coffee. He doesn't drink it. :( But it turned out fine.

I washed and Jim dried with flair. "Look, I can dry with both hands behind my back. I could do this blindfolded".

Coffee in bed

2008-10-12T17:21:00.004-04:00

A little late for posting, but I am thankful for my husband and his thoughtfulness.

The rose is a lavender from our rose bed.

The coffee tray Jim brought to me on my birthday. He would have brought breakfast, but I don't like to eat alone--I'd much rather join him at the table.

This is the greeting from my husband, on my birthday--coffee for two. MMMMMM.

Visit at the Brewers

2008-10-07T16:20:00.006-04:00

We stopped at Jason and Sheri's on the way home from Albany and visited. Sheri's mom and sister were there also. Jim bought a chocolate (!!!!!!) cake for my birthday. Yummy. Some pictures from the visit follow.

Girls rule (Hehehe) at least until the guys show up.
Sheri with her younger sister, Laura, her mom(Sharon), Valerie and Victoria.

Birthday Trip

2008-10-07T14:12:00.010-04:00

For my birthday (Yeah--I am 54 and was born in '54-cool, huh?) I asked Jim for a date. We went to Albany, NY and took the Aqua Ducks tour. It is a bus that tours the town (with a guide) for an hour. Then the bus "turns" into a boat that cruises the Hudson River for about 1/2 hour.Here are some sights we saw on the tour.

A replica of Henry Hudson's boat--the "Half Moon" The Governor's Mansion in Albany, NY

Gargoyles drain rain water from a church in Albany, NYThe "Egg" for live performances in Albany.

The is the capitol building in Albany, NY.

WWII monument in Albany NY. Waters on the sides symbolize the two oceans on the sides of the USA which is represented by the eagle. The waters are churning to represent the turmoil of feelings in the US at the time.

Jumperoo -- Live

2008-10-01T12:04:00.003-04:00

I am just learning the video blogging. Didn't realize we couldn't flip the clip.

Victoria goes on automatic pilot when you hold her under her arms instead of holding her hand or wrapping your arm around her. She thinks it is jumperoo time. It cracked me up. Hope you enjoy it.

Over traffic

2008-10-01T10:44:00.002-04:00

Riding over the highway on a bridge

Jeff on Bridge

2008-10-01T10:38:00.002-04:00

Bike Ride

2008-10-01T08:51:00.015-04:00

We hadn't gone biking all year. A few adjustments were made (Jeff and Lolly traded bikes soon after the ride started since a new seat made Lolly's bike sit too high to reach the pedals, and Jeff was too big for his old bike.)

A little too short to tie down.

Jeff and Val in the observation tower

Jim's male sense of justice finds this picture amusing. :D

Valerie did some drive by "shootings" for fun while she was riding, then we tried it on her--not as easy as it looks. Jim almost wrecked a few times and I wobbled while trying. We finally got one of her, too.

Jim waiting patiently for everyone to come down from the tower.

Lolly and Valerie on the watch tower.

Here is the turn point on one trail--one of the locks on the Erie Canal.

Here we ride by a highway and over the Erie Canal.

On the trip home some of us have to walk this uphill section. Jim had enough steam to make it to the top.

Jim & Lolly can still ride side by side without wrecking into each other. Especially Lolly who is on Jeff's bike here...

A beautiful day for a ride!!

7 Months

2008-09-27T10:06:00.008-04:00

Jason and Sheri had Victoria's picture taken at 7 months. She is a sweetie. She looks a lot like her mother.

New costume AND her GED

2008-09-27T10:00:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to our daughter who received her GED on this day. (Four down and one to go!!!)

Valerie made her medieval costume and finally finished it. The snood (fancy hair net) she also made.

Celebrating Jeff's birthday

2008-09-27T09:50:00.003-04:00

Since Jason, Sheri and Victoria came we decided to celebrate Jeff's birthday early a few days. His birthday is Monday. Jason (red sleeves) is instructing Jeff in the art of making chain mail. Material for chain mail was part of Jeff's birthday gift.

Surprise visit again!!

2008-09-27T09:10:00.008-04:00

Just chatting with Sheri.
Dinner time.

Grandpa and Grandma enjoy holding the munchkin, though occasionally she thinks she can take off and wander around the room. Soon, but not yet!

Summer flowers

2008-09-19T18:33:00.012-04:00

Here are some pictures of flowers Valerie took this summer. The first is a miniature rose. A tiger lily I rescued from the neighboring yard and planted out back. Roses of various colors.

A peace rose

Notice the red upper petal and how white the back of each petal is.

A pansy from the front flowerbox.

Irish cream (tan)

Valerie's creativity

2008-09-10T22:01:00.009-04:00

Don't have a heart attack because I actually posted more that once in a week (let alone a month.) I am getting the hang of some of this. Lolly

Valerie has taken on a hobby full speed ahead. She enjoys sewing and creating costumes. She combines patterns, alters them, or makes part of the design herself. Here she models some of her finished projects (including the hat).

Below are some dresses styled from the mid-late 1800's. She really enjoys making these. She possesses imagination and ability in this area that I have no idea where she got it. She did a great job and I am very proud (in a good sense) of her.

Fire next door

2008-09-10T08:32:00.008-04:00

Monday the house next to Jason and Sheri's caught fire. Sheri called 911 and went outside with Victoria. The fireball from the house next door was 2/3 of the way across the drive when the fire truck arrived. They lost a few outside windows, the siding and an air conditioner. All else for them was safe. We are thankful for the Lord's protecting hand.

Jason & Victoria (sleeping since she was so concerned) recording some of the scenes.

A close up of the melted siding.

Some of the damage on Jason & Sheri''s home.

The distance between the houses.

This is the neighbor's house.

Sunday School picnic

2008-09-08T18:27:00.004-04:00

Just visiting after the eating. Jim's sister, Doris, is on the right with the cane.

Jim getting ready to pitch horseshoes. He is the second from the right in the group with their backs toward the camera.

Croquet: Jeff is on the left with the mallet in the air. Valerie is in the blue skirt with pink blouse (back to us--She won this round) and I (Lolly) am hidden behind her head.

Visit from Jason, Sheri & Victoria

2008-09-08T18:11:00.007-04:00

Who is this celebrity? OH, ho--it's Victoria with her grandma. All ready for church Sunday.

Victoria fell asleep with Daddy on the swing. Sooo restful.

No, it's not double vision. Victoria (sporting a french braid) is also our wallpaper on the computer. Daddy is holding her.

Somebody is hungry!!!!!!.

NY State Fair 2008

2008-09-08T18:00:00.003-04:00

Lolly holding Victoria, Jeff, Jason & Sheri waiting for the parade.

Jim holding Victoria, Valerie, Jeff--watching the horse competitions.

Jason, Sheri and Victoria joined us for the day at the state fair.

2008-08-12T13:15:00.000-04:00

Before the parting of our paths, one final picture.

Our Pictures around the Carpenter Wedding.

2008-08-12T12:41:00.008-04:00

Enjoying the moment.

A real neat family.

Kisses for Mommy

Captured a Crab Cab

Enjoying the moment.

Grandpa receiving communication lessons from Victoria.

The Carpenter Wedding

2008-08-12T12:01:00.010-04:00

My brother "Mobster Phil" next to the getaway car! (Nice wheels!)

The Very Happy Couple ~ Mr. & Mrs. Carl Carpenter!

The Wedding Cake

MacKenzie and Corin

All of the children and the grandchildren were included. Mommy bringing Katie through!

These are the few pictures that turned out of my Eldest Sisters Wedding on July 26, '08.

We pray God's Richest on Carl and Ellen (Brewer - Wallisky) CARPENTER!

Mark (nephew) standing "off side" as final details are being ironed out by the women folk.

Chemo done--time to celebrate

2008-07-29T20:35:00.004-04:00

Doris and Philip enjoying a laugh at our celebratory dinner at Denny's restaurant. Doris finished her sessions of Chemo. Yeah!!

Jason, Sheri (out of sight) and Victoria joined us at Denny's Restaurant to celebrate.

The night ended with "Congratulations Doris" cupcakes with a butterfly.

Walmart Company Picnic at Water Safari

2008-07-29T19:58:00.011-04:00

Need more hot air????? Up, up and away.

Uh Oh--the boys are getting hungry (hey guys, thoses aren't real!)

Hot diggity dog---she's riding sidesaddle on a statue.

Jonathan and Jeff wave before ballooning away

A perversion of Hansel and Gretel

All aboard we are on the train ride that takes you through the "Enchanted Forest".

Crooked youth in a crooked house, and who picked these colors?!

Far right -- Jim and Doris in the scrambler.

Work day at the Pilgrim Church.

2008-07-24T22:07:00.004-04:00

Jeff playing in the biggest sandbox he has ever had! 4 feet deep. Jeff is on the right. He worked hard that day. Jonathan worked so hard that while the food was being passed, he passed out of exhaustion. (He fell asleep). Both boys were a big help, the walls were secured.

Birthday #19

2008-07-22T17:29:00.005-04:00

Tis hard to believe that our little ray of sunshine is now 19! She is growing in the Lord and we are very proud of the "Valiant" spirit that she possesses. We may keep her close to home for a while, for she is a young thing and cannot leave her mother (or father! And if'n they try, "They can have my gun when they pry it from my cold dead fingers! "

Happiness IS~

2008-07-05T09:47:00.002-04:00

having someone you love close to your heart.

2008-07-04T22:10:00.001-04:00

Jason, Sheri and Victoria at Victory Grove Camp in Schenectady, NY on July 4th, 2008.

Bouncy, Bouncy, Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun!

2008-07-04T21:44:00.004-04:00

Our little kicker gives us quite a kick, ~ watch!

Wallisky Visit!

2008-07-03T20:52:00.006-04:00

July 3rd, a surprise visit from birthday girl Julie, Jim's nephew, Mark and their children Chris, Rachel, and Tim.

Grillmaster Jeff, Mark and Rachel.

The Ladies in the kitchen saute' onions.

Happy Birthday Julie!