Recently in Traditions Category

With a little help from my friends i.e. "pier pressure," the lake season ended today.

The hate to see these skeletons.

Now where do I go?

Only 140 days 'til spring!!!

Now THIS is a Sparkler!

Truly, truly grandkids are part of the American Dream

Clara and Tracy surprised us with a visit for the Fourth of July. Actually, they hitched a ride with the "hired" hand (Grampy Steve) after he spent the week in Atlanta working around the house for Tracy. Meanwhile, Sarah and Rachel were at church camp in Florida while I kept Shadow, Daisy and Duke company at home.

Clara and Duke face off while waiting for Sarah and Rachel to get home from camp.

Stop, drop and.........LOVE!!!!!

Bubby love

Grampy love

Grammy love

Girly love

Mommy love

Missin' Daddy's love (We missed you too, Nate)

Time for more imprinting :)

The Grand Finale of the weekend included our Five Weekend Warriors who decided they all wanted to ski together on the busiest weekend of the year.........just becuz!

I could be wrong, but I think you're supposed to huddle in football, not water skiing

Notice the spectators watching from shore in awe! Notice Angela on the far right. She had only skiied twice before --- and the second time was just before this photo! (What a great sport!)

The boat crew

Living, and loving, the American Dream

Yesterday marked the 18th year of our Princess Sarah's birth. It was no ordinary day nor one that history will forget.

The celebration began on April 30th with a journey to Pennsylvania for the National Christian School Athletic Association National Track and Field Meet. After a short practice joust, the Lords and Ladies from Lakeland Christian Academy enjoyed a royal feast of pizza at the round table . . . . . followed by a Castle of Cookies.

After ample beauty sleep, Princess Sarah awoke invigorated for a day of friendly competion and comradery. But first, a little good luck with a wave of her magic wand and hugs from her Royal Court.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Let the May Day competition begin!

And indeed, Sarah and LCA fared well and added more jewels to their crowns.

Five years ago, a certain young lady begged her father to build this faction.
Yesterday, the top five highest scoring senior high females were all proudly represented by LCA and the LCA Senior High Girls won the NCSAA crown.

Jo Boren donned the gold crown as the leading scorer and in her court were the only two remaining ladies from the first LCA track team: Sarah and Jamie Duchane.

Steve certainly felt like a king to have had the opportunity to coach such fine young ladies.

The fairy tale ending is that these two young ladies who have been competing side-by-side for the past five years actually tied for second place and therefore proudly and graciously shared the silver crown.

The Princess returned home in her carriage late last night and had another night of sublime sleep. No peas under this princess' mattress ---- because they were served at today's Royal Feast of Poppyseed Chicken!!!
(The tradition continues)

So now my dear Princess, you must return to reality . . . . . . .but we'll meet you at the castle in July! (Neuschwanstein, here we come)

The beginning of another epic:

For better or worse, you are stuck with us Clara........and after an entire week with you on vacation, it's obvious that we are stuck on you!

Mesmerized:

Enamored (but still able to multi-task):

In ageless awe:

Grampy gaze:

Still amazed:

As you can see, my focus of this vacation was different than previous family vacations, but we did find some interesting foliage:

. . . and some Easter eggs:

. . . and some awesome cooks:

. . . and some sun:

. . . and some sleep:

. . . and time for a 4-gen family photo:

. . . and lots of Euchre:

. . . and lots more lovin':

In case you don't know, Mommy's not the only one that loves you, Clara.

. . . and you aren't the only one crying that our week together is over :o(

And an infinite number of hugs to GREAT Grampa and Gramma for bringing us all together!!!

Ate too much for Thanksgiving dinner or Hoosier Hysteria?

Neither.......Introducing "Stubs."

According to Tracy herself: "Aptly named because instead of tears of joy upon seeing my baby on screen, I shouted "Look at the stubs! Do you see the stubs Nate?" I'm sure the ultrasound technician has heard worse...right? (Lucky for me, Nate redeemed us both by pointing at the screen and asking, "Is that the baby's heart beating?" Nate wasn't interested in stubs, he was more awed by being able to see the heart--he's a good Daddy.)"

Well, as you can see "Stubs" is growing well (and becoming much cuter) and Mommy is glowing despite a few rough months in the beginning. We are confident that Stubs will be the most beautiful grandchild in the world. Afterall, look at Sarah and Rachel. They started out as "Emil Angus" and "Cheeseball" and I think they turned out just fine!

Obviously, Sarah and Rachel are ecstatic about becoming aunts in February. (We are excited too, but is anyone under the age of 60 ever feel old enough to be a grandparent?) Too bad Atlanta is so far away.

. . . and so we enjoyed our first Thanksgiving gathered around Tracy's dining room table with multiple branches of different families with common roots united. And yes, Steve travelled to Atlanta the day after his Achilles tendon surgery AMA!

Our midnight shopping tradition was cut a little short because our mother-to-be Tracy didn't have quite the stamina (or Red Bull) as in years past, but we managed to fill a few shopping bags, sleep for a few hours and then went back to Tracy's for a 2pm "breakfast" of Old-Fashioned Cream Pie! (Definitely one of the best parts of Thanksgiving in my mind!)

Wasn't this just last year?

Nope.......1997........which was also probably the last time Steve and I went to a Halloween party!!!

Nowadays, we cater our schedule to our hallowed teens and their parties.

This year: Napoleon Dynamite (and his pet llama, Tina) with cohorts Deb and Kip.

Sandy and Danny from Grease

But the most "important" part of Halloween????

The Pumpkin Farm!!!

This Presidential parade of pumkinheads is amazingly close to real life!
(and they also kinda look like the presidents too)

The Wonderful World of Disney . . . and more beyond your wildest imagination!

Nothing quite measures up . . .

For years, Sarah and Rachel shared the pilgimage to the pumpkin farm with Gramma Jane and Grampa David . . . . . for memories beyond measure

The cinnamon roll birthday breakfast and the poppyseed chicken birthday dinner are about as constant as the twinkle in Rachel's eyes.

Sarah made the day even more special by getting up early to have breakfast with her sister and then prepared a beautiful birthday table for dinner. She gave Rae a special "Sister Twins" birthday card and a "sisters" necklace followed by a manicure and pedicure.

When the girls were small, they wanted to dress alike and ran around singing "We're the sister twins!" Now they are appalled at each other if the other one wears something even remotely similar and they yell at each other if one of them wears the other's clothes without asking or doesn't return an item to it's proper place. But when there is some important event, they each consult the other about what to wear and how to do their hair.

Sarah has already admitted that when she goes to college next year, she will be lost without Rachel . I'm thankful I had a brother, but even more thankful that I was blessed with girls and the chance to experience sisterhood vicariously.

Even though seventeen seems much older than sixteen, our little princess still has some little girl left inside her rapidly maturing mind and body. She still holds tight to her birthday tradition of poppyseed chicken and "numeric" bread. This year she also had a special surprise treat from her boyfriend, Joel. (Notice the one extra-special cupcake for Sarah --- and the extra gray hair I got just from typing the word boyfriend in the same sentence as Sarah!)

Each year I patiently wait for the ice to leave the lake so that I can put the pier in the water and each year the lake residents gage the arrival of spring with the day our pier goes in. So anyway today is a bad day. My wife left me and I woke up late. Prior to driving Rachel to school I walk down the sidewalk to check the ice. Bummer, the ice is about 4 inches thick and 20 feet from shore. Then I look east and west...what the heck the only ice on the lake is in front of my house! It must be a conspiracy of local home owners to prevent me from putting in my pier. Anyway the sun comes out the temperature reaches 68 degrees, I race home from track practice and the ice is gone. So first thing I need to do is pick up sticks. You can't drive over them or they embed themselves for ever. So I race to get that done. Walk through the garage put the hitch on the Jeep, back up and neighbor Joe Westendorf comes running over. (His doctor "Erin" may not approve.) Anyway Joe asks, in jest, if he can borrow a wrench to put his pier in. I respond with sure Joe no problem. He chuckles and says oh I was just kidding, you know the neighbors are wondering when you're going to put the pier in? I respond with, "well Joe funny you should ask, I am on my way back to pick up the pier and put it in right now." The look of disbelief on Joe's face was a memory that will last a lifetime." Yes, the pier is in and spring is here......God Bless us all.
Oh by the way my wife left me to go on a medical mission's trip to Guatemala with Sarah too! Rachel and I will try to survive without them but it will be tough. Sarah talks about being premed in college so this is a good trip. Premed, that would make us proud. But of course we are proud of all our children no matter what they choose to do in life. just don't make me a grandpa too soon.

We set 2 new benchmarks this year: I took the photo on the coldest day of the year and it was the fastest photo-shoot yet!

Christmas Eve, Candlelight, Crystal and Cards before Midnight Church

Critters......Cuddles and Cousins

Cute Couple (with custom stockings)

Christmas Cuties and Crazy Kids and Classics

. . . and of course, Cookies, Chocolate and lots of good Cheer!

Last year while visiting Tracy in Atlanta, Sarah and Rachel experienced the "ultimate" in Black Friday shopping. In a manner that only veteran professional shopper Auntie Carol could rival, the three girls headed to the grand opening of a new outlet mall. After an hour in traffic and another hour just trying to find a parking place, the girls finally began their mission more than an hour past the official beginning of Black Friday.......at about 1:30 am. In order to prepare for such a grueling night of shopping, they carbo-loaded on Nachos at Taco Mac's first and then caffeinated themselves with Mountain Dew all night long. They literally shopped until they dropped.

Since Sarah and Rachel inherited the "tradition gene" from me, it was no surprise that our trip to Atlanta this year included another Black Friday extravaganza. This year I was privy to all the fun.

First, of course, was our stop at Taco Mac's where the girls obviously got their first carbonation and caffeination for the night.

While I must admit it was fun (and there were some really good deals), I prefer to spend my hard-earned money without working so hard.

Yes, I did it again. I totally embarrassed my children by walking them into school and taking their pictures on the first day of school. (And Steve was with me too!)

So in case you're worried that these girls don't get much attention........Trust me. Neither Rachel or Sarah were alone at their lockers for very long. (It just took Rachel longer to learn her combo.)

My first real Mother's Day was 16 years ago. Today we celebrated that anniversary by also celebrating Sarah's 16th birthday (again) with (almost) the same nucleus of family that welcomed her into the world.

None of us will ever forget Aunt Penny's first remarks upon seeing Sarah for the first time: "Wow! What a cone head!" She also proclaimed that even though she vowed to love Sarah, "All babies are ugly." Five years later I had the privelage of being in the delivery room when Penny delivered Samantha . . . . Penny's first words when she saw Sam were: "She's so cute."

Perhaps one of the reasons tradition has such a stronghold in our family is because some of us never forget.

So, in keeping with tradition, we celebrated with a dinner of Poppyseed Chicken and the birthday number made out of bread . . . . followed by presents and cake.

Grampa David helped uphold a tradition older than me by presenting Sarah with a "closet gift." The #16 brass key chain was an "artifact" from the famly rendering business that was founded in 1917. Grampa David was the third generation to own and operate the ultimate recycling business and so another three generations later, this bovine ID tag was recycled into a key chain for Sarah. (I'm still not sure if the brass ID tag was worn in the cow's ear or around its neck, but we lead Sarah to believe the latter.)

One of the best gifts I received for Mother's Day was that Sarah helped get everything ready for her own party while Steve and I were playing in Chicago.

She even made a 3-layer cake all by herself to rival the fruit-jeweled crostini Rachel made me for my birthday.

I've said it before. I'll say it again. Life is Good!

I knew this day was coming, but it still happened way too fast!

At 1616 today, Sarah turned 16. (I think this is more difficult than childbirth, but equally as miraculous.)

May Day started with plenty of sunshine. Sarah popped up out of bed early and without any prompting and was greeted by a new full-length mirror. At 7 am, her boyfriend, Dylan, greated her with fresh flowers......and chocolate. Breakfast was a freshly-baked, warm lemon poppyseed muffin with the obligatory birthday candle and a present from Sarah's favorite little sister, Rachel. So far, so sweet.

We kidnapped both girls from school and the four of us had lunch at everyone's favorite: Cerulean. The complimentary chocolate-mint gelato was divine.

When Sarah arrived back at school, she was called down to the office and for a bouquet of 16 ballons (and chocolate) from our friends Courtney, Barry and "little e."

A few hours later, we headed off to a track meet. At Sarah's first meet this year, she set a new school record in the high jump at 4' 10". The only thing better than icing on her birthday cake, would be to break the 5' barrier..............Close, but not tonight.

So we ended a nearly perfect day eating dinner at Wendy's with the track team and then warm, molten lava cake at home.

What more could a girl want?

Oh, yeah . . . .

I guess Sweet 16 does mean
some kind of driving machine,
but she'll just have to wait
while we procrastinate.

Remember poor Dad and Mom
still aren't ready for prom,
so please let us get through the first date
and then we'll negotiate.

(Sorry for the bad "poetry")

....and the hard drive crashed on my laptop while on vacation last week and the Mexican ISP is about as reliable as ESP and my 8-year old photo-editing software got the 7-year itch and twitch and then there's this thing called work and motherhood that consumes every other minute of the day...............so THAT is why there are still no Akumal '08 photos posted from the annual Ten Grand vacation.

Here, however, is a quick synopsis:

Stay tuned . . . there's a lot more to come

The Boomerang Kid brought tradition back to Grandview Court today. We gathered around the table and gave thanks for togetherness, faith and healing. Everyone, was happy to be home.

The Ten Grand Clan

During one of their snow days last week, I commissioned Sarah and Rachel to shoot their own Christmas photo.  Didn't they do a fabulous job?  This is it and it's the only one they shot............before they dropped the camera in the snow.

Fortunately, the first photo was a keeper and the camera eventually dried out.

Christmas hugs to you.

To my faithful (though usually silent blog visitors.........hint, hint) I apologize for leaving you to ponder and squander your time on other venues. I attest that our life has NOT been quiet or boring but just that other matters have usurped my blog as a priority.

BENCHMARKS

You may recall from previous years, the annual photo of Sarah and Rachel with my niece and nephew, Samantha and Jeff. It benchmarks the amazing changes of childhood and now adolescence, but also pays tribute to their grandparents (my parents) for whom we placed a bench and planted a gingko tree at the library in North Manchester in 2000.

                                                                     Sarah, 15    Jeff, 7    Samantha, 10    Rachel, 12

In November, my Dad decided to set some benchmarks of his own as he describes below:

November 27, 2007: You can read about us every day: kids who leave home, then, for a variety of reasons, move back to live with their parents. I'm shooting for a place in the Guiness Book of Records as the oldest Boomerang kid at age 67! As you see, I'm now in the same recuperation unit as Mom & Dad at Peabody Retirement Community.

The femur repair was accomplished by insertion of a Zimmer titanium rod device. Everything is inside the bone; I need no external brace/cast. This type of repair is incredibly stable, but needs at least 6 weeks of healing before I can put weight on it. That means that I'm learning a bunch of new mobility skills and working some muscles that are not used to this effort. Yes, it's quite painful! I make sure I don't miss a single allotted pain pill!

Some of you have asked what impossible feat of athletic prowess or domestic clumsiness caused this incident? The fact is that I'd grabbed a late-night bite of licorice on my way to bed. As I turned from the snack drawer, I HEARD the crack of the bone, knew instantly what had happened, and hit the floor, ka-boom! Whether by luck of the way I landed, shock, or some combination, I did not suffer excruciating pain over the next two hours until Jane got a nature call before she heard me yelling!

So, what's next? As my family doctor said it, 'David, you've got a long road ahead of you.'

That journey has begun with incremental strengthening of muscles, and with tiny hops on my walker. I have a great team of professionals and a cadre of friends at my side. Here we go!

December 6, 2007: Fast forward (how long will that term still be in use?) nine days: It's amazing what 3 hours per day of ever-more-challenging therapy can do! If I can reach my walker, I am able to get in and out of bed, my wheelchair, my recliner, or the bathroom, basically unaided.

The meals here are very good and friends have made sure they're supplemented by ample licorice and other goodies!

December 12, 2007: Today was my follow-up visit with my surgeon. Everything is positive! The X-ray looks perfect, I can increase weight bearing from near-nothing to 25% tomorrow. I'm cleared to fly to Atlanta for Tracy's wedding on December 29. And I'm going HOME on December 23! It's no small irony that it was December 23, 1981, that I returned home following my coronary artery by-pass!

 

In 1981, I also received a novel graduation gift from my dad............a few shares in a treasure-hunting operation run by the now infamous Mel Fisher. As a share-holder, I actually had the chance to spend the day with one of his crews off the shores of Vero Beach, Florida. As we pulled away from shore, the crew faithfully proclaimed Fisher's mantra, "Today's the day," implying that today they would find the mother lode. I have a few Spanish coins circa 1700 from that adventure, but we did not find the mother lode. Four years later however, after many years, dollars, and personal tragedies, Mel Fisher hit the "Atocha" mother lode with over 40 tons of silver and gold.

Dad is going home today. The titanium in his leg is worth more than it's weight in gold and although he is eager to put this personal tragedy behind him, he has seen the silver lining in almost every painful step along the way. That is optimism............that is faith.

Today's the day  -  rejoice!

The twelve denotes not only her age, but also the minimum number of years before Rachel can date and the minimum number of satisfactory references that any prospective suitor must provide.

The annual Cancer Gala included the annual black tie cruise. Just moments after we picked up Buzz and Jane, we felt a few raindrops. We didn't even have time to leave the pier before we were showered and soaking wet. Thanks to Steve for covering the cockpit while the rest of us ran for cover.

" Messy Eggs" at the Brown Bag Deli for breakfast
New polka-dot shoes
Chocolate chip star-shaped muffins from Kaila
Birthday serenade from Mr. Shafer in the cafetorium at lunch
Four tests and a pop quiz in geometry
Flowers from Jamie, Kaila and Josh
Driver's Learning Permit (but after "beauty mark" on lip goes away)
New slippers for Princess from Daddy (Nike high jump shoes and Nike throwing shoes)
Track practice in the rain --- muddy new shoes =:o(
Dinner at Cerulean with Mom, Dad and Rachel
New clothes
Old movies: "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (Also one of Tracy's favorite movies)
New old movies: "Dream Girls"
Heartwarming movies: "A Walk to Remember" "The Noteboook"
Dance movies: "Step Up"
Silver cross
Steady faith
Chocolate cake

* * * CELEBRATE ! ! !

And we're not done yet!!!

Poppyseed chicken for classmates at school tomorrow
Family festivities TBA --- and TBSIS (to be squeezed in somehow)

Sorry the postmark is a little late!

2002

2003

2004

2005

Annie (Auntie) Carol is so elated to have Ms. Bucky back in her posession that she created Ms. Bucky's Blog. Check it out at http://msbucky.blogspot.com/

You can see what Annie Carol does with the rest of her spare time at:

www.mnclayfans.com

www.clayaikenfans.org

www.wasupclub.bravehost.com

http://www.joysongpins.bravehost.com/

Auntie Carol had a momentous birthday in January.

BBB

Fifty is nifty
Because it’s the only word that rhymes,
But we still hope your birthday was happy
And filled with real good times.

Bucky’s had quite a few adventures
And made a friend or two,
But home is where the heart is
And Bucky belongs with YOU!

If you are rabid with curiosity, click HERE for more insight into our family secrets!

May your Christmas be filled with love that keeps you warm all year long.

No, we did not get hit by a freak snow storm.

These are the infamous Jungbauer potato dumplings --- THE most important part of a Jungbauer Thanksgiving dinner.

Father and son bond over the art of making the perfect dumpling.

On my side of the family, the only real holiday culinary tradition is trash . . .

This is the "trash" that Gramma Stands always brought to family gatherings along with her ginger-soy veggie dip. The tradition continues.

Today, however there was something even more appetizing ---- served chilled at 46 degrees but under a 60 degree sunny broiler:

Steve's brother Mike joined us from Minnesota with most of his family: Vicki, Aubrey, Ariel and Caleb. Add Eric, Angela and Gramma Bev and we had an even dozen.

Pre and post dinner entertainment.

Tradition with a Twist

We began Rachel's birthday celebration last week at Winona Lake's newest Mediterranean-Sushi fusion restaurant, The Cerulean.

Rachel began planning her sushi celebration a year ago. Every year she puts a new twist on tradition, and every year the celebration seems to last longer and longer.

The traditional slumber party: complete with Poppyseed Chicken, Hide-and-Seek, facials, a dip in the hot tub, "The Worst of American Idol," charades, Silly String fights, ice cream "cake," cinnamon rolls and hazelnut chocolate chip scones for breakfast and a fresh bouquet of roses from Big Sissy, Tracy.

Rae ended the day with an afternoon of shopping in the city with Mom, Dad, and Sarah.

Just one of many rainbows we saw that day.

We closed the week-long celebration with home-made sushi and Gramma Stands' chop suey.

Since we somehow missed the traditional breadstick birthday photo, the chopsticks worked just fine!

Poppyseed chicken, noodles, peas, salad, breadsticks, chocolate cake, Breyer's vanilla ice cream and a table full of family. The only change is the number on the breadsticks each year.

Forever changing, forever the same. Rooted in tradition.
It's a beautiful evolution. Happy Birthday, Sarah. We Love You!!!

. . . for an Easter Egg hunt!

This year, however, the girls informed me that the Easter Bunny needed to make the hunt more challenging. He (she?) sent them on a scavenger hunt a few years ago, and they thought that was really fun.

So this year, I was commissioned by the great white rabbit to organize a more challenging adventure. Sarah and Rachel had to follow a series of clues hidden inside eggs (along with chocolate, of course) until they found their Easter baskets. I think Rachel figured out the clues faster than Sarah could read them.

Each of them found their baskets in the form of new purses loaded with goodies: Cheetos and Biscotti for Rachel and chocolate and soda for Sarah. (Since Sarah gave up chocolate and soda for Lent, this is what she then had for breakfast --- along with a few Peeps!)

The EB also spoiled each of them with a COACH wristlet.

After Easter Brunch at Gramma and Grampa's, each of the grand-daughters got "closet gifts" in their Easter baskets: each received a printer's box from Gramma Mary's collection and then took turns choosing trinkets to fill it.
(Jeff received an antique baseball bat, so we didn't let him come close to getting in the picture, but he's still as cute/handsome as ever.)

Every year the 4th grade class at Sacred Heart takes a 3-day camping trip to the Indiana Dunes. Although they sleep in cabins and have indoor plumbing including hot showers, this is still quite an adventure for some of the kids. Highlights of the trip include the solo night hike, the eight-hour day hike, running down the sand dunes, playing the "Salmon Run Game" at the lakeshore, and, of course, the campfire with silly songs and S'mores.

(Rachel is on the left in the cowboy hat.)

Everything they do from dawn until dusk for three days has an eco-lesson hidden in it somewhere, but they're having so much fun, they don't realize how much they're learning. They even look forward to kitchen duty and were sucessful in not having ANY food waste at meal time.

The last day of the trip, they met with a park Ranger. They split into groups and were each assigned a "dilemma" for which each group had to present a skit on how to solve the dilemma.

Some of the dilemmas were erosion and biochemical waste. Rachel's group had to solve the dilemma of what to do about the over-population of deer. They definitely walked away with the Emmy Award for "Deer or No Deer," a take-off of the popular (for reasons I do not understand) TV show "Deal or No Deal."

(A hunter and a frightened deer are on the left. Rachel is in the back holding one of the "suitcases.")

O my gosh!!! My daughter will most likely threaten to disown me (again) for posting this, but how could I resist? (Please help me out and cast your vote of support by posting lots of comments.)

New Year's Eve is typically a non-event for Steve and I. (Steve can barely stay up past 9 pm on a "late night," so New Year's Eve requires an extra-rigorous training schedule of multiple naps before midnight.)

New Year's Eve IS a big deal to Sarah and Rachel. When they were younger, they loved the challenge of trying to stay awake until midnght. They quickly learned that "if you stop, you drop." Staying up past midnight is certainly not a challenge anymore -- except for Steve.

Several years ago Anna (who is also my Godchild) came over for New Year's Eve and another tradition was started. Apparently, Anna is the only one her household that likes to stay up late --- or perhaps it's just that Anna is the only one her house that doesn't need beauty sleep????

Enough rambling. Here's what I found in my camera from New Year's Eve.

(Steve was sound asleep on the couch and I was at the hospital waiting to catch the New Year's baby. I had 2 ladies close to delivery at midnight and then my colleage did a C-section to bring in the first baby of the New Year. I hate cheaters!)

Not bad for amatuers, eh?

Christmas was all about "i"s this year. iPod, idog, I Spy and mostly "I can't believe my eyes!"

Sarah and Rachel both found speakers for their iPods in the bag that Santa left by the fireplace. Rachel was even more surprised to find a Fly Pen from Santa. (She had her first serious doubts about Santa this year.)

Steve was surprised to find an iPod Nano (in his favorite color, Darth Vader black) because he had "looked everywhere" to find an iPod for me only to find them all sold out. (He went to Indy after Christmas and came home with the 30G!)

Rachel talks to her idog. (And her idog talks back and dances to the music.)

Sarah has her eyes on boys these days. (I will have hair as white as Santa's soon.) Santa left her with some wise advice on a hot pink purse. "Forget love. I'd rather fall in chocolate."

The other big hit on Christmas day was the Spy Kit we gave to my nephew Jeff. Way, way too cool Agent 007!

The biggest surprise was probably for Bubby and Sissy. They still can't believe their eyes when they look at their "little" sisters.

(If you're wondering why they are sitting on the kitchen floor, it's because it is now the best, and hottest, seat in the house since we installed heated tile.)

Bubby also brought a few house guests along. You probably wouldn't have noticed anything if I hadn't pointed it out. Kara obviously fits right in and enjoyed our girly day at the Pottery Bayou.

Here's the real apple of Bubby's eye . . .

Dakota is also growing quickly and attracting lots of eyes with her beautiful silver coat. Shadow is in love, too.

Steve mentors Rachel in the proper way to make potato dumplings.

Weighing in at no less that 8-12 oz a piece, potato dumplings are probably THE most important Thanksgiving Day tradition in the Jungbauer family.

Personally, MY favorite tradition is eating Old Fashioned Cream pie for breakfast the next morning!!!

The barefoot season came to an unofficial close yesterday when a handful of my barefooting buddies helped take out the pier in record time. (I didn't even get a chance to get a photo of the skeleton before it was dismembered.)

We then drowned our sorrows in 50-degree water until the sun was long gone and ended with a blazing barefoot run through the channel. Not a bad way to end the season, if it has to end.

Another tradition in the Jungbauer household is that Steve is never home for his birthday. Even though he has the much coveted age-defying genetics that help him maintain his youthful good looks and frighfully-fit forty-something figure, I think he still hates to be reminded that he, too, is getting older. OUCH!

In years (and previous jobs) past, Steve and I frequently found ourselves traveling to different destinations to celebrate his birthday. Recently, we have enjoyed celebrating together! Last year, we celebrated in Aspen. This year's destination was St. Croix.

St Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands, but probably the least visited. No wall-to-wall tourists or even a Wal-Mart --- which suited us just fine.

The island has a quaint and quiet personality. It is dotted with old sugar mills and decorated with wrought iron.

If you recall from last year, Steve's birthday get-away was also another good reason for a triathlon . . . . . and so another tradition was started. This year, however, instead of battling the elements of altitude, cold and snow, St. Croix challenged Steve with sand, heat and humidity.

Here is the course description: Swim over coral reefs to Cane Bay Wall (the Abyss) and back. Bike an exceptionally scenic rolling course along the shore and past the only site in the US where Columbus landed. Run a rolling course through the rainforest along the shore past the infamous "Beast" of Ironman (in)fame.

Hence the name Wall 2 Wall refering to the 1000 foot abyss and the "Beast" that would even weaken Lance Armstrong. (Fortunately, you only do the Beast in the Ironman course.) For a little more interesting twist, add narrow, pot-holed island roads that are still open to traffic AND . . . don't forget to ride on the LEFT!

The ocean swim was calm and clear and Steve came out of the water with a great time. On the bike, it looked like he even relaxed and enjoyed the ride a little bit.

Not too many other bikers back yet . . . Steve's orange Comet is already racked!

Enjoying some scenery on the home stretch.

Not only did Steve win his age group, he placed 8th overall! No trophy to show for it, but because he was the triathlete that traveled the farthest, he won a one week stay for four on St. John.

Afterwards, we took the advice of one of the locals and hiked up into the hills and back down to the beach to find the wave pools. The path was a little obscure . . . . . .

. . . . . . . but the view was awesome!

After our hike we relaxed "Off the Wall." We could have walked there, but Steve wanted to drive his JEEP.

It was great to be Off the Wall.

The annual Cancer Gala was held at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club again this year. My favorite part of the night is the boat ride to the Club in our formal attire.

This year we had the pleasure of escorting Bill & Krisce Myers and Bart & Cinda Culver.

During the summer, life seems to revolve around some type of camp or another. Two weeks ago, Rachel was at Camp Crosley and Sarah camped with all her friend in our front yard. Last week both Sarah and Rachel were at Grace College's basketball camp. This week, Sarah is off to church camp.

I guess we're still not camped out. At Rachel's request, we had our own little campfire tonight. (Yes, she still wanted a campfire despite the 90-degree heat!)

Our campfire was complete with hobo pies, s'mores and one of Steve's favorite types of fire . . . gun fire.

Rachel spent the week at Camp Crosley with her cousin and cabin-mate Samantha.

In their words, "It was a blast!!!"

Meanwhile, Sarah entertained a dozen of her closest friends . . .

The "big girls" camped too --- but only as far away as the extension cord would reach!

We celebrated our 15th anniversary today.

Keeping with tradition, we celebrated with Waterford crystal engraved with special "watermarks," filled with the finest of sparkling waters and served on one of our favorite spots on the water with the sunset.

Our secret for happiness . . . Just add water!

Annie (Auntie) Carol and Muffin Man (Mark) made their annual trip back to Indiana for the 10th+ family reunion/Fourth of July celebration. We were also fortunate to have Bubby spend the holiday with us too. (Thanks to him, our attendance record for this infamous event almost doubled!)

Is there ever a time when Bubby doesn't get his picture with his babes?!?

Although he spent a lot of time tubing with the girls, Bubby also has to admit that he enjoyed footin' behind the Malibu too. (I hear he took a few "souveniers" back to Mississippi with him!)

Mark is happy to reunite with his favorite family member.

"This is our favorite place to spend the Fourth of July."

I bet most of you missed the annual Mermaid Festival in North Webster this week. It's really a pretty big time for a tiny little town. Sarah and Rachel are still sheltered enough to enjoy the rides at the Midway.

The week of festivities culminated in a parade that lasted over an hour. The girls were the banner carriers for the YMCA float. (Don't they look excited?!) We tried the get the Y Guy (aka Steve) to sing and dance to Y-M-C-A but I'm sure Sarah and Rachel would have disowned him forever if he had.

This is my idea of a foot spa!

Guaranteed to give you the best foot massage money can buy --- or the most reknowned barefooter in history, Ron Scarpa, wouldn't drive one!

WHOA!!!!

CAUTION!!! DANGER!!! WARNING!!!

Please sit down before you read any further!!!

If you didn't already notice, I changed religion! After years of agonizing, my Nautique freak days are over and it's Malibu instead. (I'm certain my gray hairs have doubled because of this stressful dilema.)

For those of you who are clueless as to the magnitude of my Malibu moment, it would be like the Pope changing from Catholocism to Buddhism . . . . like my dad changing from Mac to IBM . . . . like my husband changing from Nike to Addidis!!!!

NOW do you get it?!?!

So . . . . . since I made a leap of faith, I decided that I should let the Almightly Barefooter himself, help me break it in.

Ron Scarpa was here for a week-long barefooting clinic again this year.

Here he is driving my boat =:o)

. . . and being goofy with my girls . . .

Even Sarah and Rachel enjoyed the "foot spa" with Scarpa.

Here's Sarah barefooting in "the swing."

Rachel shows off her form on "shoe skis."

Relaxing (and warming up) between sets.

Now whatchya doin' Rae?!?

When we broke for lunch, Rachel decided she wanted Ron's autograph.

Rachel has barely take the shirt off since!

I guess we're all a bit goo-goo over Ron, but as tempting as it sounds, I promise I won't shave my head! (Like my buddy Bob)

I got an autograph too --- when Ron came over to personally adjust the Scarpa barefoot plate on my boat.

Now I have a Limited Edition Ron Scarpa Signature Series Malibu Response LXI.

I remember when I was 13. I still have the scar on my shin to show it. I tripped over a tent stake when the circus came to town. I remember my dad trying to convince me to stick my hand inside the circus elephant's mouth. (Why?) I sprained my ankle while vacationing at "Heil's Haven" on Lake Wawasee and had my first ER experience at KCH. Ahhh, what memories.

Now my life IS a circus, the stakes are higher and I'm still wondering why I put my hands in........... BUT I LIVE where I vacation which is just a stone's throw away from my beloved childhood memories at Heil's Haven so I can work at KCH!!! (I really had no idea where I was going when I started to write this but it's amazing where I ended up!) I never would have dreamed that my 13th year would have such an impact on my life.

I never really thought that I would be the mother of a teenager either. I know it's the obvious result after the celebration of 13 birthdays, but it's like thinking of yourself as old --- it's just not something you can fathom!

Well, the inevitable did happen: I did become the mother of a teenager --- and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Friday I drove the girls in to school. I dropped Rachel off first as usual. As I waved good-bye to Rachel, I called Sarah's friend Kaila on my cell phone. Sarah gave me the "What are you doing, Mom?" look.

"Kaila, this is Sarah's mom. Could you do me a favor and pick up Sarah's homework today?"

("Mom! What are you doing? Are we going somewhere? Are we going shopping? Are we going to Fort Wayne?")

"Is Sarah sick today?"

"No Kaila, Sarah is not sick. She and I are going to Chicago for Sarah's birthday."

("REALLY?!?!?! Oh my gosh!!! Are we really going to Chicago? Are you serious? That is SOOOO COOL! I'm going shopping in Chicago! I'm skipping school!!! I can't believe it!!!")

(Tears well up in both our eyes......)

So Sarah and I headed to the Windy City.

We went to Schaumburg first. We covered every inch of the Woodfield Mall and then a bunch of stores on the strip. (Good thing Dad wasn't with us because we didn't even have time to think about going into Dick's Sporting Goods.)

We headed back into downtown Chicago around dinnertime. Sarah got to practice some map reading and navigation skills. She turned out to be a great co-pilot.

By the time we got checked into our hotel, it was after 8 pm. (Another good thing Dad wasn't with us because otherwise we would have had to go to bed - and without dinner.) Instead, we headed out onto the town and found an Italian bistro for a light late-night dinner followed by a stroll down the Magnificent Mile. By the time we headed back into our hotel room, Sarah was begging for a piggyback ride and flip-flopped into bed. She was so tired that she fell asleep watching her favorite TV show.

Did you notice anything peculiar? Strange? Totally out of character?

Not only did Sarah shop 'til she dropped, (a RARE occurrence) but we were so busy shopping on Friday that I did not even take one photo!

The next morning, Sarah was awake well before noon! She fueled up with room service and then we headed out for another day of power shopping.

Another inevitable moment. (She knew I had to get her picture eventually.)

Gotta rest. Shopping is hard work.

(We stopped at The American Girl - but only to get something for Rachel.)

Loaded . . . . with smiles.

Flip-flopped and shopped out.

It was a quiet but dangerous drive home. Sarah got whiplash doing head-bobs!

When we got home Saturday evening, Steve and Rachel were patiently waiting for us. They, too, had been shopping and had almost everything ready for the family party on Sunday! Rachel (with only a little help from Daddy) prepared Sarah's traditional birthday dinner of poppyseed chicken.

Here is the Birthday Girl patiently waiting for the party to begin --- and modeling one of her new outfits from our shopping spree.

The traditional "bread photo." (I tried just baking plain loaves of bread once. It only works when they're 11. Otherwise, my girls insist that I make numbers with the bread. Fortunately, they're happy with the big numbers and I don't have to make breadstick numbers anytmore.)

Sarah's buddy Jeff. Wherever Sarah is, Jeff is. Superglue can't begin to compete with this bond. (Jeff will come in real handy once Sarah starts to date.)

Cousins

Sarah received a special gold coin necklace from Gramma Jane. It is a 3-dollar gold piece from 1855 that belonged to Great Gramma Stands. Sarah begged to wear it to school the next day. I think my little girl is turning into a wonderful young lady. So far, I like having a teenager.

Postscript
After Sarah's traditonal birthday feast of poppyseed chicken, noodles, peas, "number bread" and salad with poppyseed dressing, I was called out to deliver a baby. When I returned home about midnight, the party was over and the house was all clean again. I guess I need to leave more often --- and praise my wonderful hubby more often too!

. . . still not too old for an Easter Egg hunt.

The holidays are always more fun with eggstra kids around.

Samantha and Jeff are intensive artists.

WOW!!! Almost too pretty to eat!

Never to be outdone by anyone, Steve put the pier in today.

Afterall, it is the first day of Spring . . . gray, windy, snow flurries and barely 35 degrees! He definitely beat everyone else. The rest of Lake Tippecanoe is still covered in ice from shore to shore.

As I watched from my cozy living room, I had to admit that even the thought of a boat ride, much less skiing, did not appeal to me at all . . .

Nope! I did not help except to lift the last pier section into place. Otherwise, Steve put the pier in all by himself. The only other assistance he had was Rachel who served as his driver.

Here are pieces of the "skeleton."

Rachel is actually an AWESOME driver. She's only 9, but she handles the JEEP and trailer like a pro. It's amazing to watch her skillfully weave between all the trees and other obstacles in the yard.

What a stud!!!

I slaved away in the kitchen while he battled the elements and rewarded him for his good deeds. (I even think I'll renew his contract again in July!)

Excuses, excuses!!!

Steve was supposed to put the pier in this weekend. He always puts it in the first weekend in March --- even if he has to break ice.

I guess he's just getting lazy!

Just got back from vacation . . .

We don't need any pity this time!!! We had plenty of warm weather, sunny skies, and a wonderful extended family of ten that we still love even after a week together under one roof.

We spent last week in Playa del Carmen, Mexico which is about 45 minutes south of Cancun and across from the small island of Cozumel. It is much more quaint and quiet than Cancun, but growing rapidly and starting to show the inevitable signs of commercialization.

Last year, Ten Grand View image spent a week together in Grand Cayman. For the first time, we enjoyed the perks of staying together in a house rather than in a hotel and feared that we had spoiled ourselves rotten. View image

Now we feel even more spoiled.

In Playa del Carmen, we stayed in a magnificent, six-bedroom, private ocean-front villa. It's in a quiet neighborhood within a short walk to 5th Avenue, the "main drag" in Playa. The living quarters and bedrooms all surround a large open courtyard with a swimming pool, lush greenery and mutliple nooks for sitting or hiding. All but one bedroom has an ocean view so we had to "suffer" with the sound of crashing waves all night long and awaken to the sunrise in our bedroom every morning. The beach was washed out by a hurricane several years ago, but there was a small beach beside our villa and plenty of beach to walk in nearby Playa.

A spiral staircase off the front porch led up to a private sundeck. From here you can peer out across the ocean or down into the courtyard.

The kids spent most of their time in the pool. Gramma & Grampa spent a lot of time beside the pool watching.

Rachel and Samantha take a brief break from the pool.

Another break for a tropical drink at a local bar.

The kids never tired of being together and are incredibly bonded to each other despite the span of years and the lack of any common gene.

Samantha and Rachel are great buddies, but Jeff and Sarah have a bond that transcends words.

Although we would have been content to spend the entire week in our villa, we did venture out to be tourists.

The ruins of Tulum.

Exploring the Xcaret eco-park where we also enjoyed snorkeling an underground river.

Snorkeling at Xel-Ha.

We took the ferry over to Cozumel and spent one day scootering the island, most of which is still undeveloped.

But no matter how hard you try, you still can't escape the "civilized" world!

Lest ye think all was perfect bliss, you should know better!
The Jungbauers never vacation without misfortune. This trip was no exception.

The first morning of our vacation, I arose with the sun and headed out for my morning run while the rest of the household slept.

Yes, I was bit by a dog!!!

It wasn't very deep, but it definitely took a chunk out of my leg. Nothing that could be stitched back together, but . . . what about rabies?!?!?

Well, at least there is no "access to care" problem here in Mexico.

. . . and it's easy to get drugs, but what about the rabies vaccine?

Despite all this, I still wasn't very eager to use the Mexican healthcare system. On the other hand, you die from rabies. Period. Hmmmmm. Not a great alternative.

So I summoned Steve to get the car so I could retrace my steps and find that dog! (There's not much logic in that since: #1) I probably wouldn't find it. #2) Even if I found it, or its owner I doubt I would trust them if they told me its shots were up-to-date.)

Despite lack of logic, we went on a dog hunt.

As we pulled up to the house where the attack happened, Steve had to slow down to avoid running over the two dogs sleeping in the middle of the street. He stopped, got out of the car, and was greeted by two very mellow, collared dogs that quietly and gently sniffed him! I opened my door and the attack dog quickly came over to me and sniffed his breakfast site on my leg!

"Oooooo, what fierce, mongrel dogs, honey!" said Steve.

So . . . even though we could not find the owners, I was reassured that my attacker was not rabid and relieved that I did not have to use the Mexican healthcare system.

Before I left, I did post a few warning signs along my running path, though.

Adios amigos.

On Christmas Day, we had lunch at my grandparents' "new home" in Sycamore Grove. (In the past it was always at our house - or at least since Sarah can remember.)

Grampa Paul is recuperating from a hip fracture and Gramma Mary (having already gone through two hip fractures, a stroke, a heart attack and a multitude of other ailments) is finally just wearing out after 80-plus years. (Sycamore Grove is one wing of a very posh, first class nursing home at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester.)

It was a simple but pleasant, stress-free dinner. Admittedly, it was kind of nice to be waited upon in our quiet, comfy and homey semi-private dining room --- and not have to clean up any mess afterwards.

Since Gramma and Grampa have moved out of their house of over thirty years, another tradition may have started today but another probably ended.

One of my fondest memories as a young girl was going to Gramma Mary's. We would bake bread and cookies and make lots of messes --- which Gramma never minded because her house was always a mess anyway! In between batches of bread or cookies, I also loved to explore her closets . . . No one has ever seen such magnificent closets, or so many closets! As a little girl, it was like discovering the National Treasure.

At Christmas, Gramma eventually began to give "closet gifts" along with other presents. When she first started this tradition, we were afraid of getting some ugly or useless "white elephant" gift. Instead, "closet gifts" were usually the most precious and favored gifts --- and remain my favorites today.

This Christmas, Sarah and Rachel probably received the last closet gifts from Gramma Mary. She gave each of them a ring that she had once worn. They were genuinely surprised and delighted.

Shortly after dinner, we were also pleasantly surprised by a visit from Deaconess Sabine, her husband Kerby and daughter Hannah as they spread their traditional Christmas cheer.

You can make or break, but never erase, tradition.

This is another VERY LUCKY guy who has three little sisters that WORSHIP him!!!

We were fortunate to have a visit from Bubby for a few days. The girls clung to him the entire time. We all miss getting to see him more often. Ditto for Big Sissy Tracy. Unfortunately, she couldn't get away for the holidays, but at least we got to see her in Atlanta over Thanksgiving.

Rachel show off her culinary skills

You may not be able to see the details in the photo, but Rachel made "chocolate cups" by dipping balloons into melted chocolate. Once they cooled she popped the balloons and filled the cups with fresh fruit . . . and then had fun topping them with Reddi Wip and then served them to us on Christmas Eve. (She learned it all on a TV program the day before.)

You can guess what she did next . . .

Daddy helps Rachel program her personal "ATM" bank.

I guess the ole piggy bank just isn't sophisticated enough for this generation!

Who would have ever thought that we would give our pre-teen a cell phone?
What kind of precedent are we setting?
Do we really understand what we are doing????

Yep, it's all about connectivity!

(If you don't have a teen or pre-teen yet, just wait. You'll understand.)

Jeff, Penny, Rick, Samantha, Gramma Jane, Grampa David, Steve, Sarah, Erin, Rachel

It has become a Jungbauer tradition to build gingerbread houses before Christmas. In years past, we have transformed the entire garage into a gingerbread studio --- and filled it with a flurry of giggly, wiggly girls.

The tradtion actually began with our friends, the Myers, who hosted our first gingerbread party. It was a wonderful multi-generation afternoon of making memories with our dear friend Pat Oppenheim and her 90-some year-old father, Mr. Harrison.

We quickly discovered that the adults were much too helpful --- and needed their own gingerbread houses to build!

Here is Steve's masterpiece from last year.

This year was just as chaotic as always despite a smaller number of construction workers. My nephew, Jeffery was definitely the most intense worker, and also the youngest at age four. He outlasted all the girls and paid the most attention to detail.

Jeffery proudly displays (and tastes) his masterpiece along with his sister Samantha.

Obviously, all that work was exhausting . . .

Sarah's basketball team rang the bell for the Salvation Army at Wal-Mart today. Passersby were also treated to Christmas carols and lots of great smiles. There weren't very many people that could pass by without dropping something in the bucket. One gentleman was so inspired their good will and cheer that he dropped three one-hundred dollar bills in the bucket!

I guess I'm rubbing off on my children . . .

Instead of our traditional four-day Thanksgiving feast with family this year, we broke tradition and left town.

"But Mom," whined Sarah, "we always have Thanksgiving at Gramma Mary's. But Mom, we always have old-fashioned cream pie. But Mom, we always put the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. But Mom . . ."

My parents heard the same song from me when I was growing up. I like tradition!!!

Despite the deviation from tradition, we all had a very special Thanksgiving in Atlanta, with Eric (aka Bubby) and Tracy (aka Sissy). We shared a wonderful Thanksgiving feast prepared by Eric and Tracy's mother, Susan. Although we did not have old-fashioned cream pie, somehow Sarah survived with potato dumplings, mashed potatoes and chocolate pie instead.

No low-carb living for this girl!!! And don't forget the Reddi Wip!

Here you see Steve and Rachel playing a duet of traditonal Christmas carols while Sarah sings
(Not really, but it looks good!)

One highlight of our trip was dining in a revolving restaurant overlooking downtown Atlanta. Afterward, we enjoyed the water fountains and Christmas light display, but agreed that Warsaw's Central Park display is still top notch.

The greatest highlight of our trip away from tradition, however, was seeing Tracy in the spotlight at The New American Shakespeare Tavern.

We were admittedly a dreading just the thought of more than two hours of Shakespeare, but were pleasantly suprised by a fun and witty performance that we even (kind of) understood!

We are very proud of Tracy for working so hard to live her dream.

Sarah is still lamenting our break from tradition, but we did manage to do the traditional Freaky Friday Shop 'til You Drop and Make Auntie Carol Proud of You shopping excursion the day after Thanksgiving, so all was not lost . . . and we still shared the most important tradition of Thanksgiving, FAMILY.

In case you're wondering . . . Rachel as Elle Wood (from Legally Blonde), Samantha as a leopard, Sarah as a Prom Queen (aka 1981 North Manchester Junior Miss) and Jeffery as a dinosaur.

It's inevitable, but that doesn't make it any easier to accept.

Steve and I probably took our last footin' runs for 2004 this morning. The air temp was a brisk 46 (Can you say brain freeze?) and the water temp was about 54 . . . The only thing that keeps you warm this time of year is the adrenaline from dodging the shots of duck hunters.

Some people leave their mark behind as they journey through life,
and allow everyone to reap the benefits.

Some people simply give life, and history, to everything that their lives touch.

That describes my parents, David and Jane Grandstaff.

They have been setting benchmarks for years, but in 2000, they became the reason for a new Benchmark. In 2000, Steve and I along with my sister Penny and her husband Rick, honored their rich history of giving by placing a bench and a Gingko tree at the North Manchester Public Library. It now also serves as a great reason for a yearly photo to benchmark our lives.

Rachel, 8 . . . Jeffrey, 4 . . . Sarah, 12 . . . Samantha, 7

One of our newest traditions is to attend the hospital's Cancer Gala each year. It's a fund-raiser held every September at the Lake Tippecanoe Country Club. I refer to it as "Prom Night" as it is usually the only black-tie affair we attend each year. Even Steve enjoys donning his tux . . . and I adore how he looks in it!!!

The most important part of the tradition, however, is that we ALWAYS arrive at the Gala by boat. I'm sure that some people just think they have sun stroke, but others give us a toast of approval as we cruise by. Even the fishermen are briefly distracted.

The pre-Gala cruise is definitely a highlight of the evening, yet very few believe us when we tell them how we arrived, so here is the photo to prove it.

We talked our friends, Buzz and Jane Kauffman, into joining us for the pre-Gala cruise a couple of years ago . . . and they have not missed it since.

In years past, we've also had some wonderful post-Gala cruising . . . sometimes with a boat full of friends and other times just with the full moon. One year we skiied five guys in tuxes after the Gala!!! (That was before Steve bought a tux.)

Last year's Gala was memorable for a very different reason. One of the auction items was a new pontoon. We had actually been thinking of upgrading our "vintage" pontoon for something a bit more spacious, comfortable and "Shadow friendly" i.e. it had to have tan carpet to conceal our Golden Retriever/Lab's hair. The pontoon had ALL the features we were looking for. It also seemed like the perfect time to make our donation to the Cancer Care Fund as my grandmother was dying from colon cancer.

She never got to take a ride on the "Marge Barge" and died only a few weeks later on September 18th, but we all remember her fondly on every cruise we take.

In this family, it is NOT baseball and apple pie that come to mind when talking about all-American traditions. Instead, it's the flotilla and fireworks on the lake.

Lake Tippecanoe still has the traditional daytime flotilla. (We entered a float one year and almost sank the boat and our family ties, hence we have not been brave enough to enter again.) Lake Wawasee has started a great new tradition of having a lighted flotilla at night.

If you have never seen fireworks from the water, you should. (Unfortunately, I missed the photo op last night because the downpour of rain didn't stop until minutes before the fireworks began, so I ran out without a camera.) Nevertheless, the fireworks were spectacular, especially set to the background of synchronized patriotic music from a local radio station.

Another all-American tradition in this family is boat church on Fourth of July weekend. Auntie Carol comes all the way from Minnesota just to hear Rick Whitaker sing "Proud to be an American" from a pontoon on Lake Tippecanoe. He's been singing every year since at least 1993 - and Auntie Carol has been there for almost every performance.

Here's one of my favorite photos - and quotes - from last year.

It has become tradition to take a wildflower walk every May with our beloved friend (and local wildflower expert) Pat Oppenheim. In years past, she has always blessed us with a personally guided tour --- and quiz --- on all the different wildflowers. This year, she's nursing a broken hip but was still gracious enough to let us enjoy her sanctuary.

We went a little later in May than usual and missed the triumphant display of trillium, but saw an entirely new blanket of wildflowers instead.

Below is the "sugar shack" (where maple syrup was once made) with a blanket of nameless and numberless wildflowers in the foreground. My buddy Rae joined me on the hike and then enjoyed a chat with Pat by the pond.

And . . . believe it or not, Pat usually pays us before we leave --- with fresh produce from the garden!!!

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.
Psalm 127:3

Each year it has become tradition to put the pier in on the first weekend of March. Yes, it has been in earlier and for the last two years, we have been a week late. Last weekend we were in Colorado but the ice was just coming off the lake. In fine tradition, half inch thick ice was broken, which melted away by late afternoon when the wind picked up. As tradition would have it the pier is placed and followed by snow. We awoke this morning to a light snow.