Arcadia Living

Arcadia "Charmer"

2010-08-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

I know I have been remiss in posting to my blog - but I've got an excuse. I sold my house and have bought a new one. It will be quite a fun challenge fixing up this original 1957 home in "southern" Arcadia. An original allied - it needs to be totally remodeled. The yard is desert in front and weeds in back. I guess I have my work cut out for me. The biggest challenge will be being "homeless" for a few months. Thanks to my sister, Sandy, for putting me up for the time being.

Happy 4th Everyone!

2010-07-04T09:11:00.001-07:00

I took this picture up in Prescott a couple of years ago - Happy Fourth of July.

Photography Workshop - Lauren and Neil

2010-06-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

I took a photography workshop this weekend taught by Trevor Dayley who takes fabulous wedding and engagement photos. This super cute couple - Neil and Lauren - are getting married this fall. Here are a couple of shots I took of them. (I don't think Lauren could take a bad photo - so it made my job much easier.) I learned a lot at the workshop - now I just need to practice, practice, practice...

Lauren in Alaska

2010-06-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

I swiped some of these photos off Facebook of Lauren working in Alaska. She can text me and call me when she is in port. I miss her :(

Artist Card of Dudley from Beth

2010-06-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Look at this cute art card made just for me of my Dudley by artist Beth Meador (www.myspace.com/blindgirlartist) from Oklahoma. She is a fellow artist on my Milande Art community group. Her goal is to send artist trading cards all around the world so that people can look at her art and she can raise awareness about Retinities Pigmentosa (RP) - that is right she is almost completely blind and can still draw beautifully! She currently only has 1% of her vision remaining. RP is typically diagnosed in adolescents and young adults and is a progressive disorder. You can read more about it at http://www.blindness.org/ I feel so privileged to have received one of Beth's cards and am grateful for my own ability to see so much beauty in this world. Thank you, Beth!

Lauren's Pics from Cabo

2010-04-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Lauren's latest trip - she is working on Princess Cruise Lines with her friend Brittany. They went to Cabo, Puerta Vallarta and a couple of other ports - five cruises in five weeks. She will be going to Alaska for three months this summer :(

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvets; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year. - Robert Frost

Do something nice for your Mother today!

Woo Hoo - Chicken Coop is Done! Thanks, DAD!!!

2010-04-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

My Dad built an awesome chicken coop for our four chickens. The top flips up for ventilation and to easily remove eggs. It has a nice front door and the chickens are really loving it! He brought it down from Prescott last weekend.

Lauren just returned from five weeks of work on board the Princess Saphire. I will post more pictures of her in Cabo soon. She is pictured holding the smallest chicken here - Maude.

Thanks again Dad!!!!

John McEnroe Event - Steve Nash!!!

2010-04-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

I went to a tennis exhibition fundraiser at the Village Tennis club this evening where John McEnroe played Andrei Neval. It was very fun - but the best part was when my wonderful Stevie Nash walked in and sat right across from me. He took a bunch of photos afterwards with all the kids, but I was too embarrassed to ask him for a pic. I did take a bad photo with my camera phone though.

More Pictures from Jerome and Sedona

2010-04-12T21:43:00.001-07:00

Lennox at Oak Creek Canyon

Patty at Oak Creek

Amy, Dudley and Patty in Jerome

Lennox and Patty in Jerome

Family Visits

2010-04-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

Amy, Patty, Sandy and Mom

Lennox, Patty and Dudley

Lennox and Amy

Amy in Jerome

Amy and Dudley

My niece and nephew visited from Michigan this week. We had lots of fun going to Sedona, Jerome and Prescott. Also celebrated my Mom's birthday. The went back last night and I miss them already!

Happy St. Patty's Day

2010-03-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Made my Corned Beef and Cabbage with potatoes and apple cake. Guess I will bring it into work with me tomorrow, as no one is here to eat it! Missing Lauren on her ship and Jack is at the lake today during his Spring Break.

Weiner Races!

2010-03-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Dudley raced in the Wiener Nationals this past weekend. He finished third in his race.

A whole lot of butt sniffing was going on here as they sized up the competition.

Dudley gets tips from the experts. They were raising money for Greyhound Rescue at the event.

"The Best Idea Ever"

2010-03-05T17:01:00.001-08:00

This is what Lauren said as we were bringing home these chicks today - I am sure it is not "the best idea ever." Hope we don't kill them this weekend. We were inspired by an "urban farm" we recently toured in Phoenix. The chickens were living quite nicely in the backyard. We will see - if not, I think I have a couple of people who may want them! Aren't they cute? Harold and Maude and Marilyn and Greta... all different kinds.

Happy Birthday to Lauren

2010-02-01T21:07:00.003-08:00

My wonderful daughter turned 23 on Saturday. Here she is several summers ago with her friend Brittany in Australia. (Hey, Mom, she just found out she made the Dean's list her last semester.) She is the light of my life - along with her brother, of course. Life with Lauren is always interesting. She has moved back home while she is working part-time for Princess Cruiselines and it has been a bit challenging - for both of us!

Lauren and the Chicken

2010-01-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

Lauren and I went to the Phoenix Antique Show downtown on Saturday - they had a lot of fun vintage jewelry there.... and a stuffed chicken!

Gift Giving Project

2010-01-13T06:47:00.001-08:00

See my other blog 52 New Things to see my progress on my 29 Gift Challenge!

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

2010-01-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

Rio Salado Rowing Club had an introductory class where they taught us how to row a sweep-oared boat with eight people! We practiced on a rowing machine first to get our technique down and then we got a chance to go on the water. There is a lot to it - we were told it takes about two years for someone to become a good rower. I believe it after trying it! It surprisingly took more leg strength, than arm strength to row. It was so much fun!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!!!

2009-12-31T12:29:00.001-08:00

Saguaro Christmas Sunset
Originally uploaded by paulgillphoto

Here is wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T15:32:00.001-08:00

natural christmas sparkler
Originally uploaded by Gregor Halbwedl

Here is a wish for peace to everyone, everywhere - Merry Christmas!

Dudley on Camelback Mountain

2009-11-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

I took Dudley up the Camel this a.m. to get a shot of the sunrise (it was beautiful yesterday, so I thought I would try to get a shot this morning, but it was not so great). Dudley loves to climb and he sailed up the mountain - I had to really work to keep up with him (even with his short little legs). He loved it!

Working at Andre House

2009-11-11T06:51:00.001-08:00

I spent last night working at Andre House with fellow ASCPA staffers. We served about 580 meals to the homeless. This is a great place to volunteer - you cook, serve and clean up all in about the span of four hours or so. I think it was a positive experience for everyone. It does make you thankful for what you have.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T17:09:00.001-07:00

This is from the cover of a book that my sister made for me of pictures from all my kids past halloween days. It was very cool! Thanks, Sandy!

U2 Concert

2009-10-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a short clip from the U2 Concert I attended this past week. They played with the Black Eyed Peas. The stage was huge and they sounded great. It was quite the production. Sorry about the poor quality of the video - I just used my little still camera on movie mode.

Let Everything Happen to You

2009-10-15T20:29:00.001-07:00

I've been listening to some meditation podcasts on iTunes - a great way to relax and sometimes puts me to sleep at night. I love listening to a woman named Tara Branch who leads Buddhist mediation retreats. I found this one particularly inspiring - go here: http://www.imcw.org/audio/TBPodcasts.xml and click on the "Let Everything Happen to You" podcast.

It is very healing an enlightening and a little long, but worth the time. She sites the following poem "God Speaks":

God Speaks

God speaks to each of us as he makes us,

then walks with us silently out of the night.

These are the words we dimly hear:

You, sent out beyond your recall,

go to the limits of your longing.

Embody me.

Flare up like flame

and make big shadows I can move in.

Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.

Just keep going. No feeling is final.

Don't let yourself lose me.

Nearby is the country they call life.

You will know it by its seriousness.

Give me your hand.

- Rainer Maria Rilke

Great stuff! The photo is one I took in Bisbee a few years back.

Rose Bowl and Recent Travels

2009-09-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

Lauren finds treasures at the Rose Bowl

Entrance to Rose Bowl Flea Market (every second Sunday of the month)

Me - sailor-less (as usual)

I visited Lauren two weekends ago in Newport Beach where she is completing an internship. We went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market and had a blast. There are tons of treasures there and we were not even able to see the whole thing.

I went back to California last weekend to stay with some friends on Coronado Island. It was a great girls weekend and the weather was so great. It is hard to come back to AZ sometimes.

Cottage Journal Page

2009-09-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by my blog friend's photo on her profile (http://cottagebytheseascottsbay.blogspot.com/) and used her cool cottage in Novia Scotia for a journal page for my journaling class. My sketch does not do it justice!

Paul Gill's Photos

2009-09-03T15:21:00.001-07:00

Mt. Shasta sunset on Lake Siskiyou
Originally uploaded by paulgillphoto

One of my friends from Scottsdale High, Paul Gill (my honorary bro as we share the same last name), is a fantastic photographer. Here is one of his recent photos from Flickr and I recommend you take a look at his photos on FlickrRiver:

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/paulgill/popular-interesting/

Journal Page in Progress

2009-08-16T10:41:00.001-07:00

This is a journal page from my journaling class that I have been taking with my sister. It is not complete yet - I have a poem to add -it's about vampires. I guess True Blood is rubbing off on me. I have also started watching the first season of Six Feet Under on DVD this weekend - hope I don't start painting corpses next!

Almost a "Spankini"

2009-08-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is for Sandy - I actually wore this outfit in the water to swim today. I had burned my backside from so much snorkeling yesterday. It is almost a "Spankini" - our newest invention for swimsuits for baby boomers! I had to come up with something that covered both my arms and butt - which sticks out of the water a lot when you snorkel. I saw eels, tons of fish and lobster today. We are headed out to lunch and then off to the airport. Can't wait to be in AZ heat again :)

Swimming with the fishies

2009-08-03T05:03:00.000-07:00

Nancy and Kelley here feeding the fishes here.

Last night in Caymans

2009-08-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Kelley and I are heading back home tomorrow and Nancy had her friend Laurie come in today for the second shift of guests for her. It was a great trip with nice weather, fantastic snorkeling and lots of fun. We had a wonderful dinner tonight at Calypso Grill. I will get to snorkle and swim one more time tomorrow morning before heading back. Kelley is happy to be getting back to her husband after living the single life for five days. See you all state side soon...

Hanging in the Caymans

2009-07-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

I'm the guest of my friend Nancy again in the Cayman Islands. We went to Stingray City today. Will post more pics later when I get home!

Lauren in Cali - Shorter Video

2009-07-14T19:46:00.001-07:00

For those who couldn't take the long version - here is just Lauren in California for less than two minutes! Click on arrow to play.

San Francisco Trip Video

2009-07-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

This video is from pictures and short videos I took while Lauren and I were in San Franciso this month. Warning - it is 5 minutes long and contains about 45 seconds of just jelly fish - so you may not be patient enough or interested enough to watch it! Also - turn off the music down on the right below so you don't have both going at once!

Back from San Francisco

2009-06-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Lauren and I are back from our San Francisco trip. Here are a few pictures - will post more later.

Woods Canyon Eagles

2009-06-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

I went up to my "ex" cabin this weekend with some friends. We took a hike around the end of Woods Canyon Lake and got to see an American Eagle mom and her baby up in a nest. The photo here is not great, but we were able to see them through a scope at an observation point on the lake. The baby was pretty homely looking. The photos are of Kelley, Liz and me hiking at the lake. It was a beautiful, cool day.

More Photoshopping

2009-06-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Here is another photo from yesterday with some lace background photoshopped in - still working on my PS skills.

Sunday Morning

2009-06-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

I was messing around with Photoshop this morning. These pretty blue flowers are from my garden. It was such a beautiful cool morning today, particularly for Arizona in June!

My Inspiration for the Day

2009-06-10T07:51:00.001-07:00

I came across this wonderful picture of Bette Calman age 83 on the Yoga Journal blog. See article:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1172810/The-yoga-supergran-bend-backwards-age-83.html

So after feeling a bit sore from my yoga workout last night, I thought I had better keep practicing. I mean if she can do this pose in her belt, pearl earrings and nylons, than maybe there is hope for me to improve! What an inspiration...

Art Project

2009-06-08T08:10:00.001-07:00

It was my sister 's birthday yesterday (Happy Bday, Sandy!) and we celebrated with lunch and swimming at my house and then we worked on our latest art project. We found these old painted wooden luncheon plates at her antique store and thought we would paint them like the old madonna retablo paintings. I don't think mine turned out exactly like that - my girl looks too modern. Maybe I should have left the plate alone! Oh well, we had fun anyway.

Cool Pool

2009-06-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

It was so beautiful out this morning - I can't believe it is supposed to hit 104 degrees today. My mom was here last week and asked that I take some pictures of my pool. So in honor of a wonderfully cool morning- and to share with Mom - here are some pictures of my pool. I promise to be more creative soon!

Lauren's Graduation

2009-05-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been so bad a posting lately - but we've been busy! Here is Lauren at her ASU graduation this Friday night. I will post more pictures of the event, as well as her graduation event with Barack Obama as the commencement speaker.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2009-04-10T09:49:00.001-07:00

Here is one of my favorite pictures of my mom on the building site of their house. See you in a bit! Happy Birthday!

Sunrise Trail Hike

2009-03-28T20:29:00.001-07:00

Eight gals (Kelley, Kathleen, Ames, Holly, Barbie, Betsy, Nancy and me) from our National Charity League Sustainer group hiked up Sunrise Trailhead today. It was a beautiful day for the hike - 2 miles up and 2 miles back. You can see the Fountain Hills fountain from the top of the trail. I was the one lagging behind to take pictures (at least that is my story.) We all had lunch when we finished.

Lizard Sighting

2009-03-22T11:37:00.001-07:00

Went hiking this morning with my friend Heidi up to the saddle on Camelback Mountain. It was a beautiful day! On the way down, I almost put my hand on a big lizard. He didn't seem too worried about me, so I took his photo. It was Heidi's first trip up Camelback and she did great!

Erin Go Bragh!

2009-03-17T07:55:00.001-07:00

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again - may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

More Vail Photos

2009-03-11T08:15:00.001-07:00

Here is the entire girl's group: Beth, Carrie, Margaret Ann, Me, Bettina, Joy and Keeley at dinner.

Here is Beth, Carrie, Keeley and Bettina at the Red Lion - Notice Margaret Ann in the background singing up on stage!

At the airport...

At the condo in Vail...

I Love Vail!

2009-03-08T09:54:00.001-07:00

I returned from my annual girl's ski trip to Vail last week. We all had a great time - even considering that I had altitude sickness one day. The last day of the trip was the best - perfect conditions for skiing and a bright sunny sky.

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-14T14:00:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone gets their heart's desire today!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

2009-02-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad at Burt Lake in Michigan.

and three years ago at my house... you guys haven't really changed, right? Happy Anniversary, sorry I forgot to say it on the phone this morning. See you on Tuesday!

Lauren's Birthday Party

2009-01-31T16:54:00.001-08:00

Lauren has such a nice group of friends! They graciously included me in their dinner plans for her birthday. We ate at Grazis in Scottsdale. Here is the group, photo two is of me with Kevin, who is also a good friend of Lauren's cousin Nick (and brother to Amber at work's boyfriend - such a small world), Lauren with her good friend Ryan Swan and Mom and daughter. It was a nice evening.

(A "shout out" to Eric who said he reads my blog - I'm glad there is one person besides my mother. He is on the far right second from the end in the group shot. )

Happy Birthday, Lauren

2009-01-30T16:37:00.001-08:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of Lauren - taken a few years ago! Happy 22nd birthday!

Chihuly Exhibit

2009-01-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

My friend Dottie and I went to the Desert Botanical Gardens and took pictures of the Chihuly Glass art exhibit there. It was packed with people and lots of photographers trying to get photos without people in them. I put some more pictures on my 52 Things Blog if you want to see more glass photos. We went down to Tempe and ate dinner afterwards. When I got home, Lauren was back from her Panama Canal cruise. She said she had a great time. I will post a few of her pictures when she gets them to me.

The Leaves are Falling

2009-01-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Here is my project for today - it finally got cold enough here to make my Mulberry tree lose its leaves. Dudley loves to grab them and bring them into the house. I don't mind raking these up, but I hate fishing them out of the pool.

New Year's Eve

2009-01-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

I just downloaded these pics from New Year's Eve. The "crystal" tree is actually made up of broken martini glasses. It is at AZ88 - they do a special tree every year. I was in by 10:00 so it was a pretty quiet night!

Putting Christmas Away

2009-01-02T07:58:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone - Time to put all the Christmas decoration away :( Here are two pictures from Christmas. The kids and Dudley as an elf. He doesn't like to dress up, so he had the outfit on for about one minute.

Riding the New Light Rail!

2008-12-31T15:44:00.001-08:00

We rode the Light Rail today for free! My co-workers (Jose, Amber, Heidi and Traci) and I took the rail down to Alexis for lunch. Learn more about the trip and see more pictures on my other blog. Happy New Year eveyone.

Grandpa B's End of WWI Letters at Xmas

2008-12-24T07:15:00.000-08:00

Although I never got to meet my grandfather as he died before I was born, I have a batch of his letters to his sister during WWI. I am posting the following transcripts of his letters from France during the Holidays in 1918 right when they announced the end of the war. These are for my mom:

Soldier’s Mail
Somewhere in France
Nov. 27, 1918

Dear Sister:

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and it will seem rather funny not to be sitting at the table at home or over at A.J. Roests.
It also will seem strange to see no snow on the ground or a good old Football game over on the field.
I guess we have run into the rainy season again, the last couple of days it has rained or misted all the time.
I just come back from mess, was on duty all a.m. and off this p.m., not much going on now days, but guess we will start drilling about Friday.
We are billeted in an old French house in a little village here. There’s a school across the street from us and the children are just starting the afternoon session, all little tots.
You ought to see how young the French children start smoking, they are in their delight if we will only give them a cigarette.
A bunch of fellows are looking at some U.S. papers they received this a.m., some about the latest September 18th and most eating them up.
Well Sis, I haven’t received any mail as yet and the way we are traveling around, doubt if I ever do, or at least it will take months so after you receive this, don’t write me any more.
I will write you often and when I think it will be O.K. to write again, will tell you.
Hope this finds you and mother and the girls all well, I am-

Your Brother,
Thomas
Co –B- 102 Inf. A.E.F

Soldier’s Mail
Same Place
December 7, 1918

Yours of Oct. 9 and mothers of the sixteenth received OK this a.m. I guess this must be about all the letters I have on the way as I received some as late as the twenty fourth of the month.
I am glad every thing is going along smoothly at the store and glad to hear F.G. has a man working now instead of a “kid” because it will make work much lighter for you.
Tell F.G. F. that when I get back I am going out hunting with him and show him how to shoot. Has he been getting anything his fall? Remember how he and Geo and Stanley Jones used to go and only get back.
I have expected to hear from Chas. May almost every time I receive mail but I guess he is real busy since they had the new party built on.
I guess in the last two weeks, “since we have been here” I have written about thirty or more cards and letters.
Did I tell you I heard from K.J. Chase. The certainly is some kid – do you think he will ever grow up?
Tell mother I did not receive the helmet she sent to Mills and probably won’t but never mind. I will use it when I get home.
Wasn’t it lucky I got the box of candy and eats the day before I sailed and the last I ate the “penuchey” was in South Hampton England and about the last candy I have had.
This French chocolate, about ½ # bar and bitter, costs us two francs (40 cents) each and cookies (6) costs 1 franc & 12 contrines or 29 cents. A can of jam, about a half cup, costs 2 ½ francs (50 cents), so you see we don’t buy much.
We buy these same things from the Y for - sweet chocolate ½ franc, jam – 1 franc 15 contrines (23 cents) cookies – peanut macaroons (12 in pkg.) 1 franc. The Y man tries to keep a supply with him and in touch with us at all times. On the hike he used to issue us cigarettes about every other day, 1 pckg. Once in awhile the Red Cross send a package of cookies and some cigarettes for each man, so you see we fare well over here with good eats and issued smoking tobacco.
Almost forgot to tell you Sis – we have a new game over here, quite popular with most every one of us. We call it hunting “cooties of course” and it is some sport.
Yesterday, the Xmas packages started to arrive so you see the fellows that have been over here some time will receive their packages all OK on Xmas day.
Well, I will wait until I get home for my Xmas gift ‘eats.’ Today we signed the payroll for Oct and November so you see I will be getting paid some time in the near future around one hundred francs.
Will close as I am near the end of this paper.
Your Brother,
Thos.
CoB – 102 Inf. 26 Div.
A.E.F

Soldier’s Mail
Ageville, France
Friday, December 13, 1918

Dear Sis:
Yours of the 8th came last night along with Elsie & Marian’s of the same date. Much surprise to not receive any dated between Oct. 24 and Nov. 8th, but I suppose they took a different course in coming over and maybe on a much slower boat than these three, but I expect I will be getting some more letters within a few days.
The old town must have woke up when they heard the great news and turned loose for a few hours. Glad it came true three days later and then I suppose they went at it again.
What was the matter with Chas May on this day, was he afraid he might loose a few sales, well I only hope he closed on the eleventh and if he didn’t I think when I return I will have to tell him a thing or two.
You can’t begin to imagine how us fellows felt when we heard the news down the trench – and at eleven o’clock every thing was as quiet ad dead, where a couple of hours before the big guns were sending over a heavy barrage fire. The day was foggy and in the P.M. the fog rose and all you could see was sell torn ground, a line of trenches and groups of soldiers around many fires, the first that they had dared to build in some time.
This day I shall never forget, although we did not celebrate. I suppose they will look at it as a Holiday from now on.
Glad to hear that the new main in the store takes such an interest in his work, and it will make it much easier for you.
How was your Xmas trade this year? It ought to be good and hope it was.
Do you see much of Geo.N. I have written him a couple of times, also Chas. M. and once or twice to F.G.F. but of late I have been spending my spare time doing a little tailoring for the fellows. This gives me a few extra francs. You know I am great on making a little extra at one thing or another.
How is Charlie Darrow getting along – is he able to work yet? I hope he is up and around again by this time, although the last I saw of him the day at the hospital, he looked rather doubtful.
So A.J. Roest was home and all the kids were sick. The “flu” must have hit Michigan later than the other states. There is very little of it over here, although once in awhile you hear of a case.
I haven’t heard from Murf but the once, and don’t care if she bothers herself to write again or not, although she asked what I wanted for Xmas and a few other foolish remarks was all she had to say. Also she had been going up to Aunt Mayme’s to see them while Jim was so sick and was going to spend a week end with them when she wrote.
I also receive a letter from the girl in Ishpenning with an invitation to go up there next summer and spend a few days or whatever my vacation might be. I think my vacation is going on now and will have to hit the ball again as soon as I return.
Well, Sis, I guess I will close for today and write again soon. Hope this finds you all well and happy.

Your Brother,
Thomas
Co. B. – 102 Inf. 26 Div.
A.E.F

Soldier’s Mail
Ageville, France
January 15, 1919

Dear Sister:
Well today is Wednesday and a very disagreeable day here in Ageville. It has been raining for the last couple of days so everything is nice and muddy also slippery as most par of the ground her is clay composition.
Yesterday, the Company went over to Regimental Headquarters at Maudres and the whole regiment had a review after which the Regimental Flag was decorated by the French and eighteen of the boys received the French Croix-La Guerre. One of the fellows here on the Provost Guard with me, only from C. Company, was called over. Yesterday he received the French Croix La Guerre, and about four weeks ago he received an American decoration the D.S.C. – Distinguished Service Cross.
Last night for supper we had a regular banquet. First in the line was tea, then my musket bottom full of kidney beans boiled with tomatoes and chunks of bacon, then mash potatoes and turnips together and a piece of fresh pork (fried) about the size of half of this sheet of paper and two slices of bread. Now don’t you think we are feeding fine?
Last Friday night my peg tooth in front came out, so Saturday I had to walk about thirteen kilometers to the dentist and get it fixed. He only fixed it temporarily and this noon it came out again so if tomorrow is a nice day, I think I will have a nice little walk again, of course you know thirteen kilo = only about eight miles.
I haven’t received any mail since about a week ago, when I received the six, all in one bunch – neither has the box or magazines arrived yet. But there hasn’t been any mail for our Company for about three days so maybe they will be bocheau tonight and I hope so.
How is F.G. getting along? I’ll bet now that the weather is so cold, he will let Mr. Weeler do the delivering. It was nice during the good weather to be able to run around in the car, but now taking care of a horse is too much for him.
I have not heard from Geo. Nesbit yet, but I suppose he is rather busy now taking inventory and getting things straightened up for the year.
Well Sis, its getting toward night and growing dark so will stop for today.

With Love to all and Mother,
Your Brother,
Thomas
CoB. – 102 Inf. 26 Div.
A.E.F

Soldier’s Mail
Ageville, France
January 19, 1919

Dear Sister Jerrine:
Yours of Christmas day received Friday night and glad to hear that you had received my letters on Xmas day. I thought when I wrote first from here that you would get them about that time.
Do you know I haven’t received a letter from you folks dated between the first of December and Xmas day? I guess they have been very busy with mail and of course it’s been slow getting transferred around. Hope I get the Xmas box soon or I am afraid that candy may be spoiling.
When I wrote you a week ago, I thought that we would not be here today, but here we are in the same place as before.
This first week we have had flurries of snow two or three different times but today there’s none in sight although the roads are very wet and muddy.
Was glad to hear that Chas M. and Geo. received my cards O.K. I haven’t heard from either one of them yet, but suppose I will in time as they both are probably busy with inventories at present.
Very surprised to hear bout Nell and “Cap.” Gee! Caps a fine fellow but I think Nellie could have done much better than she did, don’t you?
How does Chas May seem after his accident? Gee! The war stopping began things again. I suppose if I stay away long enough, I will hear that you are going to be married.
Say Sis, Gee, I wish I had that fruitcake here today. I certainly could eat about a dozen like mother used to make, but say you hadn’t better save it too long, because you know it might spoil by the middle of summer when the weather is hot, or around the fourth of July, but you know once I get back to some camp in the states, you can send me boxes again, no matter how long they hold us in Camp there.
Gee! But it will seem good to get back across the pond again. You look at the map and it doesn’t seem to be very much water, but oh! you know you always have the chance of being sea sick, although I came across in fine shape.
Well this week will probably find us on the move, unless the reports fall short again. We hear so much, it’s hard to believe any.
Well, Sis, I think I will go to church and then write some more letters after dinner.
Hope this finds you in the best of health. With Love to you and Mother,

Your Brother,
Thomas
CoB. – 102 Inf. 26 Div.
A.E.F

Soldier’s Mail
Ypres Le Police, France
January 30, 1919

Dear Sister Jerrine:

Your lovely long letter or as you called it “young book of only nine pages” arrived last evening, along with one from Elsie, Marian and one from Clara Montgomery. They were very welcome as its been over a week since the Company has received any mail on account of our moving also the post office.
So its winter yet at home, honestly it seems funny when you write about the snow and cold weather at home, when over here today its more like a late fall day. Of course we have had some chilly weather and it even freezes over here “honestly” but no snow on the ground to wade through or no blizzards to blind your eyes and zero weather to knife your ears, toes and nose.
Remember how about this time last year the weather used to get down around ten and twenty below zero and I froze my toes, seems more like a dream than anything else now to me. I can just picture you going to work in the morning and the snow drifts on the sidewalk and when you get in front of the store, the windows all coated with flakes of ice. And of course, well I remember John Donely out shoveling the walk off. And say – Does old T. Shilow try and shovel some of his snow away this year or does he think the city ought to do that for him?
Wasn’t if funny they should send our division back into this area where I was before and our battalion should be stationed in the very same place. Well, this time it is very much more crowded than before so some of us stay in billets quite away from the mess hall and town. The billet where I am staying is about a half hour walk to meals and in old French farm house. One large room down stairs and one up – fourteen stay in each room – a large fireplace and very comfortable. We call it “The Farm.”
Gee! But it will seem funny to get back and have steam heat or hot air. I like these fireplaces real well and they are certainly nice to sit around at night and smoke, tell stories and pass the evening away.
There’s a rumor around that some of the replacements are to be transferred as the company is to large now that the old men keep coming back from hospitals and German prison camps and maybe I may be one. If so, I will write when it happens. They can’t do much more than send us to the army of occupation in Germany and wouldn’t that be a splendid life, but I will be satisfied to return to the dear old U.S.A. with out having seen the Rhine or Germany.
It’s hard to tell how long we will be here yet, but perhaps when we move from here it will be to a seaport and boat.
At the present time, I haven’t seen anything of the Xmas box. If it got lost, probably some poor fellow in the hospital got it so I don’t worry much. I have only received three letters with Hershey’s in so far, but the rest will probably be along soon.
Must close – With Love to all and Mother,

Your Brother,
Thomas
CoB. – 102 Inf. 26 Div.
A.E.F

A little addition as I found this piece of paper so can write a few more lines. You see paper is rather short. Was glad to hear that Chas Darrow was back working again. I have written him several times, but have never heard from him.
So Katherine Wilhelm is to marry Frank Turner – Well! Would you “thunkit.” I thought sure she would rope some Chicago music teacher for hers. How does Cap and Miller get along?
Tell Marian I forgot to put in her letter that I was glad “Livey” didn’t wear his rubbers in the house and was very sorry she did have “no no” for picture of herself, Ha! Ha!
Well, any way, “I thought I would write to you once”! hows that? I don’t know I feel like writing a letter today – and if I were home would probably be teasing you girls and mother in grand style.
I was surprised to hear that Murf was up to the house. (O.K. she isn’t sucha bad kid after all) rather set in her ways you know, but we all have our faults. I expect she will be sending me some pictures one of these days. Well the papers gone for sure this time, will close.
Thomas

DFA Ball

2008-12-22T08:03:00.001-08:00

Lauren went to the DFA Ball this weekend. Here is a picture of her with Jack before she left for the dance. She had a blast.

Merry Christmas from WWI

2008-12-21T16:09:00.001-08:00

At my mother's request- here is a Christmas card that was sent to my great aunt by my Grandfather, Thomas Beamish, when he was stationed in France during WWI. It is strange that they had cards with soldiers on them for the troups to send. I have many of his letters to his sister during the war and I have transcribed about half of them. Although he seldom mentions the fighting in his letters, there is a mention of the cease-fire that took place during one Christmas eve. I will post that later.

Black Cougar

2008-12-07T07:19:00.000-08:00

My son Jack and I saw a black mountain lion up in Prescott last weekend. It was as large as a big german shepard and was sitting on a rock just outside my parent's fence line. It jumped down and sauntered off when we spotted him. My dad has seen the tracks around his house, but I have never seen a mountain lion before. I wanted him to call game and fish, but I don't think he thinks it is necessary. Hope he doesn't become lion food! (BTW -This is just a picture from the Internet, I didn't have my camera in hand...)

Gifts with a Conscience

2008-11-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to the Gifts With a Conscience store with a group of sustainers from my National Charity League group. (Pictured above is Carrye who organized the event.) Gifts With a Conscience is located on 33rd St. and Indian School Road. They have a lot of wonderful items and a portion of their proceeds go to help women and children's charities. I recommend going there to get some of your Christmas shopping done!

I bought a several baskets from The Blessing Basket Project - http://www.blessingbasket.org/ - these baskets are made by women from all over the world and they are paid directly and at least 2.5 times the fair trade value for their work. This helps to lift them out of poverty. I bought two baskets from Ghana and a purse made in Madagascar. We watched a great video on the project.

Phoenix 10K

2008-11-10T14:04:00.001-08:00

I ran/walked the 5K portion of the Phoenix 10K race on Sunday. A group of coworkers walked it with me and two (Heidi and Jose) were tough and ran the entire race. I admire them for being able to do that... maybe someday I will get up enough energy to try it.

Pictured above are me with Cynthia and her friend Brian (who I think looks like Hugh Jackman) - he sent us these pictures.

Birthday Celebrations

2008-10-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

My daughter and friends threw a surprise party for me on my birthday this week and I thought I would put up some of the pictures. (This one is of Ames, Nancy and I).

I celebrated all week with Manicures and Martinis, parties and lunches. Thanks to everyone for sending me all your good wishes as I turned a whole half century. Ouch! You all made it much less painful! I love you all!

Kelley gives me my cupcake cake.

Daughter Lauren and I at The Vig - she was very good at surprising me!

Traci's Wedding Party

2008-10-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend I helped throw a party for Rodney and Traci - they are getting married on a cruise next month. The weather was beautiful and we were able to hang out on the patio all evening. Congratulations you two!

Traci's Shower at the Cabin

2008-10-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Eight gals went up to my Forest Lakes "ex" cabin last weekend to celebrate my friend Traci's upcoming nuptuals with a wedding shower. We did indeed have a shower when we got hit with some nice icy rain during our hike. The rest of the time was spent inside with a fire, games and of course food!

Kappa Formal

2008-09-30T15:53:00.001-07:00

Lauren and her date, Ryan, and with her Kappa "sisters" at a formal this weekend. The theme must have been black!

More Dudley Photos

2008-09-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

I've been busy lately, so my blogging has suffered a bit. Here are more pictures of my new puppy, Dudley. He is great, but the potty training is going a little slow... I helped my sister out at Mystic Paper this week for her Acrylic Overlay Painting class. The gals were really great and we had lots of fun. (Great Job, Sandy!) Hopefully I will do something interesting enough to post on my blog this weekend. Happy Fall!

New Baby - Dudley

2008-09-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the newest member of our family. His name is Dudley and he is a miniature Dachsund. He is 10 1/2 weeks old - a real sweetie. Lauren made me get him...

Back to Santa Monica

2008-08-28T07:02:00.001-07:00

Lauren's last day at MTV

Lauren's Apt. complex Washington Street - where she lived.
Lauren on Santa Monica Boardwalk
The cool Georgian Hotel on the Boardwalk

I went back to Santa Monica one last time to help move Lauren back to Arizona to start her last year at ASU. She loved her MTV internship - she said she enjoyed the great people she worked with, seeing how a large company conducts business and of course she enjoyed LA. She worked on several events including the parties for the TV Land awards, the Bob Saget roast and a special event to unveil the Xbox game, Rockstar II, where they had a surprise band perform - The Who! These pictures are from our trip and the neighborhood where she lived.

Santa Monica Trip

2008-08-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

I was back in Santa Monica hanging out with Lauren this past weekend. We went to the Ivy and STK restaurants, the Getty Museum and the Rose Bowl Antique market. We had a quality "star sighting" as we saw Emile Hirsch (Into the Wilderness, Lords of Dogtown) walking in downtown Santa Monica. The Getty Museum was wonderful - we saw this Van Gogh painting there called the Irises. Lauren had that same print on her wall for years, so that was fun. I will be back there again later this week to move her home to AZ.... that probably won't be as much fun! But I am looking forward to having her return. She did enjoy her internship with MTV.

And still more from Cayman

2008-08-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

On our drive around the island - look at the colors in the water!

Nancy S. on the beach.

This picture is of the beach at Nancy's condo at sunset.

Here I am snorkeling with the stingrays.

The stingrays swim up to the boat waiting for food. They were so friendly!

Here I am with marine biologist/videographer Jim - I was trying to fix him up with Lauren. He said he would love to meet her, so now we have to go back...

Nancy and me on the boat to Stingray City.

So I am back and had a great time. Here are some more pictures of my trip. I am off this weekend to Santa Monica to spend more time with Lauren and will probably post some pictures from that trip. I am sorry that my posts have been a bit sporadic! I have included two short videos of me and the stingrays... I look pretty goofy :)

More from Cayman

2008-08-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had a great time kissing and swimming with the Stingrays. If you kiss them you have seven year of good luck, so of course I had to try. They seem to enjoy rubbing their bodies along your legs like a big slimey cat - it was very weird. Snorkeling is awesome here and I love Cayman's beautiful hues of blue water. It is just incredible. I will be snorkeling out front tomorrow and then I will be heading home. I took some underwater video that I will work on posting when I return.

Caymans

2008-07-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

I'm in the Cayman Islands with my friend Nancy. She has a great condo down here - it is very sunny and I bought a hat and am wearing tons of sunscreen. We are going to swim with the stingrays tomorrow. I will post more pictures next week when I get back...

Tribute to My Rocky

2008-07-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

My good companion and friend Rocky passed away this week after 13 years of devotion, love and lots of barking! He was a great dog, who brought me a lot of joy. He will definately be missed.

New Painting

2008-07-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

This is a mixed media attempt - I used felt tip pens to do the detail in the umbrella.

Santa Monica Trip

2008-07-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

My sister and I went to Santa Monica for the 4th. We walked around quite a bit and went to some antique/flea markets. Here are some pictures from the trip.

Sandy at a cool bookstore with the resident cat...
Me at the beach with my Starbucks...
At the flea market in need of Starbucks...
A cool tree with orange blossoms...
Some bodybuilders in Venice Beach...

Third in the Series

2008-06-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the third painting in the series that I have been working on. Still trying to get that abstract face to not look too scary...

Little Cloister - Westminster Abbey

2008-06-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

This picture is from my Europe trip in 2005 with the kids. It is of a garden in the back of Westminster Abbey. It is called the Little Cloister and is built on the site of the monastery there. I thought it was so peaceful there amongst the noise of London. It is nice to look at the photo when it is so dang hot here in AZ.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2008-06-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

I do have a lot of friends and family born in June. One more picture of Dad (and Mom) taken in Prescott. Have a great day, Dad!

New Art Project

2008-06-21T17:26:00.001-07:00

My sister and I have been experimenting with acrylics. Here are my first two canvases. I think the scans change the texture a bit though.

Celebrating the Solstice... or California Dreaming

2008-06-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

In lieu of doing 108 sun salutations with other over enthusiastic yogis today, I will focus my intentions on thinking cooling thoughts. I'm out to water my poor plants while day dreaming about the beach. Here is a picture I took in San Diego a couple of years ago. To all my Zonie friends... keep cool!

More June Birthdays

2008-06-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

I love Geminis - I went out to lunch recently to help celebrate June Birthday girls Cindy and Liz. We went to a great new restaurant (at least it was new to me) - Humblepie. It is at the Hilton Village on Scottsdale road. They serve delicious gourmet salads and pizza. We had the Pistachio pizza - it was great! From left: Ames, Cindy, Me, Carol, Kelley and Liz.

I also want to say Happy Birthday to Karin today! (We will also have to go to lunch when you get back from San Diego.)

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T04:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day out there to all the Dads I know.

Here are a few pictures of my Dad - you are the best!!!! Photos: 1. Dad at Glacier Park, 2, Dad in Prescott with Lauren in 1988, 3. Four generations of Gill Fathers (dad is the little guy), 4. Dad up at Burt Lake, Michigan and 5. The only time I've seen Dad on a horse!

Love ya, Dad- Patty

Sunrise

2008-06-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sunrise
Hello, sun in my face.

Hello, you who made the morning

and spread it over the fields

and into the faces of the tulips

and the nodding morning glories, and into the windows of,

even, the miserable and the crotchety – best preacher that ever was,

dear star, that just happens

to be where you are in the universe

to keep us from ever-darkness, to ease us with warm touching,

to hold us in the great hands of light –

good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day

in happiness, in kindness.

by Mary Oliver

Happy Birthday Sandy

2008-06-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

I want to say Happy Birthday to my sister Sandy.

(Don't worry, I won't say how old you are. Just be sure to do something fun today. Love ya - Patty)

Happy Birthday Brian!

2008-06-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

I made it before midnight. Here are some old photos of my wonderful nephew Brian. He is all grown up now with a little one of his own! Happy Birthday Brian!

Great Lots in Prescott!

2008-06-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

If you know of someone who is interested in buying a lot to build a house in Prescott, my dad has the best lots available. Here is an aerial photo of the properties and some photos I took of the lots when I was there in May. They are all an acre or more and have terrific views. My photos don't do it justice. Here is the North Forty web site for more info: http://www.north-forty.us/

Jack's Graduation

2008-05-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Jack's graduation was last night at Scottsdale Center for the Arts. The seniors did a great job with wonderful performances and speeches. Here are a few photos from the evening. I spoke to several of his teachers after the event and they had such great things to say about him. I was a very proud mom!

Memorial Weekend Trip in Santa Monica

2008-05-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I have been so derelict with my posting. May was a busy month! I went to Santa Monica this past weekend with my daughter Lauren. We were looking at places for her to sublet this summer for her internship. We found a nice apartment close to work and shopping. I'm excited for her and she takes off at the end of the week. Here are several pictures from our trip. The crosses were placed on the beach honoring those who have died in Iraq from the LA area. The beach photos are from Malibu.

Class of 2008

2008-05-01T06:42:00.001-07:00

I took some photos for Jack's senior video for Boys Team Charity and for his high school video this month. I can't believe he is graduating! (By the way, he drew the graffiti behind him on a piece of paper and I photoshopped him in... no property damaged!)

Get Your Mindfulness On

2008-04-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

I took a Yoga workshop this past weekend which was taught by Alanis Morrisette's twin brother Wade (weird, huh?) at At One Yoga. The class was fun and incorporated some dancing with the yoga and also focused on some breathing techniques. These are things I don't get a whole lot of when doing my usual classes.

I am going to try to get out there and do something new every week. In fact, I made this one of my personal goals for the year. (I just had my job review and had to come up with three goals. The other two are work-related.) So I guess the workshop counts for this week!

I took this photo this summer in Hawaii - what a peaceful spot. It takes me back there every time I look at it. It reminds me to stay in the moment and enjoy!

Karate Kid

2008-04-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, actually it is Tae Kwon Do. I have been looking through old photos for my son's graduation video they are producing at school - I thought this one is pretty funny.

(Sandy - This must be the day for old pictures.)

(Jack - Remember, I can still kick your butt.)

Give Your Mother Thanks Today

2008-04-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

... Mother Earth that is! (I also give thanks to you, Mom, who is about the only person who reads my blog). This is a picture of my kids in Hawaii at the base of a very big tree (I think it is a Banyan).

I am celebrating Earth day today by not eating meat, using a shopping bag or drinking any bottled water (my true sacrifice.) Happy Earth Day everyone!

April is Poetry Month

2008-04-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Going through my emails today, I happened across the Borders Enewsletter and found a terrific section where poets read their material online. It was called Open Door Poetry - here is the link http://www.bordersmedia.com/odp/default.asp I particularly liked the Haiku contest. In honor of poetry month, here is one of my favorite poems:

Sleeping in the Forest

by Mary Oliver

I thought the earth

remembered me,she

took me back so tenderly,arranging

her dark skirts, her pockets

full of lichens and seeds.I slept

as never before, a stone

on the river bed, nothing

between me and the white fire of the stars

but my thoughts, and they floated

light as moths among the branches

of the perfect trees. All night

I heard the small kingdoms breathing

around me, the insects, and the birds

who do their work in the darkness. All night

I rose and fell, as if in water,grappling

with a luminous doom. By morning

I had vanished at least a dozen times

into something better.

Flowering Grass

2008-04-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. ~Claude Monet

Here is a picture of the first bloom from the ornamental grasses in my garden. They don't last long, but they are very delicate and pretty.

I Love My Clock

2008-04-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a cool old green alarm clock? I got it at a flea market yesterday - I don't think it works, but the alarm is very loud, so maybe I will use it to wake up a certain 17-year-old who likes to sleep way too much.

I also took a metal working jewelry class from Tim Holtz yesterday - here is my collage necklace. Don't know where I'd where it, but I picked up some great techniques at the class.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2008-04-10T07:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Mom. Remember, 70 is the new 50, so you'd better go do something fun today. I look forward to celebrating with you soon.

I Love My Job!

2008-04-08T07:53:00.001-07:00

I hiked up Camelback yesterday with a group of my coworkers, afterwards we joined the whole staff for our staff celebration - a spa day! I love my job! (FYI... I love my job even when it isn't "spa day." )