Moments with Mema

October..blues

2010-10-18T22:54:00.000-04:00

Well here it is October and the leaves are almost gone..Ugh I hate what's coming. Not Halloween. the white stuff in the first picture. The fall photo is our waterfalls. I love this one, but only for the colors.

Peabrains and time.

2010-08-10T22:41:00.007-04:00

Wow! How time flies. There is so much to do and so little time. I don't get too many visitors here and I guess they are all doing facebook. I just can't get into it. I got one but, no time to view or enter "What's on my mind." Maybe 'cause it is too little to have anything on it..Ha! Peabrain.

Just thought I would add some photos of the Lewis Reunion at the East Guilford Waterfalls...our property. it was July 11th..always on the second Sunday of July. We would love to have more families join us. We are the descendants of John D. Lewis that came from Westerly, RI and settled in Preston, NY. We know there are more family out there related to John so see you in 2011 at the waterfalls.

Long Time No New Post

2010-02-11T11:37:00.005-05:00

Well for some strange reason I can't access my account on our regular computer so her I am on the laptop making progress.

I know I should have put this on the GHS site but alas I forgot where it was in my pics.

Anyway we just got a new printing of this one and also have a new cemetery book out. North Guilford Pioneer Cemetery has been in the works for about 4 years. It's finally done and ready for sale. What's next on our agenda? We have been working on Rockwell's Mills as in the GHS write up and our GHS Social is this Saturday with RR buff John Taibi who will talk about the Unadill Valley branch of the O&W.

There is so much history out there and not enough time to do it all. Not to mention genealogy of the folks who once lived here. The latest on that front was the Banners, Hattons, and Ensworths that has continued for months. It has been a blast and pictures of the ancestors to boot! I feel like a member of the family now and it has been so exciting to be with the 3 folks that have helped put all the families together.

So here we are setting out the winter just researching away and waiting for spring. When I see the crocus I'll be really happy.

Summer Time in Guilford

2009-08-04T21:15:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a long time since I posted in March so, now I can post a new one. Since that time we have become great grandparents and are so happy.We cab't wait to see her. Her name is Hadlie Faye, The middle name is the same for 3 generatins back and the original was an Aunt Faye. How cool is that? So, with this post is a picture of her and some of our posies.

It's Snow Time

2009-02-09T22:17:00.002-05:00

EEry Street Signs

2009-01-28T10:48:00.002-05:00

In a wierd sort of way I thought this was a little humorous. Some things go together and some don't. Just a take off from Pike Pickles.

Christmas and New Years Blessings

2008-12-30T21:00:00.006-05:00

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS ♥♥☺

We had a good Christmas. My best present was a curio cabinet to hold my flo gold collection. As I was taking photos to put on my blog. I reflected as to the true meaning of the season. Not about the gifts, as with everyone we cut back, but about the savior and love. I missed my children for the holidays and it is difficult for my Pikespickles to fly to New York from California, but my wish is a some point we can all be together (all our children and grandchildren) here and share the love. That would be my gold and greatest present I could ever receive and that goes for Tom too!

So, I have included a photo of my cabinet and am sharing a photo I took on Christmas Eve. The title is "The Night Before Christmas" and if you recite the poem you come up with "not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse". Simon and Schooster posed for this without knowing they were being photographed. When we unwrapped our presents Christmas morn even, the cats had stockings and received a new toy. Pictured are them with a short, very short inspection and play, but alas not the highlight of the day! They had more fun burrowing through the wrapping paper and climbing in the empty boxes. Just like our children did.

I am ready to take down the tree and honestly can't wait. Not that the "boys" are terrorizing the tree but, what's under it. Tom sets up the train set which has been under a tree for 50 years now. The "boys" are big monsters to all the miniature people and Schooster tries to chew off their heads. It reminds me of a horror movie..and big foot or the attack of the Giant Gila Monster. The only rest our miniature people get is when the train runs! They back off and just watch. Too bad it couldn't run all the time the tree is up on it's own.

So, we had a nice quiet Christmas and enjoyed the company of our good friend and neighbors on Christmas eve and Christmas day.

Now I wish all a Happy New Year...I think we all need it.... including our country.

Baptisms

2008-12-21T21:00:00.007-05:00

"Hi All!!"

Grandpa gave Liam a new train for the tree. Set up and running.

The baptism party after was fun, especially sneeking a little frosting off the cake. Who's the guilty one for that, grandpa?

The two are baptised.

Father, Godfather, Grandfather and baby Kate

"I know I'm the life of the party!"

Hi all, long time no post! Well on the 14th of December we went to Ct. for baptisms of 2 of our grandchildren. It was beautiful and Liam was like a little gentleman and Kate just an angel. We also celebrated Christmas while there and had a really great time. It seems like little Kate is going to have red hair like her brother. So, here's a few photos.

What Kind of Pie Are you?

2008-12-03T19:13:00.002-05:00

Okay so Pikepickles gave me the idea and I went there. OMG I think I shoulda not! I am not especially pleased by my pie but, then maybe it's tonight's mood. I'll try again later and I will also save this site.

You Are Cherry Pie

You're the perfect combo of innocent and sexy.
At times, you seem a bit naive, simple, and innocent.
But at second glance, you are sensual, seductive, and even a little naughty.
You have people fooled - at least you'd like to think so.

Those who like you enjoy a contradiction.
Either that, or they can't really make up their minds about what they want.
And you can usually give people what they want... as long as you're in the mood.
You've been known to be quite tempestuous, and pleasing others is not high on your list of priorities.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofpieareyouquiz/">What Kind of Pie Are You?

Thanksgiving Blessings

2008-11-08T20:47:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving is coming...and since it is, I reflect on all things I am thankful for. That I can say my belief in God and Jesus as my savior. My wonderful husband and friend Tom. My children and grandchildren. My family and friends. My health and happiness. My country the United States. My home and the security from the cold, wind and rain it provides. My life in general. AND turkey on thanksgiving day with all the fixin's. So there you have it. Remember now all the things you are thankful for, not just on Thanksgiving but, everyday. A Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Scared stiff at the Gray's

2008-11-01T21:18:00.001-04:00

slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" width=386>

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Halloween at our house is a must, as you can see from the past in the last post. My husband takes it very seriously or should I say very Halloweenie!! He goes all out and I am all out by the time it is over and then the packing up begins. Today I am just plain tired. So, 50 plus kids hit the door between 6:30 and 8:30. One little boy who reminds me of the LDS commercial-the one who talks so fast about going for pancakes-came by himself and was not to awfully brave in doing so. He did get in the door with the strobe lights, devil flying up as the door opened, and the fog filling up the kitchen and said those 3 little words,,Trick or Treat in a shaky little voice. Then he started talking wildly fast and I didn't understand a word he said. As he left the door to the porch, I let out my witches cackle and I heard him exclaim as he hit the porch door "Don't do that, it freaks me out!" I understood that.

By quarter of 9, Tom and I turned out the lights and..then..and...well, get your mind back to Halloween......we went trick or treating!! For the first time since we have been married!! It's always been staying here to take care of those trick or treaters and in the past we have had an "after the candy handing out" an adult buffet dinner party. So, last night was our first. We only went to 3 houses, but what can I say..3 more than last year!! Please enjoy our smilebox video and forgive me if I give you the finger..a bloody one. I told a group of older teenagers this story; Setting the scene: In my witchie cackling voice I told them that I had a gift for them.

I had one of them lift the lid of the little box I was holding. As he did I said "I was cutting up my pumpkin for Halloween I cut my finger clean off." When he got a good look at the finger, I wiggled it! I told them then that when I got my Jack-o-lantern finally carved, it took one look at my bloody stump and it puked all over. As they left the front door..in my witches voice.."Be good children and don't let just anybody give you the finger, like I just did!!" They laughed and laughed all the way off the porch. Until, Tom pulled up Charlie the Pumpkin Head's hand from inside and spoke through the outside speaker and said "Happy Halloween" in a spooky voice. Shrieks were heard from two teenage girls as they ran to the road. Tom had the last laugh. You can see the pukin pumpkin in the video and I spelled it wrong.

PS. We bought the pumpkins. We didn't raise them. They were a cross between a gourd and pumpkin and as hard as they were, we were lucky neither of us didn't cut something off!!

Halloween at the Gray Estate--------BOOO!!

2008-10-25T09:54:00.003-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Here we are, in all our Halloween attire including the house. Have a Happy Halloween.

Announcing a New Baby Girl

2008-10-18T13:32:00.004-04:00

Liam meets his new sister
Kate and Great Grandma and Grandpa

We have a new granddaughter!! Kate Campbell Lochridge was born October 14th. Mommy and Kate are doing fine. We are staying here a few days to help out. There will be more photos to follow but, this is my birth announcement post. Can you tell grandpa is real proud of his precious new grandaughter?

Baby Kate or Katelin is Coming Early!!

2008-10-12T22:52:00.003-04:00

Baby Kate was due October 17th but, the doctor advised that perhaps she should come on the 14th. The parents live an hour away from the hospital and with traffic it could take longer. So, the doctor will induce labor. We will be on our way to Connecticut on Tuesday and stay for a few days to help momma and daddy out. Brother Liam will love to have Pop Pop there to play neat games and grandma will help too!! So, Hurray a baby is on the way!!

Clean Energy

2008-10-04T18:14:00.005-04:00

Tom is standing in front of a blade!!
Me in front of the wind mill.

With all the talk of renewable energy and the green house effect, I thought I would share our experience of 2 years ago. We went to Maple Ridge Wind Farm on Tug Hill in northern NY to visit the wind mills. It was awesome and you know, people are worried about the noise, but all we heard was a "whooose, whooose" as the paddles turned around. It was really a peaceful sound. But, then I am lulled to sleep when hearing a fan or air conditioner. ( Didn't do well in afternoon business meetings in the summer!!) Go to the following for more info: http://www.allbusiness.com/services/business-services/3950456-1.html. You can click on the photos and bring them up larger. To me this makes more sense and cents. The noise pollution is minimal when you compare to the other forms of energy pollution. I would rather have one of these next door than a radioactive silo!!

We're Expecting!!

2008-10-03T21:52:00.007-04:00

Grandpa's trains
The Lochridge Family-unseen baby Kate
The Pike Family-kids are much older now & Gabriella's missing
Gabriella Grace-alittle over 1 wk old at Christmas

Yep, number 7 is due any day. We will be heading for Connecticut perhaps this week end. Baby Kate was not supposed to come until October 17th but, she will decide and she's getting mighty ready from the last report. So, Liam's baby sister will be a welcomed joy as is Liam. Gosh, I just wish we could all get together for Christmas here one year. We did a summer vacation year before last and had such a good time. But, I long for the kids to come back home for the holidays. My dream will come true, maybe in a few years and grandpa's Lionel will toot it's way under the tree for over 50 years and we will celebrate together the birth of our savior. Wouldn't it be loverly?

Just cruisin"

2008-09-26T22:39:00.003-04:00

One of the things Tom and I like to do is go on a cruise. We have been to the eastern Caribbean, western, central America and some points in between at least 5, if I count right. We have a ritual on Captains night, when we are in full formal attire, to get our photograph taken. Now, this isn't just any photograph, the background has to be the Titanic staircase!! You see when I met Tom, I was a grieving widow. Part of my getting out of the house was belonging to a group of ladies that called themselves "The Old Hags Club". The movie "Titanic" was in full force then and we made a pledge that we would not date anyone that had not seen the movie. After my date with Tom, (he invited me to his house for dinner) I called the gals. This is what I told them. "We had a great dinner and in the background the theme music from "Titanic" was playing. I asked him if he had seen the movie and did he cry and the answer was yes!!". Needless to say, he made a big score with the girls and it wasn't long before I decided to ditch the widows weeds as he was definitely a keeper!! Hey, we also dress up for Halloween too!!

Sometimes you feel like a blog...sometimes you don't.

2008-09-21T10:38:00.004-04:00

Well, readers I am back on the mend and trying to think of interesting things to blog about. Of course, right now I only have two fans, at least that comment, so I do not feel so compelled to keep blogging everyday. It has been interesting during my healing process with company coming. We have had several visitors from distances away looking for genealogy information. I have been in pain sometimes but managed to be congenial. Pain Pills!! OOOO,so good but, now I am weened.

Fall is in the air. We have not have frost yet, but I have done three quart bags of pears for the freezer with Tom's help. The tree is still loaded and we will share some with neighbors and friends so they do not go to waste. We ate most of the tomatoes so I did not do any up for the winter, this year.

So, here's a photo of my blue hibiscus, until I feel a blog posting coming on.

Sometimes You Feel Old- Just Older

2008-09-16T21:43:00.002-04:00

Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, 'How old was your husband?' '98,' she replied. 'Two years older than me' 'So you're 96,' the undertaker commented. She responded, 'Hardly worth going home, is it?

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman: 'And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?' the reporter asked. She simply replied, 'No peer pressure.'

The nice thing about being senile is you can hide your own Easter eggs.

I've sure gotten old! I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes I'm half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends. But, thank God, I still have my driver's license.

I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over.

An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart. 'Wal-Mart?' the preacher exclaimed. 'Why Wal-Mart?' 'Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week.

My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

**Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.**

It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker.

These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, 'For fast relief.'
THE SENILITY PRAYER : Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

Always Remember This: You don't stop laughing because you grow old, You grow old because you stop laughing.

Healing on the inside

2008-09-10T08:53:00.007-04:00

Sometimes healing comes from the outside in. For the past two mornings as I pulled the shade on the front, it was if I had opened a stage curtain. The view was very special to me and gave me a boost for the day. I haven't been able to do much yet, walk some, sit some (doctors orders-not more than a half hour at a time) and lay down. As I lay down I could still see out the front window and for hours the morning glories lived up to their name. I pondered and the verse came to mind from the Bible about "consider the lilies". So, I consider the Glories!! Thus, I am healing from the outside in as well as inside out. So, I share with you my view, from the inside out and outside in! Outside my window and inside me.

Aaron goes back to San Diego

2008-09-02T18:25:00.004-04:00

I just learned how to import a photo show into my blog. I am so excited but "ya all" might say;"Oh, no here she goes again!" So, even though Aaron left back in July I felt pikepickles showed him leaving home, I could run a sequel showing him leaving here. By the way, his friends name is also Liam, not to be confused with the Little Red Head grandson. Aaron's friend Liam shares the same birthday with Aaron and they are the same age, born the same year! Liam comes to visit his grandmother at their summer place each year and they met last year. So, they kept in contact and with a little help from parents and grandparents they arranged to be here again this year at the same time. Fun, Fun. They had a great time and Grandpa Tom was sure to get into some of the acts. I'll post that photo show next time.

Aaron goes back home

2008-09-02T17:45:00.006-04:00

Last minute items

2008-09-01T21:30:00.003-04:00

It seems this time of year waits for no man or woman. The black berries are ready and the pear tree is loaded..I'm pondering what in the world am I going to do? I think I have the black berries all done (3 gallon bags full) and the pears..darn will be ripening in the next few weeks. I hope my hubby can help with the paring and then bringing them to a boil in sugar water to freeze. Yep, better than canning as they are still firm after freezing.

Anyhow, if I do not update soon, I will be thinking about what I am to post next and giving directions to Mr. G on how to manage the house, cats, cat box and the phone. I don't think I will have him manage the blog, just yet. So, here's a few photos of the berries I froze on trays and then put in the plastic zip lock freezer bags and the LOADED pear tree.

I also included a photo of Simon and Schooster looking out the window at me, our garden angel, and our wedding glads. Believe it or not, they are perennials. You do not have to take up in the fall. We gave each guest at our wedding a pair with a cute little poem. We had some left over and every year they remind us of the day we said I do!!

Photos of Liam

2008-08-26T07:26:00.005-04:00

Liam is growing up so fast. We had a wonderful weekend visiting with him and daughter Alison and son-in-law Dave. Here are some photos of Liam and Grandpa (Pop-Pop) playing with his new train set. We gave him that as a belated birthday present. Also, pictures of Pop-Pop and Liam playing doctor and of course, we took Liam blackberries from our backyard. We also went to the beach and played in the sand. Our next planned visit will be in October to see Liam's brand new baby sister. Great Grandma Catharine, Aunt Eileen and Uncle Rich came to visit too while we were there.

In Connecticut

2008-08-23T11:28:00.002-04:00

In Connecticut visiting Liam and Mom and Dad. Grandpa is having a blast playing with Liam. I wil post photos on Monday. We will return on Sunday but need the time to rest up. Hope Stefany is okay way down south and Ally is settling in. I know how precious the moments can be and I miss them. I am enjoying the moments here though and appreciate the time spend with the little red head.

15 more days and counting!!

2008-08-19T21:39:00.004-04:00

This one just flew the Coop!!

Now I am getting nervous. If it weren't for the pain I would chicken out. Big Time!!

So prayers are needed:

1. To calm my nerves..even the painful one!

2. For a successful surgery a) that I make it out of the anesthesia and b) NO MORE PAIN.

Hope I am not asking too awful much and if so pick one..hint the last one is good.

Surgery

2008-08-18T13:28:00.002-04:00

Now I am about to undertake (not a good word)..er.. about to go under the knife. I must have done something stupid or just my bones are getting too old and don't hold my body up any more. It's called spinal stenosis. The results of this problem effect the sciatic nerve with pain in the back down to the foot on my right leg. After 5 years of steroid shots, 2 treatments of radio frequency lesioning, physical therapy and going to the chiropractor and getting stretched out on a table, I gave in!! Nothing worked for very long. So, on September 3rd I hope you all will send your prayers my way. If I don't update this blog right away or http://guilfordhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/ you will know why.

FOR SALE

2008-08-09T11:17:00.004-04:00

This is where I lived for about 15 years. Wanted to keep the place when Tom and I were married 8 years ago in May. We had it for a bed and breakfast where the patrons could fix their own breakfast at their leisure with all the fixins in the fridge or counter top. Eating in the dining area over looking the lake or on the deck was a favorite. Many people stayed and were so amazed at the beauty of the scenery and the peacefulness. Sorry to say, I have kept it heated but, now the cost of heating 2 places is killing us. We are retired and a limited income. But, I just wanted you to see some of our beautiful places of upstate NY and get to know a bit about me. also, my daughter MRS. P., Ally, Trey and Aaron lived here for a time.

Lillies in Guilford

2008-08-08T22:09:00.002-04:00

Just to show off a natural bouquet of flowers in my flower circle.

CRAZY Sandwiches?

2008-08-07T12:46:00.004-04:00

Today I am doing two posts!! Wow!

How many of you have made and eaten crazy sandwiches. At least from your point of view they may be normal while others screw up their noses and say "eeew"-"gross"? I mean not pita bread types or the now fad of panninies. Well, for lunch I made my favorite, a cucumber sandwich. Sliced length wise and thin on squishy bread with salt and pepper, butter and MIRACLE WHIP not Mayo. I look forward to this every year waiting for the garden harvest. The younger cukes make instant pickles..not pikespickles though. Slice into little round pieces put in a solution of vinegar, water, sugar, salt and pepper and you have instant pickles. Good Stuff. The missionaries were here and I had them try it. One was from Guatemala and he did the nose wrinkle. One persons treat is an others "eeeews"!! So, what's your "eeew" sandwich?

Road Trips and Mema's Advice

2008-08-07T11:47:00.004-04:00

So, now I am getting nervous about this trip across the US. I have been on the side lines before and there is always the suspense of:
1. Did they get to the destination in one piece?
2. What might have been left behind, that they may have to back track for.
3. When will I hear from them or who can I call to find out where they are?
4.-20. Do they have all the emergency equipment they need like blankets, water, chocolate bars, flares, spare tire that's not flat, cell phone and quarters for a pay phone in case there's no bars, clean spare underware..no holes please, did I mention cell phone to call mema? Mema's phone number and any other emergency numbers? Oh, and a membership to triple A plus for towing?
I get nervous when they are on the road. Too many times I have waited and found out later all the things that happened on the way home.
P.S. Really glad it's the car and not a motor home. I am sending all kinds of prayers that this trip will be without any mishaps and a smooth wonderful trip. Oh, and I forgot to mention to be sure the gas gage is working and a 5 gallon can of gas, just in case. Been there done that as in coming back from Cortland and Ally cried out "We're going to die out here and probably starve to death!" Even though we had a ton of groceries in the back of the van.
This is cool being able to say a lot more things than just a short comment on pikespickles, Bet, you're sorry now that you got me hooked..speaking of obsessions? Worrying about a daughter and grandaughter, Oh my, I could go on and on as I Am A WORRY WART and a capricorn. I worry about my kids and grand kids all the time even though I know it will turn out all right in the end, I hope!!

More flowers and falls

2008-08-05T14:18:00.003-04:00

Well, now I am on a roll. I really wanted to include my Brockbank garden photo for my San Diego fans. Not as beautiful and certainly won't last as long. Another month and all will be gone to Mr. Frost. I also like to show off my old apple tree and Britney going down the falls. So, hang on folks, I will write more when I think of more to say.

Blog Block

2008-08-05T13:30:00.005-04:00

You have heard of writers block, well I am in a blog block. I guess when you get to the point when you feel you have nothing to say but, feel compelled or driven to update the posts you do almost anything. Perhaps you have seen the beautiful flowers on pikespickles, well maybe she inherited from me!! Mr G. and I are both into flowers and gardening so here's a few pics to view our attempt at making pictures of our posies.
We also own a waterfalls. No, not the kind you plug in to an electric outlet a REAL waterfalls. It is a peaceful place that was once the scene of an old mill. The foundation of that is still there and you can see the area where the flume once was.

Simon and Schooster

2008-07-31T17:06:00.004-04:00

Simon and Schooster

2008-07-31T16:44:00.004-04:00

Publishers? Nah, they are our cat children. Since we raised 3 human girls, we wondered what it would be like to have boys, but now they are "its". Anyway, we adopted them from the SPCA last September. They were born sometime in July and now a year old. Two different personalities from the same litter. Someone told us they might be part mangcoon (sp). They are very large cats, especially Schooster. Schooster is a more dependant cat. love him when he wants. Simon is more lovable whenever and will go into a coma like sleep when you hold him. Schooster always has one ear out, in case someone might go to the kitchen. So, here is a Happy Birthday wish for our cats-live long and properous. They are strickly indoor cats, so maybe the live longer will prove out.

Liam Comes to Visit

2008-07-30T19:03:00.005-04:00

I have created a photo show about our grandson Liams visit this weekend . It was a blast. The visit was from Saturday to Monday afternoon and we crammed as much as we could in those days. Liam is also expecting a baby sister in October. Then we will have 7 grandchildren...fun, fun if they only lived closer.

The Technology Impaired

2008-07-29T16:34:00.002-04:00

Well, here I am. Not sure what the heck I am doing here either!! It was my daughter's brainstorm. Guess, she didn't like my large comments on pikespickles. Perhaps as I attempt to put this posting in place I will find out if I typed all this for nothing and it won't even hit the page. I will let you know more about me and my world once I figure out what this "blogging" world is all about. Thanks, Stefany and all the commentors on your "Should MOM get a blog survey!!

Dear Mom

2008-07-29T11:45:00.001-04:00

I Love you! In order to post a new post click on NEW POST in the top right corner. If there are changes that you want to make (color, font, pictures, adding new slide shows) tell me and I will help you out from my side. I love you!
Have fun.
Stefany