Happy (slightly belayed) Birthday Jennifer.  Hope your day was one long celebration:-)

Gingerbread House Gets Recognition

Finally got to see a picture of that infamous Gingerbread House - Incredible.  You are one talented group Jennifer, Ben, Paul, Sylvia and David. Great Christmas Card!

Mmmm

Merry Christmas Wishes to All

Photo by Deanna - making her Mom's traditional candy cane breakfast rolls

God's Bday Babies fight off Apocolypse!

I guess with God's blessing and with Vicki's birthday yesterday and mine today, God thought it would be too cruel to end the world on our birthdays! haha... Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!!

Thank you everyone for all the kind birthday wishes.  Now its your turn until the next apocalypse Joe.  Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday, Joe. I hope you got the day off and are not out fighting this weather.

Happy Birthday!

Lucky for you, you get to have the last birthday on this earth... im not so lucky... no earth left for my bday! haha

Happy Birthday Vicki!

Love Joe and Jen

Happy Birthday

Wishing Vicki a very happy birthday. Sorry you have such a short day in which to celebrate, but maybe with today's weather you won't get out of bed at all. Love you.

Santa Claus

So we went to see Santa yesterday.  All three kids got on his lap and he asked Dylan what he wanted for Christmas.  Dylan said, "Nothing, you're a fake Santa".  I don't think Santa understood him at first because he asked him a couple more times and Dylan kept repeating louder "you're a fake Santa".  Santa finally got the message.  I was mortified and kept trying to get him to be quiet so other kids wouldn't be disillusioned by him.  To make matters worse, later that day we were at a birthday party for Connor's friend and one of the parents came up and introduced himself to me saying he was the one who played Santa earlier in the day and he "remembered my kids well".

Merry Christmas everyone.  I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Deanna

Merry Christmas

Thank you Joe (and Jen) for adding to the Christmas spirit on Mead Street in Walton.  Your outdoor holiday lights are beautiful.

Happy Birthday, Deanna

Hope it was relaxing, fun, and full of all good things.

Christmas Fest

Congratulations to Nancy for being the first responder regarding "eats" for the ever famous Gavett Christmas Fest. I'm sure everyone is as proud as I for her initiative in being number one for this endeavor. This feat represents what the Gavett clan holds most dear, good tasting food. Nancy's special prize awaits her at our party! With this first response we already have one cancellation for prior baked beans dishes. Janie was disappointed with this news saying, "I love Nancy's baked beans." Personally, I believe we are on the correct path.

Vicki, are we engaging in any type of regifting? Now that's something that would be fun, only items allowed are gifts that you don't need and/or want. NO hard feelings allowed but gifts may be ones that were received at former Gavett Christmas parties but any unwanted item, in good condition, is allowed. 

Holiday Gathering

Saturday the 29th. it is - Snow date on Sunday (Thank you, Skip for your weather insight, but my sources say the storm arrives on Sat.)  Potluck for dinner and email your prospective contributions to Skip for coordination (bagels97@aol.com) - though if you are a last minute kind of person, I would say just bring something edible and I am sure we will be well fed as always.

Skip, you have to sign in with your gmail address to comment, but it is probably easier for everyone to read if you just do a new post.

Vicki

For some reason I'm not allowed to post answers under another person's blog. Saturday would work best for us on the Christmas gathering or gig for short. On Sunday the weather will be a bit rough. Snow accumulations will be in the nine to twelve inch range. That makes it great for the kids playing in the white stuff but the drive home excitement is for the under fifty crowd. Both Jane and I miss this mark by a year or two. If the majority prefer Sunday I will bring the tire chains and we'll enjoy the day. What to eat is another non-definitive. Do whatever makes it easier for the "homers." I like the idea of dishes supplied by the "gatherers" without a main meat dish. Maybe you could put out suggestions out on the blog and have replies returned to your own e-mail by a certain date. As the suggested menu groups are filled you could delete them from the offered choices. If needed you could be like a menu policeperson and where duplicates are not wanted you could do a return e-mail. I've noticed that sometimes when someone is busy directives come across as a bit rough. It might help to be gentle like, "I love your "poured out of a can baked beans" but we already have three people bringing "their special recipe" baked beans. Pasta dishes are well received and we could use a few more of these. Instead of boiling pasta and pouring sauce over it you might want to pull a recipe off the Internet and try to spice it up. As you can see this is the "better way."  Vicki, I've noticed the word "you" has been used several times. I'm sure everyone feels the same as I and appreciate all of your voluntary work for this gig but with everything else you have done and are still doing are you sure you want to do all of this. I can help. If you will post what dish choices you think will work, I'll do the policing. With my gentle way with words the Christmas spirit in everyone will certainly be exposed. For the menu I'll offer to make rolls and an oyster dish. I've already e-mailed my contributions to another of my addresses so I won't forget. Once I figure out where I mailed it to I'll be okay, I think.

video take 2

Christmas Gathering

We have not officially set the date for this year's event, or if we did I don't remember when it was.  What is your pleasure - Sat. or Sun. 29th or 30th?  Please weigh in on your ideas for a meal too. 

Just a lil' sunshine to share..

Mom found this on her "pad" tonight...too cute!

My feeling to the Thankgiving post from my eldest though still wise sibling.

                                                AMEN

Family

This is the day I most celebrate family and appreciate how every member of our family enriches my life.  All my love to all my family and I give my Thanks that we have each other.  Eat lots of turkey and enjoy the day.

Thank you for take me to New York City to see the Rockettes show .

I Love it lot.

I have a great time.

I like the 3D part of the show.

I think the Rockettes kicks were cool.


Love,

Sylvia

Ben

I get confused father easily and I know this is no big secret. Forgive an old man, compared to you. Is this the big one for you? Is it the finish of cheers and happiness, of trials and tribulations in your life for half a century? If this is the case it's congratulations for finally making it! If it's not and this is the start of the your fiftieth year of even if I'm further off congratulations anyway because your "Birthday" is a special day. Enjoy it! 

Ben's Birthday

Ben, wishing you a good day - do something fun!

Happy Birthday Jess

Happy one day belated Birthday to Jess.  Hope you celebrated big!

Happy Birthday

Its 11/11 again and that means another year for Isabel and Connor.  Happy, Happy Birthday.

Finally was able to call Mom. Her phone number is 607-547-3456. She's looking forward to getting some calls today.

Not Gram

Do not call that number. More to follow.

Gram

Gram's phone # at the hospital is 607.547.7735, if you want to shower her with love this weekend.

Happy birthday, Bill.

Hope you are spoiled on this special day...or at least more spoiled than usual. Happy Birthday!

Mom/Gram update. I don't know much, except that she is out of surgery, the pacemaker is gone, and we'll see how she feels in the morning. She is in Cooperstown and Vicki has been with her since Tuesday. Pray for the best. Nancy

Hospital Again

Mom is in the Oneonta hospital after an apparent failure of her pacemaker and severe angina.  Enzyme tests last night still did not show any damage to the heart.  Hopefully, one of her cardiologists will see her this morning.  They have the pain under control so she (we) slept for a few hours last night.  Will update as soon as I know anything more

Hello everyone! I do hope that everyone is doing well. I know I do not get on here much but I just wanted to jump on and say a few things...

Happy Birthday to Gram! I sent you a message on your facebook page and I asked Jen to relay my message and love the other night at the dinner in Hamden. I aslo want to wish a Happy Birthday all the November babies... I hope you all enjoy your birthday and also the special time with your family and friends!

I am currently applying to the Town of Walton DPW and to the Delaware County DPW. I am trying to get into something that will offer Jen and me benefits and the potential to actually have a retirement after 20+ years. The steadiness in hours/days of work would be nice too. So some prayers if available would be welcomed. I am tired of having 3 jobs, 1 full time yet unsteady and poor paying, with 2 part-time/as needed that doesn't always line up with days that I don't have work at my primary job! haha...

Sahara, I hope you have a great day on Saturday at your baby shower! I know Jen is excited to be there and partake in the festivities.

I have some more prayer requests for those in my family. My dad has not been doing well for many years because of the severity of his health, but with my mom only being gone just 3 months now, he is taking it really hard. He is seriously thinking, based on his health deteriorating, he may not last another year. My uncle is going into brain surgery sometime within the next couple months for his Parkinson's. With his age and the seriousness of brain surgery, its a 50/50 shot he will come away from surgery alive.

There are other things but I am so tired and overwhelmed that I am gonna just cut this off here. I hope everyone is doing well!

Joe

Happy. happy 18th birthday to Sylvia tomorrow.  How did you get so old?  And how old does that make the person who is celebrating on the 17th?

Happy Birthday

Mom and Gram and GG starts her 89th year tomorrow in even better shape than last year we hope.  Celebrating with a Hamden church turkey dinner at 5:00 and a Wood dessert at Mom's in the evening.  All are invited.

No room at the inn - make that beds at the hospital so Mom is still in the basement recovery area, but comfortable and watching the news.  She gets sprung tomorrow afternoon.  I just went out to buy her a treat for being so good.  They let her have the procedure without general anesthesia.  Heart rate is up to 81 steady beats.

Gram is good

Gram came through her surgery. Mom hasn't seen her yet but the doctor says she is doing well.

Pacemaker Scheduled

The Bionic Woman will be getting her Pacemaker on Monday afternoon at Cooperstown hospital.  I am  taking her in for pre-op at 10 with her surgery scheduled for 2 pm. It takes from 2-4 hours and I will post information here as soon as Mom is in recovery.  I plan on staying overnight and, barring that predicted blizzard or flood, bringing her home on Tuesday.  The hardest part for her may be the restriction on food and drink starting Sunday night.

Says it All

David is Fine

I tried to get David to post, but you know how busy kids can be.  It seems he has a crushing amount of homework every night.  He was tickled to have been the focus of everyone's concern - thanks everybody.  The antibiotics seem to have done the trick.  We're waiting to see if there will be any scars!

I am having a great day today.  Ben and I planted a burning bush for Alex and Molly, Vicki, and I made applesauce. Family members stopped by which made my day. Thank you everyone.

Bionic Woman Soon to Appear

Our Matriarch has found that she needs a pacemaker in order for her heart to keep up with her body and will be having the (minor) surgery soon.  Here's hoping for a quick return of energy and activity - and just when I could almost keep up with her.

How is David G?

We hope David is better and the mystery disease is resolved.

I heard about a lot of fond memories being told about Alex on Sunday. I'm sorry that I was unable to attend. I thought about him and all of you there. After talking to Sonja tonight I could see Alex looking over at mom and her now famous footwear. In his typical unimposing and complimenting voice he said, "Cool, Gram" 

Memorial Information

A memorial lunch will start at 1 pm
Trumbull Veteran Organization
 1 Veteran's Circle
Trumbull, Ct

The memorial service starts at 4 pm - held at
United Methodist
 35 Shelton Road
Trumbull

Memorial Service

If anyone would like to bring something to add to the buffet at the VFW hall before the memorial service, please contact me - I'm keeping a running list for Sally.  Here's my email:

jennifermcdowall@frontiernet.net

Thanks.

September Birthdays

We do seem to have more than our share for one month, and will soon be adding one more.  Gabrielle's birthday is Sept. 26 - Happy Birthday to her also!  Dylan had the snake cake of his dreams.

One side of the family seems to monopolize this month of September on the subject of birthdays. A belated happy birthday to Ted and Tracie. On this day to one, Andy, and tomorrow the same birthday wish to the other two, Nathan and Dylan. Make your wishes before you blow out your candles (who made that rule?)  and enjoy an extra bite or two of your cake. 

If there was no pain
If there was no hurt
If there was no guilt
If there was always understanding
If there was always sharing
If there was always love
It would not be our world
Why?

Please hold each other tightly but gently.
holding a grudge is never allowed.

scratch a back,
fly a kite,
jump the electric car,
buy someone mussles,
look at family videos,
watch someone you love sleeping peacefully,
watch a movie together,
talk about hopes and dreams,
be there.

Because ultimately, everyone has the right to choose to move on, and they might.
I am so thankful for every one of you.

  

Memorial Service

The memorial service for Alex will be at Nichols United Methodist Church, 35 Shelton Road, Trumbull, CT on Sunday, Oct 7, at 4 pm.

Sunlight peeps, lighting up the dark morning sky.
Foliage absorbing it's rays, to a noticeable spurt
It's glow so strong, a burn needing to be treated
Sunlight fading, darkening up the light evening sky

R.I.P Alex

.

Molly
I'm so sorry, I missed you birthday. I can't believe you are a teenager. I give you all the credit for keeping your grandmother so healthy and young looking. Keep up all the good work and fun times. And keep writing, for it will open up your world. Several years from now you'll look back and know exactly what I meant. Love from this section of the Gavett Clan, including our newest, Thomas Michael. He was a day ot two early, almost on your birthday!
Love always
Jane & Skip-Katie,Becky, & Chad-All of our Grandchildren.(Somewhere between five and ten).

Happy Birthday Molly

Molly is finally a teenager.  Congrats to this milestone, and thanks for being a part of our big family.  We love you.  Best Wishes for a great year from your Grandma.

I posed the question to whomever happened to be paying any attention to the fact that someone was speaking" Anybody heard anything yet? "Drew answered my inquiry. Sounding matter of fact he said, "It's out." He continued on with his coloring without missing a stroke. I asked him what it weighed and again without looking up he answered, "About twenty-five pounds."  Officially it's a boy, Thomas Michael, 8 pounds 2 ounces, 22 inches, and a full head of blond hair.

Happy Birthday Tracie!  What a difference a year can make.  Did you suspect last year that you would be married by this one?  Lots of love-

Wonder Hens

Keep those pictures coming Jennifer.  How about a chicken sitting on and determined to hatch about 20 eggs.  Somehow she convinced every hen in the coop to lay an egg in her box over two days.  She and her cohorts were not about to let me get in there to collect either.

Out of the Loop

Well we learned an important lesson in spreading misinformation.  Meredith and Toby have NOT had their baby yet!  OK.  I feel terrible if anyone jumped the gun because of my post - but I have a feeling everyone knew better.  The more we try to get in the loop the further we spin out of it - it's like that old game of telephone....  We'll have to read the blog more closely, not infer information that isn't there, and rely on the standard family network for confirmation.  SO... holding tight for the coming of another second cousin.

Cheesecake, one of our first chickens and now 7 years old, laid the biggest egg we've seen yet - and we've seen some doozies.  It's hard to appreciate in the photo, but this is as big as the eggs our peahens laid!

This is Cheesecake posing for the annual Christmas card.

Congrats!

Great news.  Congratulations Toby & Mere.  Can't wait to see pictures.

Anniversary

Happy 2nd anniversary to Luke and Sahara!

Word's out

It's a girl for Mere and Toby. I am seeing pink bows with ruffles on the arrows, and a rainbow fishing pole. What fun!

Sonja Looking GOOD

That's Life

This goes under the heading "One step forward and two back."  I was at Deanna's last week. On top of her regular job, volunteering at church, getting the twins ready for first grade and coordinating the fall soccer schedules for teams and coaches, she decided it was time for a yard sale. (Nathan was out of town lecturing).  Two weeks of cleaning kids' rooms, basement and garage and up at 5 am to set everything out, but it seemed worth it.  She was able to sell almost everything, had some nice chats with neighbors, Izzy had fun selling lemonade and cookies, and they took the few boxes of leftovers to a local charity at the end of the day.  Deanna came home exhausted, but relieved it was over and the clutter was cleared.  Until, that is, she pulled into the driveway and got a surprise.  Someone else had cleaned out too, but instead of having a yard sale, they decided the Petula twins were the right age to enjoy the toys and books they no longer needed and dropped them all off at Deanna's.  The kids were delighted by their good fortune, Deanna not so much.

I just got off the phone with Sonja. She sounded excellent as she talked about the Birthday Party she enjoyed on Sunday, including a beautiful homemade cake. She is going home tomorrow and looking forward to getting back to her "family. 

I lost track of time but in looking at the sun I believe it's the 21st. of August. I'm not sure of the year, the sun doesn't tell me that. If it is the 21st. of the eighth month I'm positive of one one thing. Happy Birthday youngest sister! Look at the bright side, if you were dyslexic you would be 25, give or take a year or two.

Sonja has moved to a rehab facility. She would enjoy cards (to home address)and phone calls (831)462-7700 room 111. Probably won't get birthday cake tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary

Happy day to James and Nancy!  How many years?  I am guessing 26

Sonja's surgery went well, removed one vertebrae and fused several.  Hopefully her pain will be manageable.

Sonja

Sonja is having back surgery again on Monday.  Let's all send a card to let her know we're thinking of her.  Hoping for a short hospital stay and a good recovery.

550 Argos Circle
Watsonville CA. 95076

Walton Reporter

Just an FYI, Paul and I made the front homepage of the online edition of the Walton Reporter... thank you Aunt Sal for the gorgeous picture!  Check it out: www.waltonreporter.com

Happy belated 5th Birthday to Emma Wood.  I hope she caught a big one with her new fishing pole.

I've been out of the loop for several days and see some "important" birthdays that passed me by. Chris and James I hope my two sisters treated you to a nice dinner, at least.

I didn't forget Dad's 89th and I had every intention to blog a bit about it. I could say, "better late than never" as I can hear him saying this to me. Trouble is, he usually said this when I failed to get something done on time. A "something" that I could have easily completed if I had put my mind to it. I quite often thought he expected more out of me than was feasible. Now I look back and wish he had demanded more of me. Maybe demanded is what I needed from him. He expected more than he demanded. What I do know is that he was quite a Dad. I often emulated parts of his training while raising my kids. They certainly have turned out better than I, thus far in their endeavors. If only I hadn't argued with most everything he said or asked.
Anyway, Happy Birthday, Dad.

Chickadees?

They flew the nest right after this.......  how do they turn out so perfect?  Wish raising teenagers could work out so well.

Happy Birthday, Cris! Hope you have a special day today.

I hate to ask James, but is this actually the big 7 0? Congratulations on longevity, and being able to keep up with a younger woman. 

Happy day to Cris tomorrow too!

James

Happy Birthday to James. It is amazing how the years fly by!

Dad

Thinking fond memories of Dad on his birthday. He loved a good story and was always interested in what someone was saying. We were blesses to have such a solid Head of Household.

Sonja update: Not able to make the planned flight, but new medication for her leg pain will, hopefully, make a difference soon.

Our condolences to Joe and Jen at the passing of Joe's mother.  Our thoughts are with you.

What a good time we had at Tracie and Paul's wedding reception. A beautiful couple you two make, and more than just looks. With the weather cooperating everything seemed perfect. I'm not trying to be funny, the outdoor patio was a nice touch. The dance floor acted like a magnet. Without mentioning myself even Mother seemed to enjoy herself on the raised wood.. Mom, were you really doing the boogie? The picture booth was a big hit! Memories for many and what a scrapbook those pics will make. Sally, you looked busy and were very accommodating, your photos will be a hit. Vicki and Ted, I know you are proud. Congratulations to you as well as Tracie and Paul.
Thanks for a memorable evening.
Jane & Skip
PS   Paul, Tell your two buds thanks for the help.

Good news on Sonja - she is scheduled to come in at the end of the month (29 or 30).

Vicki

What a fine looking start Vicki and I'm jealous! When I tear down the old section of our house I want to use a post and beam frame. I would leave a majority of the overhead beams exposed with a cathedral ceiling, same as what I have now. Log cabin siding to match would keep the house looking original. I'm afraid using my second floor will soon be coming to an end. Enough of me. Called the hospital to talk to Sonja last night and they said she was discharged. Tried calling her at home tonight and an answering machine refused to have a conversation with me. We celebrated what seemed like a lot of birthdays Saturday, David, Will, Emma, and of course we could not leave Drew out. A perfect day was had at our expanded beach with a chicken BBQ and blueberry picking and eating. Eighteen yards of new sand gave all the kids a new adventure. Winter is coming. My outdoor evening working minutes grow shorter with each passing day. After the predicted 100 degree heat Tuesday this is about the only clue as to the impending cold. We did get more than an inch of rain on Sunday. This morning the brown grass offered a green tint to the discerning eye. By this afternoon the blandness brown was dominant once again.

The Post and Beam construction is up!  Wish we didn't have to add walls and ceiling.

Happy Birthday to Will

Vicki

Will's birthday is the 16th not the 6th. Becky and Ezra are celebrating their third wedding anniversary today, the 11th.

Yesterday evening we met Chad and his family for pizza. This spot features an outdoor deck allowing its discerning diners an opportunity to enjoy the loud traffic and their exhaust fumes intertwined with the pizza aromas. This affair continued the celebration of my and Jane's 36th. wedding anniversary. After Ted and Vicki's 39th, congratulations by the way, it's not much of an achievement for our family's generation. I almost forgot, are we counting common-in-law marriages? Of course we are. By my calculations this fall will mark Lindley and Sonja's 41st. Getting back to our evening, I was looking at Chad and felt there was something different with his appearance. It looked as though he was starting to grow a beard, probably displaying a week's worth of stubble. Somehow it slipped my mind that the last time I saw him he already sported a full beard. Almost through our meal he asked his mother if she saw any difference in his looks. It took her some time but she finally saw that his hair was more than a foot shorter, to the top of his ears, She had to be told about his missing beard. Honestly, I love her dearly but I will say her observations skills are lacking.

I attempted to publish a new post 30 minutes ago but somehow lost it as I was attempting to edit my words. If  it does end up on the blog please ignore it as this one would be my edited version of what I was attempting to write before. If the opposite happens, as I suspect it will, please continue reading as this post relates to Sonja. I called her phone number ninety minutes ago. Lindley answered and said he took her to the hospital Monday evening and she was admitted. I attempted to call her there but she didn't answer my calls. I figure either she was asleep or sensed it was me calling. Finally I called the nurse's station on her floor and after checking on her room they informed me she was sleeping. She was admitted for the fear her infection might be MRSA. Once at the hospital the doctors found a slew of other problems. She's not in ICU but where she is vacationing is considered one step down. The nurse said Sonja is on a heart monitor and is being carefully watched and is now resting comfortably. The hospital phone number is 831-462-7700  Rm. 2213. Anytime I feel a mite low I hook up with Sonja either by phone or thought. She brings me back up as she is one tough kid. Throw her a few encouraging words.

Hello Everyone,

I was so sorry to hear about Sonja not being able to make the trip.  We were really looking forward to seeing her.  I hope she is able to make it out later.  I was looking at the calendar and noticed there are tons of birthdays this month.  Happy birthday to everyone born in July.  I also wanted to tell everyone that Nathan, the kids and I really really enjoyed getting together with everyone at the reunion and we can't wait for the wedding.  Living so far away from everyone is hard on me at times so I feel very lucky that the family has so many opportunities to see each other this summer.  Speaking of seeing things, we saw our first rattle snake on Sunday.  Luckily we were in the car and the snake was crossing the road in front of us.  We stopped to get pictures and take a video though and to make sure no other cars came by and hit it.  It was pretty exciting for all of us. 
Deanna

Sonja

Sad News:  I had to cancel Sonja's ticket to come East.  She had an allergic reaction to elastic stockings causing leg infection and got food poisoning in Lake Tahoe.  She is also having increased back and leg pain and is afraid another round of back surgery is going to be necessary.  Hopefully, she will recover enough to be able to make the trip later this summer.  In the meantime, cards or notes of encouragement might help - though you can imagine her disappointment.

Yes it is hot! But I have given up the elastic stockings and enjoying the pond again. The water is warm enough even for Vicki.

High Score

I need to brag  about my high scores in scrabble . l am afraid no one will want to play with me my any more. My high score for ONE play is 203 points against Sally and Vicki with fashions (a seven letter covering two triple word scores). Who knows what I could have done if I wasn't on the phone to Alice at the same time talking about the prayer list.  Now all of you have a challenge to beat the matriarch.

A good time was had by all from our segment of the "family. I especially enjoyed showing off my kids and grand kids. It's great being a Dad but I'm also lucky enough to have the opportunity to enjoy my grandchildren. Of course none of this would be possible without my Jane. A special thanks for everyone who worked hard making this fun day possible. Not trying to sound sappy I thank everyone from Aunt Betty on down, as for age, for my going to bed tonight feeling those special memories that only a close knit clan can give. I'm looking forward to next year.  

It recently came to my attention that a family member, who shall not be named at this time, nearly lost "her" license to operate an ATV.  It seems she was a distance from her house when she somehow accidently tipped over her vehicle.  Rumor says she was going slow and as she they started to tip she said to the ATV, "I think we are going over."  And over they went.  Luckily, the driver did not end up under the machine and except for some scratches, both machine and driver were OK.  The person who came to her rescue did threaten to take away her license to operate.  A lesson to all - "Lets be extra careful driving these machines."

Submitted by the Matriarch

The adage, "No news is good news" seems lacking with family interactions. Even though your daily interactions may seem irrelevant to others don't always assume. Sibling's daily meanderings are always welcome but what's missed is listening in to the trials and tribulations of the "grandchildren", right Mom. Myself, I'm limited to remembering just whom my nieces and nephews are much less to what grades you're in, or if you have graduated what are you now occupied with, or if you are engaged and getting married, or if you are already married, or if you are married and now have kids, or if one or more of your kids attends school, or if one or more of your kids whether they have entered school or not has done something interesting or even not. You can see from what I attempted to say, there is a lot of family news that's not being shared. As we(I) are interested, please take a minute composing for this blog. Myself, I have devised a way to map our family, not including the grandkids kids. Attempting to formulate, I use this word because "remember" doesn't work. I go back to when your parents were born or as in the cases of my latter siblings, approximate. I next guess the year of the adding of an "in law" and add a year or two for a niece or nephew. Attempting to keep the sequences straight, I think this is correct,(girl-girl-boy, girl-girl-boy, I can't count puppies that reside almost 3000 miles away, girl-boy, boy-boy-girl, girl, boy-boy-girl), I now add two years between births. Give me a break for the need to include my own kids. These give me the guide to count either forward or backwards from. Now I need some way to map out a system for my own grandchildren, much less the rest of yours when they finally arrive if they haven't already. Sally, patience is a virtue.

RESCUE NEEDED

Dear Gavett Family,

This baby needs a home.  He was left in the middle of our street.  He is a fabulous baby cat - and we should know, we've raised several!  He is very attentive to house rules - he is already letterbox trained and has just started on solid food.  We've been taking him outside too, and he loves frolicking in the grass.  He's not much of a climber and is inquisitive but not as aggressive as other kittens we've raised.  Purrrrrs like crazy and loves to snuggle in your neck or lap.  He is quite lonely and our other cats DO NOT welcome a new addition.  He must get a kind and loving home - so we're appealing to family and friends first - does anybody need a beautiful new kitten?  Please hurry, Ben is getting very attached.

All you wonderful photographers in the family will have to excuse these shots - this baby wan't very cooperative!

My previously called postcard moment might be known to you as a Hallmark postcard moment. Sorry, probably an old age brain cramp.

Looking out from my front porch today I witnessed a post card moment. In just a few words I can't possibly give it the justice it deserves. Maybe though you can pick up some of what I am blessed to feel.
The new flowers display their first round of beauty which is always their finest. The snap dragons are uniform with all the bottom buds open and no dead ones subtracting. Petunias beam their brightest colors without the stringy vines appearing. Marigolds boast a half dozen or more fragrant moons of yellow and orange. Roses in such abundance they bend their thorny branches with a definition of beauty. Many other flowers accent the beauty of these. Late spring grasses dense and deep green gleaned from abundant spring rains. Branches sport full leaves thus erasing the many months of barren limbs. The ponds deep blue water ripples from a warm breeze.
This isn't something that happens only at our address. While the physical view is probably not the same, the enhanced mental calm nature offers is. Do you take advantage of it? Enlighten us with your postcard moment.

Keep up the good work Skip - I think a few of those brain cells are regenerating as we speak (post).

There is this add on AOL that states you can learn a new language in just ten days. I remember my two years, I was asked not to attempt a third, of Spanish in good old WCS. The only thing I learned way back then was that a new language was always going to be foreign to me. So forget me learning a new language, I would be lucky to learn a new word in just ten days. That's what I thought, but I was so wrong. Sit back and let me tell you how this miracle, a miracle might be stretching it, happened to me.

A couple of evenings ago we experienced a warm evening and I was determined to finish repairing the netting over our blueberry patch. I say finish because Mike (Katie's husband) they haven't been married long enough for me to call him a son-in-law, helped me with a bit of this chore on the weekend. He thought we were almost finished when we broke for dinner. I let him think that in a way you would a young child helping you with a chore that you could do faster by yourself. It's all about the self-esteem issue or the lack of it. Anyway there I was reaching over my head, about a foot or foot and one/half, using one of those plastic fasteners that you insert in a slot and pull. I'm not going to complain about not having two legs but imagine trying to stand on your tiptoes and keeping your balance when you can only get pressure on one foot. I would say try it sometime but you would be better off not, trust me. Not having fingers was the problem, I do have fingers just short ones, on one hand. Picture this, I'm reaching over my head and with one hand pull the torn bird netting together and with the other short fingered hand fish the fastener up through one side of the tear in the netting and back down through the opposite side trying to guide it with a free thumb. Now without letting the netting pull apart I slide the end of the fastener strap through the slot and with sweaty fingers or short fingers pull the slippery plastic strap taunt. Mike, forget what I said about you, where are you. No, forget it, that was just a weak moment! It is now approaching dusk and I'm a long ways from being finished. I hear tiny sounding voices coming from the direction of the pond. Mind you, I'm not able to understand their language but can hear the voices as they enter my blueberry patch. With both hands up in the air, above my head, and occupied as described earlier, I feel the first bites on my shirtless belly and bare leg. "Mommy, is this the feast you promised us?" I now understand this foreign language perfectly. "Eat good kids, a meal like this only comes around once in a lifetime." I refuse to give in. It's getting darker now and the slot to thread the strap through is getting difficult to see. I figure I only have seven more to go and I'm not going to quit now. The bites have moved up my arms and a few brave ones are on my hands. Between the fastenings I swat and attempt to brush my bare skin clean but the darkening skies makes each fastening repair take even longer. This allows for the feast to continue. I listen to the smacking lips and the sounds of contentment as one full belly after another gets its fill of blood. A younger sibling then quickly takes its place. Two more to do I think. To add insult to injury I hear a voice of disdain. "It tastes just like chicken to me." Then I get it, I laugh because I know, he was feeding on my prosthesis.

Wow! Trying to get on to post is most difficult, for me anyway. First I went to the Blog, studied it diligently in a vain attempt to find the word POST. From my shallow brain came a command, "Go in a different direction." I see the words Sign In and even though I supposed I was already signed in I click on this. Another page appears and I would guess that clicking on those words signed me in because I carefully perused the entire page and I could not find a command asking for my password. Mind you, this doesn't mean there wasn't one, but for my concern there wasn't. Another command comes from the orb sitting atop my shoulders. "Assume you are signed in and look for the word Compose or some symbol that may signify this procedure." "Aha, I found something!" As I yelled these word something jumped and I could hear it running up the stairs to the second floor, our cat I hoped. I did leave the garage door open last night. Closing it this morning I noticed the door between the garage and basement was left open. We leave the door going down to the cellar open just in case one of our two cats decides to use the litter box. All this means is I'm not at all sure it was a cat I heard running up the stairs. What was I talking about....I remember, posting. Forgive me, that was one of my senior moments. They have been happening for twenty plus years now. Lucky I can even concentrate long enough to get words out without losing my train of thought. Yes, that's right, I discovered the symbol of pencil. I clicked on it and lo and behold a blank box appeared with the title of compose on it's top left hand corner Any of you trying to get on and send a message I hope this helps. Not seeing many posts, now you don't have an excuse. I also see an orange box that says Publish. When I clicked on that last time it erased my entire post, everything disappeared. Well here goes nothing.

I'm back! No time to chat, but wanted to inform everyone that I am back on the blog (after changing my password for the 35th time). Going out to work now, though. If you get a chance, give Sonja a quick call. She's feeling lonely.

Hi everyone, on this drizzling Saturday, at least here. I've got great news, for me anyway, Vicki has let me back on the Gavett Blog! It's hard being insane and harder yet when I'm not able to express it through my caustic, dry wit. There is better news, for you readers, I'm on a long(lifetime) probationary period with a short, short leash. I've been given only thirty complaints and then I'm silenced forever, at least on this blog. Don't fret now, the complaints will add up fast and if Nancy is doing the adding, oh well..... If not I give myself somewhere between two and six months before I'm banished for good, that's if I really watch myself. So here goes....

Vicki, think back to when you where in high school and looking at "older" graduates nearing their time to celebrate a 50th year reunion from high school. You being the senior member of our seven kids and having a better system of completing your years in school than your next younger sibling, have only five more years until "it" happens. Looking back maybe you shouldn't have skipped those early years and/or applied yourself in your studies. If you had worked it right or as in my case not worked you could still have almost ten more years, but, what's done is done. At this point in time, how much younger do you feel and look, at least to yourself, then what you remember the "older" folks looking like back then. See, now you don't feel as bad.  I'll keep that relieved feeling short lived. But, and it is a sad but, what do suppose this years graduating class think of the former graduates approaching their 50th reunion?

Wow, it worked! The sun is shining. Thanks

We all know the Thompson Clan, (that's us), is extremely creative.
Also, we need to feed our kitty.
With this in mind we are holding the Thompson Family Home Made Basket Competition.
Please put together an interesting basket, box, etc. for our auction.
We would like the main item to be home grown or homemade.
Some suggestions from previous auctions that have done well:
dried food
canned food
pies/breads
eggs
wood products
artwork: fabric, photo, paint
plants
I am sure we can think of lots more.
All of the names of those participating will be entered in a drawing for a prize.
Also, everyone will be voting on “the most unique presentation” and
the winner will receive a prize.
Have a fun time with this. We can't wait to see all of the baskets

Tracie Shower

25 pictures
Click here to view these pictures larger

Wasn't Tracie's shower fun?  So nice to see everyone - beautiful setting and decor, fun games, delicious food.  We had a blast!  Thanks to everyone who worked hard to put it all together.

Congratulations to Sahara for completing her Master's Degree!!  And to Isabel for completing her first mile-long race.

Guess who is proving that 87 is not too old to join the social networking crowd?  Download the online game Wordfued, invite Gramandgg to play.  PS - she also checks this blog and learning how to post on it is next.  This weekend she is expecting a visit from Skip, Katie and crew - and planting her garden.

Thoughts and prayers are with Ezra and his family as they deal with the tragedy of his brother's death.

Happy Mother's Day to all our Moms and Stepmoms!!  Enjoy your most special day and a very special greeting to my mother.  All my Love,
Vicki

Ok mom... NEWS... lets see... Paul got a job in Walton, so now only one of us will be commuting an hour to work.  He will be working at the National Bank of Deleware County as the trust officer.  Ethan co-won the 5th grade spelling bee a couple weeks ago.  Emma started t-ball and now knows the correct way to run around the bases... we're still working on hitting and catching.  Wedding planning is coming along great!  Aunt Nancy won the prize of first response card in!  Thank you to everyone else who has responded so far!  This is going to be an awesome day! 

Bumper sticker of the day:

Grandma's House - where cousins go to become friends.

Any News?  Anybody?  Welcome back to the blog Nancy!

Late April snowstorm - a few days after I got the Kayak out on an 80 degree day and put away my all the snow shovels.  The weather this year makes the record books much too often. The tulips are making a brave stand, but the lilacs look defeated.

Happy Birthday Jenny, and belated greetings to Chad and Lindly!

Machu Picchu

We made it to the lost city of Machu Picchu, Peru - and back again.  This is the view from the Sun Gate - just a 1000 stairs or so above the city.

The rafting trip was all Nancy's idea - I am the one in the yellow helmet.  She held down the raft opposite me.

Posting under Vicki's name because that's how she left my computer.  Just trying out adding pics.  Here are two interesting ones - the porcupine eating the last of the winter apples, and two herds of deer met up right outside the kitchen door.

Its time to update your address books (unless you want to wait til you get my next Christmas card...). I officially sold my house on Tuesday and have moved to Walton. My new address is: 3 Camp Ave, Walton, NY 13856.

Bragging rights?! You want bragging rights just for naming flowers (daffodil, forsythia, etc) Bragging right go to Mom/Gram. She got the first swim in this afternoon ("I was so hot after Bud and I cleared most of the trail"). March 23 - call her CRAZY

Buds and Blooms

From my yard today - Name that plant Contest - Winner gets bragging rights

Happy Birthday Becky - Saturday, Sunny, St. Pat Parades - what more could you ask for to celebrate your day?

Spring

Spring has Sprung  - Yeah!!

The year of the Crocus (in my garden, anyway)

Happy Birthday, Mere, even though I don't think you read the blog.

Katie and Mike want to announce the newest addition of their family, Katie is due with baby #4 on September 10th, 2012.

We met with the wedding coordinator at the hotel yesterday and she said to remind our guests to book their rooms early... July 21st is a busy time of year, and rooms are filling up quickly!If you're interested in staying (recommended) it is a beautiful hotel and only $99 for the night... reference the Universal/Wood Wedding.

Been a day late all week (I lost Monday), but the Birthday wishes are no less sincere,
Love,
Vicki

Happy Birthday to you,Happy Birthday to you,Happy Birthday dear Sally, Happy Birthday to you. Do you hear me singing? Love you

Sally

Happy Birthday wishes...you're catching up to me in years...will attempt to call later...if I can get through with all you're other incoming congrats.

Skip

Mark your calendar - In case I did not post this already
Thompson Family Reunion
Sunday July 1 at Hamden town hall
Put on by Gavett family - any and all ideas for fun and games appreciated!

Hi Sonja!

Vicki, I'm making a post not because I have anything interesting to say, but because I'm having trouble both viewing and adding comments and am wondering if others are experiencing the same thing?

Want to welcome Sonja to the world of the web? -
gavettsn@gmail.com

Happy Birthday, Paul. May your day be full of pleasant things, and a little less homework.

Allie, Ezra, and I are finally moving back East! I accepted a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at Brown University/Alpert Medical School in Rhode Island. Ezra will accept a fellowship position at either Brown or Harvard. We hope to figure that out in the next few days. We are looking forward to being closer to family come this summer and starting an exciting new chapter of life.

Cupid has been busy..  Congrats to Andy and Gabrielle on their Valentine's Day engagement.

Happy Valentine's Day and Lots of Love to All my family!

Happy Birthday to Toby!

Official save the dates will be coming shortly, but for now... July 21st, 2012 :) Mark your calendars!

Check out the photo book of our trip to Arizona.  Cover photo taken by Sonja.  Please let me know if you find a typo - I hate proofreading!  Best view by clicking "full screen."

Arizona

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly allows you to customize your photo book just the way you want.

Ditto all the birthday wishes. Young (Ezra) or aged (you know who) it's still a privilege to be able to celebrate another year.

Vicki, the bird pics are lovely. Mom was down yesterday, I'll have to get her to see them.

Another beautiful day today.

Happy Birthday to Ezra today - and Skip and Luke and Toby!!  It is definitely a busy birthday week for the blog.  My memory and aptitude with naming things being somewhat deficit, I am asking for assistance with my photo journal of the birds flocking to my feeder.  Thanks you your help with the ID.  Nancy, you may have to get Mom involved.

Welcome home to Mom (Gram) and Vicki. I understand that it was a truly wonderful trip!

Happy Birthday to Tatiana tomorrow! Grandma and Grandpa had a great time at the theater on Sunday, watching "Shrek, the Musical" (although Grandpa thought it included a bit too much flatulence).

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to say again how excited and happy I am about Tracie's engagement! Also, hope everyone is doing well. I am glad to hear your recovery is going well uncle Chris. I know Bill and Jessica must be enjoying their new little guy. I wish I could make Dylan that little again sometimes. Sometimes he actually tells me he wants to be a baby again too. We have been enjoying the unseasonably mild weather here. We went to the park yesterday to try out the new playground equipment which for some reason they installed at the end of November. Next week we start indoor soccer season. We have also have a new craft obsession, making duct tape crafts. I never knew there were so many fun colors and patterns of duct tape. So far we have made a wallet, hair bows, roses, bookmarks, flip flops and bracelets. Hope everyone has a great week.
Deanna

Paul and I are engaged!!! He proposed today on a 4-wheeling outing at grams overlooking the pond. It was perfect!

Sonja arrived to enjoy the sun with us.  Plenty of it too!.

Hi all, we got our one day of snow yesterday. Today is warm and sunny. Cris is getting out, last night he went with Al to meet Al's billiards team. I have a day off today so maybe we'll hit a good movie tonite. Can't wait to see some animal pics from Arizona. Happy early birthday skip.
Happy baby to Jessica and Bill!
Love to all,
sal

Beautiful weekend in Walton cross-country skiing at Paul's and 4-wheeling at grams! (yes, Paul and I got 4-wheelers!!!) Now buckling down to write progress notes and IEPs... ugh...

Congratulations to Grandpa Jim, Aunt Molly, Aunt Jen and Uncle Joe. Happy to hear that Jessica is doing well and Bill survived the experience.

Jessica went into labor this morning, but nothing further is known...anybody??

Just talked to Cris - he is on his way from the hospital right now (although stuck in traffic), and is feeling great. He said they confirmed that he still had some adrenal tissue on one side, so the hormones should be good.

Arizona

  Mom and I are sitting in the Binghamton airport awaiting the arrival of our prop plane.  Free internet, one gate, checkin, baggage claim, security and boarding in one room.  Mom still got the invasive pat down.  I think we are two of eight prople on this flight to Philly.  We made it to Scottsdale, exhausted but 65 after dark seemed good.  Strong head winds made us an hour late.  Enjoy the breeze and we will soak up the sun.  No cell phone service but email works.

As of 10 am, Cris is out of surgery and did very well. They were able to remove the tumor arthroscopically and he was in surgery for only 2 hours. We are encouraged and will continue our prayers for a speedy recovery.

Andy's Girlfriend interviewing Rick Perry

Rick Perry Tours Upstate - Politics News Story - WYFF Greenville

You know the weather is too warm when your bus trip to Florida is cancelled due to lack of interest.  So now Mom and I are headed to Arizona.  Hours of scouring the internet this week got us a last minute bargain rate on a condo in Scottsdale, AZ for the 17th through 31st of January.  We should be back in time for the real winter weather to take hold - with lots of pictures of desert cacti.  Now just need to find a ride to the airport.

Sorry to hear about your flood Nancy. Sounds like a huge mess. I couldn't believe the weather today. It was a little too weird actually but I guess that is par for the course this year. I took the kids to the farm show today. We had a great time seeing the baby pigs, petting the baby long horn cow, and of course eating the food. Everyone loved the maple flavored cotton candy this year. The butter sculpture was great too, you can see it on pennlive.com if you are interested. It was very crowded since today was the opening day so I didn't even notice toxic Tom Corbett until I was standing right next to him! I did not get worked up, I just kindly asked the governor to get the frack out of my way. Don't worry, I did not actually say that, but I was standing next to the governor. He was putting on a good act for all of the media so I scurried all of the kids away as quickly as possible before he could be friendly to them and thus ruin their immage of him forever. I hope everyone else had a fun weekend. Since Nathan is out of town, I will be taking all of the kids to my church meeting tomorrow. We have to discuss how a 14 year old managed to leave the church at 1 AM in his pajamas and bare feet during a youth event last weekend. He got locked out and no one heard him pounding on the windows. He returned with a police officer 30 minutes later. Apparently his parents aren't too happy.
Deanna

Happy Saturday! Glad to see such warm weather. Those two cold days froze every pipe in the old house and flooded my gym - sometimes you get these setbacks. May as well start my diet today when things are already tough!

Special Request for Ben and Jennifer - Could you post a picture of that gingerbread house?  The Christmas card was great too - and the beaded ornaments were beautiful.  You are a talented crew!  Just curious - why the celebration on boxing day?