Holiday in Bob's Botanical Garden

We spent some time with b. schlake at his beautiful garden paradise. We got there to late to see it but it was nice to walk through. We went over to play some card and talk while enjoying some adult beverages. b. schlake wife prepared some nice snacks and was fun to get together for awhile and talk. Min and I always enjoy a visit with the schlake family. Even when one cheats at spades and still loses.

Christmas with Grand Ma

We spent Christmas eve afternoon with Grand Ma in the nursing home. She wanted Chinese for dinner so Min brought dinner and we gathered with Jim and part of his family. To say it was enjoyable is a double edge sword, in ways it is since we spend time with Grand Ma. But in some ways it is not, since nursing homes are depressing places and there is not much we can do other than talk while Grand Ma enjoys dinner. We have a few laughs and exchange gifts with her and talk about what the we all hope Christmas will bring. I feel for Min as she gets a bit depressed seeing her mom this way and there is nothing she can do to change how life is for Grand Ma. So goes Christmas Eve 2008 with Grand Ma. Merry Christmas ...

Traditions

With the year end coming quickly it makes me think back on the year as well as the years. The boys were learning how to fish off the Lakeside Ohio dock from their mother who was taught by Grand Mother Kelso. Passing down traditions from generations to generations if one way we live on eternal. My Father once told me long after he is gone I will be walking around and he hoped so would his grand kids and some day great grand kids. He said it was one of the ways people live on and make a mark. Dad passed on in 2000 and mom in 2002 but I still think of them every day and look at my sons as what they also left behind. Time passes to quick and not often appreciated as much as it should be, once gone we can never travel back. Well not yet.

Merry Christmas 2008

The shopping is done and the family gatherings come later but we give thanks for little things like Cooper. This is a snap shots I took from the hip as we headed out to go shopping on the 23rd. This is about the only way to get a picture of Cooper since he always wants to come and give kisses when you get down on the floor or close to him. He is our rescue dog and the gift we got last year keeps on giving this year. There is a reason if you spell God backwards you have such a loving friend. Hope everyone enjoys Christmas this year. Have a Merry and safe one.

Eastgate Mall Shopping

We went for a trip to the Mall where we went shopping for one another and got a few items for family and friends. The mall seemed busy, maybe not quite as bad as last year. Took only 10 minutes to find a parking spot, got a good one too. We ate at the new Wings and Rings place and it was good. All seemed to think BWubs is better. I have a few more of some shoppers as it did seem busy at least before the ice storm hit. Lasted 3 hours, now it is near 40F. But cold winds come in tomorrow as we are on the edge of a front coming in from the Northwest. Thanks Swanny ...



Boy to I love the Holidays .. I do enjoy the time off work, home repairs needed.

Reflections of Christmas 2008

Well 2008 is almost gone and Christmas time is here again. Always a fun time and this year do to vacation rules I have two weeks off to enjoy the season. The new rule at work is use it or lost it, so I had 6 days left and I am burning them before they are gone. We will spend a little time at Grand Ma's place on Christmas Eve sharing gifts and watching Grand Ma eat. We will head over to Min's Father's house to spend Christmas day with Martha and him. The boys get lots of gifts and it is always a good time to sit around and enjoy time with Grand Pa.
It is always a good time of year to reflect back on what has happened or not happened as we get close to News years and the changing of the year. 2008 was fun and seems we made it through with a few scratches but no major bruises. New Years will be a quiet one again this year. Till then Min has me cleaning and getting the basement cleared out. Bought a Hoover vacuum to clean the floor and cob webs in the ceilings. I like the Gothic look but it did need some major dusting so the dust do not get on the film slides. Plan on scanning and going through a lot of the old pictures I have not touched in 10 years.

Santa Claus with a Camera?

I think the kind that likes to hang out in warmer climates.

Japanese Dinner - Chicken & Shrimp

Dinner at the grill is always nice, the chef is entertaining as well as good food. I always feel full after a dinner at a Japanese restaurant. This one happens to be on Hilton Head Island, near the Circle.

Last Twist

Seems like life is full of them, it is how you deal with them that makes life. Not sure how to handle some news but will ponder it and deal with what I have seen of late. The picture is a dual toned Ash leaf I photographed back in 2006 while it was floating on Powell Crosley Lake in Rowe Woods. Seems a fitting picture for the times.

Art Show - Boone County Kentucky Main Library

The gentleman was playing classical guitar at the art show I was invited to display my work in this past week end. Friday night included music, and light refreshments. I had 3 works in this show, Ark, Boone 7 and Inside-Outside. The show was held in the gallery area of the main location of the Boone County Library. Colin was kind to invite me to show some of my work. His and my hope is to have a one man show later this year with Anderson Ferry as the main part of the show. I just need to get a few more works in print, matted and framed to fill the large gallery. I am sorry but I did not get the musician's name but I hope to hear from him, I offered him a few free portraits.

Current Events

Economy in Crisis, a article written by Ty for the school news paper pretty well explains the current state of affairs. Grand Pa who is a well known Bond Fund manager reads the news and gives his thoughts about the news to Ty while we were enjoying Thanks Giving together at his house. The Christmas Holidays are not far away and I have some vacation time to burn, likely will use it between Christmas and New years. Use it or lose it, and I can use a vacation after this year's events.

Ellen Kobman's View.

My name is Linda Kobman - Bill. Ellen is my mother. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be able to share her view with everyone who sees this picture. I've come to take pictures from her bench in various settings, but you have captured the best by far. My mother was a wonderful woman. I could write a book. She fought breast cancer from age 36 to age 51. She fought like hell for my twin sister and me and my dad.
She never complained and anyone who knew her would tell you that she was the most kind-hearted, unselfish person they've ever known. She loved animals and was a nature freak. She volunteered at the Nature Center teaching little kids the wonder of her "favorite place on Earth". Thank you for sharing her vision. It still is her favorite place.

Thank you Linda, it makes capturing the moment worth the effort. She was a good woman.