July 2017

Where do I start?

It was a very busy start of the new month.  Grandson Greg and family came in from California.  My niece, Barb and family came in from Florida. Was a good time for all.  We had a few hairy moments. My family from Florida had some car issues that arose just when they were getting ready to leave for home. But, all turned out well as it was only a battery.  They do need to be replaced every four years.  The problem was they had it for only two.  It was a defective one. But as I said, got a new one and all was good.

Crazy kind of weather we are having.  Lots of rain. Lots of heat. But what do we expect? It is summer in the Ohio Valley. We need the rain. It seems like we aren't getting enough. But we do live in the hills of northern Ky so what do we expect. Very good drainage.

I've been sitting here thinking about my youth and past. I have had the pleasure of a long life so far.  I might add also, I've gone through many changes in the way we live and do things.  Plus my own unique things I have done along the way.  At least to me, they were unique, I mean. The things that go through your mind are really amazing when you are young.

Uncle Bob Ochs

Most memorable are the times my mother's brother, Uncle Bob, would either come pick us up or meet us at the end of the bus line to spend the day on his farm. It was so much fun. All I really can remember was all the animals and how much fun it was to be there. Before they moved to the farm, I remember going to their house when they lived on Blue Rock St. in Northside. But that was like being at home, as it was still in the city.  We didn't live too far from them . We lived on Colerain Ave.  Now, this is going back to around 1936 when we visited them on Blue Rock. All I really remember is sitting on their front steps and doing what kids do. We had to behave ourselves as we were visiting family.  But out on the farm it was fun to see how everyone interacted with the animals.  They had chickens, pigs, I think a cow or two, a goat and a horse. I remember chickens because Uncle Bob would sell eggs. I remember pigs because my cousin Bobby would go pick up one of the piglets and the old sow would chase him. The piglet would squeal and here she'd  come after him.  He would have to jump over the fence. We thought that was funny. I also remember  the horse they had. For some reason it seemed, I remember Aunt Pearl saying every time she would wear her red blouse the horse would come after her. She would run in the house to get away from it. We were there once when he did. I can remember that like it was yesterday. So if any of the family can remember that please verify.  Also, Norma (my cousin) had a goat named Rosie, I believe.  They would tie her with a rope on a tree.  She would just walk around eating grass. Just enjoying what a goat does.  One time we were there Christy (her brother) went out and chased her until she had wrapped herself around the tree. Then laughed like the mischievious boy he was.  Norma would yell, "He is doing it again! Christy chased  Rosie and she is all wrapped around the tree."  We just played and enjoyed the farm so much.

The older boys (Bobby and Christy) would get my two younger brothers Dal and Sonny and tease the heck out of them. They would toss them around like a rag.  Run up behind them and pulled there pants down. They would laugh at them. I think they just loved the attention.  My memories of Uncle Bob and Aunt Pearl will be with me until the end. Such fond memories.  Love the Ochs family.  I have fond  Memories of Bobby, Christy, Billy (WOO) and Norma.  Those that had gone before us have been truly missed.

Oh how I miss my uncle Bob. He was the greatest man on the face of the earth.  We never had much but we certainly had love from the family.  My uncle was the one that brought baskets of food for holidays or any time Mom needed anything. He loved all his sisters.  Never missed coming to see us or doing what he could.  That bonding with my Moms side of the family was so critical in my life. It taught me how to love and do for your family when needed. Keeping close contact is so important to me.  All the family was like that. After we all grew up and married and had our families we still kept in touch.

Aunt Alice's family was also very important to me. My cousin Christine and I were together a LOT. I loved her so much. We had so much fun together. But that will be the next memory.

So until next time,
Love to all!

Things that are coming!

Hi Everybody,

Well, LaVella and I worked together trying to get this organized. Of course she did it and I sat on iChat with her supporting her. But I will be doing the blogs. Now, mind you, I am in no way a writer . So what goes down in here is going to be coming straight from my mind.  I know. Oh Lord, what are we in for?

Let me begin with, who ever said, "If you have the means you can get any thing done you need."?  Well, that is not true. I have had a time trying to get a dependable lawn service.  Have a new service starting in the morning. Hopefully they will be dependable. So wish me luck with this one.

Since I have moved into the new place it has been quite an interesting road to go down.  Taking a while to get every thing in it's place and making a place for everything. It is coming along. Just a little harder being the age I am. But really my age has never stopped me before to do what I want. Health is good with me and my brother. Both are doing good. The only thing worth noting is I will be getting knee replacement. I have done all the therapy to try and hold off on it, but it is not working. So in due time I will set it up and get on with it.

I did, finally, get a surveyor to come to the house to put stakes on my boundaries. It had some markers but not marked to the true lines. So happy that is done. Need to go to the Home Depot and put in some spikes to mark the lines for future needs. You never know when you will need the info in the future.

Had to go to the Mall today to get my one ear lobe re-pierced as it closed up on me. I went to the place to have it done and as I sat down my brother said, "I am leaving".  The girl in the place laughed. I said, "Yeah he passes out at the site of just about any thing that might hurt." By the time he
got ready to leave she already had it pierced. 😀. That was so funny. She said, "See, it is done and she didn't even flinch."

So, now that my grass is getting cut and  my ear is re-pierced, I am ready to get the house cleaned for all the company I am going to have starting this Friday. My Carol is coming in on Friday. Greg will be here on Saturday to see her with the Family. Then she will leave on Saturday late afternoon. Then my niece from Florida will be in late Saturday evening with the family. So a busy week next week. I love busy weeks when it involves having family.  I am ready to have them and enjoy their company!

Another month is about to be over. July will be fairly busy.  I have had some requests from my daughter to do some blogs about my life. Things I did and places I went. Well, I never went to many places. I think I made two trips. One was a short trip and the other was a rather long one.  I think about three months.  I did a lot of hanging out at home but certainly had a lot of friends to do things with. I had a great childhood. We weren't rich by any means but we're were loved that is for sure.  So as time goes by, I may put some of my life experiences in here. May not be interesting to some. But others might like it. Then maybe I can get some of the rumors cleared up that have been going around for years. Just a little "exaggeration" in a joking way. But know this I am who I am and it doesn't bother me at all what people say. But get the story straight. 😀 We didn't have electronics to keep us busy. So we had to do things that we enjoyed and really liked to do.  So until the next time stay safe, keep healthy.

Love to all, God Bless

New Blog Site

   
  Well, had a post and it disappeared.  It was the one What'd you Say?  Not to worry didn't want it on the web so everyone in the United States could see it. So we are testing this one and will see how it goes. When it is finished we will be sure to let you know where it can be found.

Hugs to All,
Barb

Holiday Fun!

        Well, another New Year and hoping for a better one! December 2014 was a pretty busy month, with the holiday’s and all. Put the tree up, wasn’t going to, but I was reminded it was tradition. Which is true. My Mom had her tree up every year regardless of how she was feeling. It was great having those of you that could be here with me and I’m glad we have video with those that couldn’t be here, great to be able to do that! That meant we went to Texas for Gabe testing his new Roller Skates. California for Christmas presents opening. Enjoyed hearing the excitement in their voices when opening them! Also visited Florida for a chat with LaVella! Those of you that couldn’t make it that were sick, sorry you all were feeling bad. I did make sure they had some food sent to them. Didn’t want them to miss out on everything. It was a very busy day!

Went to a Christmas Play with Emily and her Dad, his wife Paula and her Sisters, Brother Josh and wife. Emily had us all for dinner at her house, then off to the play. Was a very good meal. Mike and I got separated from them as we took the elevator up to the 2^nd floor balcony. They ended up on the 3rd floor. But all was ok. By taking the elevator we got real good seat in the Handicap area. A lady came over and took off the towel and said, “These are available.” I told Mike we will never find them, the seats are good . So we sat and had a good view and had fun. Thank you Mike for making the evening easy for me! Even though you poked my sore arm all evening. LOL!!

Carol fixed Christmas dinner and really dirtied up my stove. Never had grease run down the front of it until that day. We laughed so hard. I told her “you are sabotaging my stove.” She did get it cleaned so it would set off any more smoke alarms. Thank you, Carol! It was so much fun doing that with her. The dinner was great.

Izzy , Crystal’s little one, was having a great time . She, by the way, had the most attention. She had all the adults making over her. Falling in love with her as she is so cute in her reactions to things. What a cutie she is. Oh, and for Christmas, I received group photos of all the great-grandchildren together. Loved that. As you all know I am a lover of pictures and taking them. All in all Christmas was fun.

Then came the New Year! We’re off to a great start!

New Year: Day 1
My sewer line backed up. Had it fixed.
Candy called said, “Happy  ****  New Year!”
Well, after that . . .

New Year: Day 3
I went to the basement, the toilet down there was stopped up. So by the 6^th of January everything is fine. Man, great start for the New Year. So, I am saying, well, it is an older home things like this happen. Just to make me feel better. It did. So presently we are just fine at the homestead.

Almost. Now we are coping with this frigid weather. Which, really, let’s face it. It’s January. We have had a very good string of good days. Warm then cold. Warm then cold. Not really bad. So I am taking it in stride and going to deal with it, as I have no choice.

Well, that is it for this month. Have a great New Year and enjoy life. You are always in my thoughts and in my heart.

Love to all, 

Mom, Barb, Auntie , Friend.

Happenings in 2014

Happenings in 2014

Emma Jo, Gabe & Mischa. Photo by Keith Bates

In July 2014 the BB Riverboats had a cruise up the river to Coney Island. The anual event is called The LaRosa’s Hot and Cold Air Balloon Glow. They served dinner and cruised up to Coney Island, then let everyone off the boat to enjoy the beautiful hot and cold Air Balloons that were being displayed. The little ones enjoyed the rides and fireworks. Then we had a cruise back down the river to Newport to the Port of the Cincinnati Belle. What a glorious time it was. Keith, Jenni and Gabe were here on vacation and we thoroughly enjoyed having them here for the cruise.

We had a few loved ones leave us this year. My children lost their Father to cancer. One of my cousins, 2x removed on my Dad’s side of the family, lost her 16 yr old Grandson. Two months later she lost her son. What a tragic time for her. Life is so precious and you just never know when it is going to be taken away from you. My cousin Marcella, who lives in Harrison Ohio, called me to tell me about it. She is 86 yrs old and still does a lot of things around her home. She always says, “Barb you and I are so much alike. We want something done we do it ourselves.” She has the cutest giggle when she laughs. She has the warmest heart I have ever known. She has two sons. One son lives with her. He now has a few health issues and she is right there taking care of him. Supporting him through it all! Bless her!

We also had a celebration for Emily. Mike popped the question!

Of course she said, “YES!”, so the race began for her to get a dress. That was so great to see her trying on the dresses. Then they’d say, “How do you like this one Grandma?” Well, how can you say you look beautiful when you are choking back tears because she was gorgeous in it? She stood there with little birdcage hat and that dress, all I could do was just look. Wanting to just cry because I loved it on her. She is going to be a beautiful bride. More on this later as the wedding is in late spring 2015!

As I mentioned before, Greg, Sarah and the children came in on Thanksgiving this year. They came over the day after and we had a great visit. Emily was here. Emily and Sarah talked about the wedding and girl things. Greg and I talked technology things. Hahaha! That’s what we do. Since all my family works in theTechnology world what else would you talk about? LOL. Greg calls me his techie Grandma. You know you just have to keep up with the new stuff. Anyway, Sarah decided to have Zillah’s birthday party on the 6^thsince they were in town. That way we could all enjoy it with her. She was turning 4 yrs old. It was so cute, every present she opened she would say, “Oh that is just what I wanted.” She is so cute.

I video chat with Gabe (Gary’s grandson (my great-grand son) who is in Texas, on his birthday. It was so cute. He said, “I am in Richardson.” He was cute. So, I told him I was in Kentucky. He thought a moment and shook his head yes. He knew where I lived. He is getting so big like all the rest of the great-grandchildren. Gabe is full of life. I love seeing him interact with Gary. He is like a little Chameleon when he is around Keith, you can see Keith.

Went to Cross Roads Church Last Night,  12/22/14 to see a Christmas Play. It was Fantastic. Really had a fun time with Mike, he made sure I got to the elevator and was placed in a seat safely. The only thing was he kept poking my arm all evening! Not really, but it was fun. Throughly enjoyed his company. Thank you Mike.

Well, Sonny and I went down to iHop for breakfast Dec 23 2014. When you go to iHop they give you a receipt for you to do a survey online. Then they give you a code to write down. You get a small stack of pancakes for doing the survey, it’s a good thing. Well, the waiter we had is a person with high anxieties. I don’t think he knew which end was up or down. To make this short. By the time we had our food served we had enough food for four people. He had the orders mixed or something. Ended up bringing home a small stack of pancakes and a senior rise and shine breakfast. I think they had eight slices of bacon on two egg orders. He put them down and I said, “No,  . . . that”, and before I could answer he said; “Its Free. Its free.” Now a couple across the way from us was laughing so hard. When they left they said the same thing happened to them. The poor waiter was having a very bad morning. He said, “You could ask for me if you want, the next time you come in.” Now, I don’t know if he wants to wait on us or not. Could be he wants to retrieve some extra money in tips to make up for the mistakes he made. I did leave him a good tip. I gave him the tip with the bill money. Sonny said he was up at the register holding his head trying to figure out why we gave him so much money. We gave him the right change for the bill and the tip with it. After five minutes he came back and said you gave me too much money. I couldn’t figure out why I had so much. So I told him the extra money was his tip. His face was red. The poor guy just was having a bad day. So when he saw how much the tip was he proceeded to tell me we could ask for him the next time. I early felt sorry for the guy. He gave me the receipt and said to be sure to do the survey for another free stack of pancakes. I said I sure will. Thank you and Have a Merry Christmas.

After the holidays and ending of 2014 a New Year begins 2015, hopefully a better year than the last. But the last story was a winner for the year. God bless you all and please have a very Merry Christmas. A blessed New Year!

Love to all!

Barb

Ending 2014 - Barb

2014 – HAPPENINGS

Emma Jo, Gabe & Mischa. Photo by Keith Bates

In July 2014 the BB Riverboats had a cruise up the river to Coney Island. The anual event is called The LaRosa’s Hot and Cold Air Balloon Glow. They served dinner and cruised up to Coney Island, then let everyone off the boat to enjoy the beautiful hot and cold Air Balloons that were being displayed. The little ones enjoyed the rides and fireworks. Then we had a cruise back down the river to Newport to the Port of the Cincinnati Belle. What a glorious time it was. Keith, Jenni and Gabe were here on vacation and we thoroughly enjoyed having them here for the cruise.

We had a few loved ones leave us this year. My children lost their Father to cancer. One of my cousins, 2x removed on my Dad’s side of the family, lost her 16 yr old Grandson. Two months later she lost her son. What a tragic time for her. Life is so precious and you just never know when it is going to be taken away from you. My cousin Marcella, who lives in Harrison Ohio, called me to tell me about it. She is 86 yrs old and still does a lot of things around her home. She always says, “Barb you and I are so much alike. We want something done we do it ourselves.” She has the cutest giggle when she laughs. She has the warmest heart I have ever known. She has two sons. One son lives with her. He now has a few health issues and she is right there taking care of him. Supporting him through it all! Bless her!

We also had a celebration for Emily. Mike popped the question!

Of course she said, “YES!”, so the race began for her to get a dress. That was so great to see her trying on the dresses. Then they’d say, “How do you like this one Grandma?” Well, how can you say you look beautiful when you are choking back tears because she was gorgeous in it? She stood there with little birdcage hat and that dress, all I could do was just look. Wanting to just cry because I loved it on her. She is going to be a beautiful bride. More on this later as the wedding is in late spring 2015!

As I mentioned before, Greg, Sarah and the children came in on Thanksgiving this year. They came over the day after and we had a great visit. Emily was here. Emily and Sarah talked about the wedding and girl things. Greg and I talked technology things. Hahaha! That’s what we do. Since all my family works in theTechnology world what else would you talk about? LOL. Greg calls me his techie Grandma. You know you just have to keep up with the new stuff. Anyway, Sarah decided to have Zillah’s birthday party on the 6^thsince they were in town. That way we could all enjoy it with her. She was turning 4 yrs old. It was so cute, every present she opened she would say, “Oh that is just what I wanted.” She is so cute.

I video chat with Gabe (Gary’s grandson (my great-grand son) who is in Texas, on his birthday. It was so cute. He said, “I am in Richardson.” He was cute. So, I told him I was in Kentucky. He thought a moment and shook his head yes. He knew where I lived. He is getting so big like all the rest of the great-grandchildren. Gabe is full of life. I love seeing him interact with Gary. He is like a little Chameleon when he is around Keith, you can see Keith.

Went to Cross Roads Church Last Night,  12/22/14 to see a Christmas Play. It was Fantastic. Really had a fun time with Mike, he made sure I got to the elevator and was placed in a seat safely. The only thing was he kept poking my arm all evening! Not really, but it was fun. Throughly enjoyed his company. Thank you Mike.

Well, Sonny and I went down to iHop for breakfast Dec 23 2014. When you go to iHop they give you a receipt for you to do a survey online. Then they give you a code to write down. You get a small stack of pancakes for doing the survey, it’s a good thing. Well, the waiter we had is a person with high anxieties. I don’t think he knew which end was up or down. To make this short. By the time we had our food served we had enough food for four people. He had the orders mixed or something. Ended up bringing home a small stack of pancakes and a senior rise and shine breakfast. I think they had eight slices of bacon on two egg orders. He put them down and I said, “No,  . . . that”, and before I could answer he said; “Its Free. Its free.” Now a couple across the way from us was laughing so hard. When they left they said the same thing happened to them. The poor waiter was having a very bad morning. He said, “You could ask for me if you want, the next time you come in.” Now, I don’t know if he wants to wait on us or not. Could be he wants to retrieve some extra money in tips to make up for the mistakes he made. I did leave him a good tip. I gave him the tip with the bill money. Sonny said he was up at the register holding his head trying to figure out why we gave him so much money. We gave him the right change for the bill and the tip with it. After five minutes he came back and said you gave me too much money. I couldn’t figure out why I had so much. So I told him the extra money was his tip. His face was red. The poor guy just was having a bad day. So when he saw how much the tip was he proceeded to tell me we could ask for him the next time. I early felt sorry for the guy. He gave me the receipt and said to be sure to do the survey for another free stack of pancakes. I said I sure will. Thank you and Have a Merry Christmas.

After the holidays and ending of 2014 a New Year begins 2015, hopefully a better year than the last. But the last story was a winner for the year. God bless you all and please have a very Merry Christmas. A blessed New Year!

Love to all!

Barb

Fond Memories

I have been thinking of some of the things I really enjoyed in years past. Thought you might also.

Gatlinburg 2011 – Let’s Try This Again 

After our first trip in 2010 ended in such a sad way, we headed back down to the Smokey’s and enjoyed a nice October in Gatlinburg in 2011. No more high elevation in December like 2010 for me, we stayed at a cabin in the valley close to town. Greg and Sarah came this time and it was so much fun having them. Zillah was a little tot. We had a real good trip that time. Went in the mountains and got a lot of pictures and took some hikes. Of course my knee was in a little pain so I sat and waited on them while the kids did their thing. I think there were 16 of us that went. Was it a lot of fun spending time with the family? Yes, it was!

So, when February 2013 came I decided if the Family wanted to go I would book a Dinner Cruise on the BB Riverboats for Labor Day. They all said, “YES!”. . . 

WEBN Fireworks 2013

In late March, I decided to build some shelves in the basement so I could get to things that had not been unpacked since I moved into this place. Got the shelves built, cartons unpacked and things taken to Goodwill. I felt great. So, I had two large book shelfs I needed to move and when I started to move them I tripped. My head hit the wall (thank the Lord it was drywall, my right shoulder hit the front of the shelving I built and tore my right shoulder beyond repair. I yelled for Sonny to come down and help me to get up, But as always he was on the second floor above me. Couldn’t hear me. He doesn’t hear me when he is sitting right next to me. I had a hard time getting up with one arm. And being as old as I am it was hard to get up. But I did and called Tammy to see if she could take me to the emergency room. Believe me it had to be bad for me to do that. I was in the office where they check you in and I heard Sonny and Tammy talking. Sonny said something to Tammy and her response was, “Yeah she is pretty hard headed.”  Don’t even want to know what he said to get that answer. Anyway the emergency room Doctor referred me to an orthopedic and the results were not good. Had to have a replacement done on it.

The Doctor wanted to do it before Labor Day. No.

Yes, that’s right, I told him,

“No. I have plans for the Fireworks. I have waited five months and it won’t hurt to wait a couple more weeks.”

That’s right. I was going on that Dinner cruise no matter what. We did, and had the best seat in the whole place. It was great. I need to do that again before the inevitable happens. One of the greatest times I had with my loved ones. Just wish they all could have been there. The kids from California and Texas didn’t make it. Everyone had fun. Great parking, Great Food, Great cruise and last but not least . . .

The Fireworks were the greatest I have ever seen!

So, after the Big Bang, I had my surgery. Everything went as it should.  I had therapy and it was good. I can move my arm and lift things, not too heavy. But I can reach in the cupboard and get a cup or plate. No pain! I don’t like the idea that it isn’t my real parts in there, but it works. That is all I care about. So now I am finished with the doctor runs every few months and I go back in a year.

Ok. Back to 2014 

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Emily came over to help me with the cooking, which I was grateful for. Our family gathering was great. Carol came down after the holiday. Greg and Sarah and the children came the Friday after. It was a great day. Crystal came with Mischa. Eric stayed home with Izzy, she was sick!   Well, until the next time . . .

Love and Hugs to All,

Barb