Blackmans on the Web (log)

It was time for some new beach towels. I found these on sale and got more than just a good deal – I got a bunch of memories of spending summer days at my grandparent’s on Buffalo Lake,  Montello, WI.

The colors and the texture of these towels just brought back a flood of memories: Gramma’s Fiestaware, the turquoise blue butterfly chair, those metal geese flying over those HUGE white leather recliners, Mexican blankets on the extra beds, and that funny, impossibly small metal table and chair in the bathroom off the breezeway … I don’t even know what I remember and what I’m conjuring up in my own mind.

It makes me think of Gramma yelling “Paul? Paul!” from inside while she got everything together and Grampa outside having a laugh while he entertained everyone. I think of Gramma coming to the top of the boathouse to watch us playing down below in the water or for us to zoom by in the boat. I think of the meals. Oh my gosh. All the food.

I’m absolutely certain that, as a result of my time spent at my grandparents, these days when I’m hosting a large meal it somehow doesn’t feel complete unless I offer crudités like olives and fancy little pickles … It wouldn’t be a holiday meal at our house without a door prize … and I have an EXTREMELY hard time following recipes without some sort of spontaneous change to the ingredient list. These are all things that must be deeply embedded in my DNA because I swear they happen without me even thinking about them!

It all comes back to style, though. It was the big things like the huge windows overlooking the lake and the repeated use of white – even the rocks that bordered the driveway were painted white! It was the little things like the fancy ashtrays and the many different glasses. It was the blessings at the meals. It all came together in Hattie’s own style.

There’s nothing like San Antonio Fiesta! Mom and Dad nabbed a hotel right on the riverwalk and despite having to dodge some raindrops, a great time was had by all! Saturday afternoon was spent in Kyle at the Calvonos with baby Anthony as the rightful center of EVERYONE’s attention!

Individual Photos ...

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“If, when we were young, we tramped through forests of Nebraska cottonwoods, or raised pigeons on a rooftop in Queens, or fished for Ozark bluegills, or felt the swell of a wave that traveled a thousand miles before lifting our boat, then we were bound to the natural world and remain so today. Nature still informs our years – lifts us, carries us.” Richard Louv http://richardlouv.com/ begins his book “Last Child in the Woods” with that beautiful statement. He is right. For me, the outdoors has always been an integral part of what makes me who I am. Whether it was my Mom yelling at all of us, “Go outside and run around!” or finding a solitary moment to lay in the field behind the house to watch the clouds, outside is a place I have enjoyed and have found I truly need. I believe everyone is enriched by the opportunity to spend time in nature.

Why am I passionate about Camp Grady Spruce and why am I asking you to care? Because I know from personal experience that when a camping program is not just located in the outdoors but is focused on outdoor programming, it has the power to reinforce love and respect of nature as well as getting along with others and learning to be creative and improvise. Making sure children – and the outdoors – are cherished and protected pretty much gets to the essence of what Camp Grady Spruce is here for.

Scholarship requests are poring in to Camp Grady Spruce at record-breaking rates. As a board member, in addition to making a donation, I am involved in reading over scholarship requests and am, quite frankly, horrified by the prospect of how many more well-deserving children there are than funds available. Everyone has their own preferred charities. I respectfully ask that you help Scott and I support this worthy effort in any way – big or small – that you can. CLICK HERE

Photos by Scott. Thought (below) by Ann.

Reside: To be inherently present; exist

… An aha! moment in Santa Fe: That where you reside and where you live don’t always share the same address.

Whew! Great day. As always. Food was terrific (turkey was especially good this year). Bill and Lorette were here for the first time in a long time. New babies: Anthony and Allison. Great to have the boys home too.

FR: Sam, Sarah, Amber, Oliva, Peter, Allison, Amy SR: LeAnne, Jacob, Lorette, Bill BR: Pat, Diana, Joe, Anthony, MariFe, Matt, Alex, Shelby, Ann, Scott

Earlier picture:

Thanksgiving 2009

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..and present. And boy have they grown. The photo on the left was taken when the boys were in elementary school at Smith Elementary. Ashlee Verbruggen and Sam were in the same class together. Ashlee’s dad, Hans, suggested Sam and Alex go to a dance recital with him. He took this picture. Ashlee ended up going to a different middle school and they lost touch a bit. Then, back in High School Ashlee is a Sweetheart. Sam’s girlfriend Sarah is a Sweetheart. Sarah introduces Sam to her friend Ashlee and – shazam – the friendship is rekindled. This weekend we went to the State Fair. Big group of us. And there were Alex, Ashlee and Sam and that picture popped into my head. Sure glad I got it!

More photos from the 2009 Texas State Fair HERE

Tarleton State University football:

Standing the ENTIRE game. Choice of footwear …. flipflops or cowboy boots.

Sam & Sarah

With 5 high schools now in Frisco and each school with their own weekend of festivities, homecoming came early for Centennial High School this year. Even with record-breaking rain, the weekend appeared to turn out to be well worth the trip home for Sam. It was pretty much the same ‘ol gang as last year. That means a great bunch of kids … and then some fun parents to hang around with after the teens take off to the dance! Click on the photo of Sam and Sarah on the right to see more photos.

A Word About Mums: Thank goodness for Texas-born friends! Jennifer took both Sam and I by the hand last year to make sure that Sam’s design plans for a mum were successful. This year, it was Amy and myself wielding the hot glue gun and mini stapler while Scott sent photos of the mum-in-progress to Sam in his dorm room for creative direction.

Confused about the mum tradition? Here some info …
http://www.starling-travel.com/2006/10/11/san-antonio-texas-high-school-homecoming-mums/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homecoming#Mums

Sarah's mum

Detail: Disco Ball!