Chez Regine

Random Thoughts and Sounds of Spring today...

2022-05-09T09:04:00.005-04:00

Out in the backyard, preparing to plant the garden...

The weeds have taken over our small beds and there are lots of weeds to pull...

The dog found the box of seeds and decided to pull them out one at a time... No, Bo!

The cats sneak past him. They're his playmates but he's a giant of a dog and it's better to go unnoticed...

The rose was replanted. I hope the Japanese beetles will not come back this year...

Lawn mowers are humming... So grateful for good neighbor-friends who mowed our lawn while our mower is being repaired...

Birds are singing... I need to move the bird feeders... With all these cats... too dangerous for them...

Bruce just came out... To plant or not to plant...

The tomato plants he grew from seeds last Winter look really good...

Little shovel in hand he digs a hole to place the plant...

A ball hit the leather of a glove... Bruce's head turns... He looks into the direction the sound came from...

Like so many parents do every Spring, a man is playing catch with a child...

Oh the memories...

Baseball filled our family life... Memories of Little League games came flooding...

Not just for Bruce but for me too...

The man shouts out advice... Bruce shakes his head...

It's ok Bruce... It's more than teaching baseball...

It's making life lasting memories...

He's watering the freshly planted tomato plants... A kink in the hose... The nozzle comes off...

I run to turn off the water... I forgot the dog and he darts out...

He's a big silly young dog full of energy and curiosity...

He likes running free... Not today, Bud...

He has no idea of dangers around him. I stop a car as Bruce runs behind him with a leash...

We're no Spring chickens any more...

Bo stopped to smell the neighbors' yard... Come back, Bo...

Let's go home...

In 1937

2021-11-28T12:18:00.003-05:00

I periodically do a random search for my grandfather online, hoping newspaper articles will become available to tell me more about his bike racing days.

There was a BIG picture of him in their front bedroom upstairs. My nephew found a copy of this quite by chance as he met a descendant of the company Bonpapa ran for: Bury. I miss him...

Today I came across such new information.

In 1937, Leon Drossart, 22, ran in the Tour de Belgique as an "Independant".

The status of "Independant" allowed amateurs of a certain caliber to compete against professionals as they gained experience.

The Tour of Belgium for "Independants" was organized yearly between 1911 and 1964, except during the war years (14-18 and 40-45)

In 1937, the race covered 1,729km (1,074 miles) in a period of 10 days: from June 17 to June 27. They estimated the average racing speed at 35.233 km/h (just under 22m/h).

Of 186 who registered, 162 participated. Only 34 were classified. It was nice to see his name among them: #30. He came in 2h 48' 04" behind the winner Maurice Clautier.

So it took him 51h 52' 27" to cover 1,074 miles by bike...

He often told us about the difficulties he ran into when he raced. Flat tires had to be repaired on site. Nobody to help or to just hand you over a fresh bike...

I am pretty proud that he dared to win. Though he fell short, I have no doubt it was an invigorating and exhausting experience. Imagine the crowds lined up along the roads cheering for their favorite racers.

He began a professional career in 1938 so he likely had been racing for at least a couple of years already. Oh that I could go back and ask him... now I have questions and nobody to answer them...

The race was broken down into smaller stages.

The first leg of the race was
- Brussels - Genk: 177 km - In 9th place a peloton of 29 bikers came in together... was he one of them?

- Genk - Antwerpen: 205 km

- Antwerpen - Oostende, 175 km

- Oostende - Morlanwelz, 188 km

- Morlanwelz - Paliseul, 175 km

- Paliseul - Neufchâteau, 36 km CLM

- Neufchâteau - Luxemburg, 170 km

- Luxembourg - Liege, 208 km

- Liege - Pont-de-Loup, 185 km

- Pont-de-Loup - Brussels, 210 km

That's a lot of pedaling!

Sorry, I could not close the loop with Google maps (= The map indicates a lower number, but it's likely because the roads are different today than they were 84 years ago.

I wonder if he stopped by the bakery where my grandmother worked when he reached Brussels...

So many questions still but today I gained a little appreciation for something he did...

Final Results :
1. Maurice CLAUTIER in 49h04'23"
2. Albert Dubuisson at 38" behind first
3. Joseph Van Kerckhoven at 7'54" behind first
4. Théo Van Oppen at 9'21" behind first
5. Frans Gahy at 11'55" behind first
6. Jan Staeren at 12'12" behind first
7. Oscar Giltay at 17'43" behind first
8. Rémi Rayen at 36'15" behind first
9. Robert De Bloem at 41'49" behind first
10. Maurice Houfflin at 47'18" behind first
11. Joseph Torfs at 47'23" behind first
12. Albert Jacquet (Fra) at 47'58" behind first
13. François Van der Motten at 53'17" behind first
14. Oscar Joly at 56'17" behind first
15. Jan De Clercq at 59'24" behind first
16. André Hallaert at 1h00'56" behind first
17. Amado Feduzzi (Ita) at 1h02'45" behind first
18. Pascal Boelen at 1h06'58" behind first
19. René Van Hove at 1h07'21" behind first
20. Auguste Dejonckheere at 1h15'35" behind first
21. Frans Van Ransbeeck at 1h23'25" behind first
22. Antoine Reuten at 1h31'48" behind first
23. Frans Pauwels (Hol) at 1h42'32" behind first
24. Joseph Dominicus at 1h53'49" behind first
25. Georges Van der Gucht at 2h07'42" behind first
26. Victor Meuleman at 2h11'14" behind first
27. René Belsack at 2h11'17" behind first
28. Jules Raes at 2h40'49" behind first
29. Jan Janssens at 2h41'54" behind first
30. Léon Drossart at 2h48'04" behind first
31. Riccardo Masutti (Ita) at 3h06'04" behind first
32. Henri Borry at 3h49'37" behind first
33. Jean Drion at 3h54'39" behind first
34. Edouard Delizée at 5h 07' 55" behind first

Coronavirus 2020: IN Lockdown Day 1

2020-03-25T23:47:00.001-04:00

Two weeks ago, cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 finally started to appear in Indiana.
It was Friday. We were going to work on sashes for our planned August Suffrage parade.
I took the elevator and as I pushed the call button, the thought occurred to me: "could someone have used the elevator who was infected with the virus?"

It sounds pretty bad, I know but last November I caught something nobody had a name for. It was not the flu, that I know because I was tested for the flu. All they said was it was a virus.
A couple other friends also got sick only they fared worse than I did.

So you see, the prospect of dealing with this new bug does not especially thrill me.

They say it is worse on older people with pre-existing conditions.
I don't feel old but I am no spring-chicken either. If I have pre-existing conditions I am not aware of them at this time so it is a gamble all in all.

Our Woman's Suffrage celebration schedule was supposed to pick up this month, and the sashes were just part of it. Carol and I cut ribbon and ironed it onto 3 sashes. The library is our meeting place, just as it was 100 years ago for the Peru Franchise League.

Some restrictions had already put into place. Only 4 people could and if a case was found in Miami County, the library would likely close altogether.

On the news of the local schools closing, the Miami County Museum closed as well, for 2 weeks.
Then Governor Holcomb asked schools to remain closed until May 1, later if necessary.
He also requested that restaurants, bars, entertainment centers such as movie theaters follow suit. Drive-thrus could continue to operate but nobody inside, except the personnel.

The president continued to play down the disease, even suggesting it was a political hoax aimed at destroying his chances at re-election. Mind you after seemingly becoming reasonable, now the song seems to be "Seniors, jump into the volcano that the virus may be appeased". The lunacy has no end.

The only voice of reason in this chaos is that of New York's Governor, Andrew Cuomo. I would write him in for president if that could fly.

So finally two days ago the announcement was made:
"As of 25 March 2020 until 7 April 2020, Indiana is on lockdown".

Now that on its own is interesting... My concept of a lockdown would entail staying home, no compromise... Not here... It seems everything has a loophole.
Most jobs have been deemed 'essential' so most people are still going to work.
Private citizens are expected to stay home but can go out for the purpose of their physical and mental well-being... These mixed messages have unsettled many.

I manage to stay home mostly but the blue skies are hard to resist and with guidelines so flexible... It's not like I go out on a social outing. It's a solitary walk on the beach, with my shadow, Lucy.

Day 1 of the official lockdown... Blue skies...
Lucy and I went to the lake. We did not find the pelicans today. We did catch crocuses in bloom at Asherwood. No blue bells in the Frances Slocum forest yet and the little ducks were not at Bostwick Pond. The Canada geese were curious about us there and the Turtles were happily sunning on the logs. A Muskrat poked out his nose. We swung by the Bald Eagles' nest and found the pair in the air, busy courting... The Swans at Hidden Hills were busy too... 3 pairs there this year. Michael called. They have a picture of the sonogram. No telling what it is yet of course. They are so excited. Bruce fixed the bookcase, sorta... LOL Tomorrow is another day... Goodnight...

The Great Flood of 1913

2012-10-30T16:05:00.004-04:00

Back in 2006 I was privileged to attend a meeting of the Miami County Genealogical Society where Ron Withers gave a presentation on the great flood of 1913.

The images of the devastation in Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina brought these images to mind and what just happened with Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey brought it all back.
I kept notes during the meeting and sent this summary to interested people. I would like to share them with you today.

President Obama just declared the area a major disaster area, enabling states to have access to relief otherwise not available. 28 dead so far, 5 million without power, millions of dollars of damage,... This event will change a lot of lives for a long time... The snapped crane is still dangling from the top of the luxury building under construction. People displaced all over the East... What a night!

Not trying to diminish the situation in the East, just pondering on how much things would have been had the devastated cities of Indiana received the kind of help that is available today... I suppose some people will say it's the law of nature to weed out the weak... mmm... I beg to differ.

Again, meaning no disrespect, this disaster reminds me of the economy changing flood that struck Peru in 1913. I wrote this on March 24, 2006.

"Between March 24, 1913 and March 27, 1913, 6" of rain fell on Peru, and send the river water rushing down its streets at speeds of 20mph, tearing everything on its path and drowning Peru's hopes for a bright future.
It can be said that Peru never really recovered from it.

Before the flood of 1913, Peru was a busy town, full of activity, jobs, with its 15,000 inhabitants, 100 factories, a trolley service, railroads, a new hospital (Duke's), circus (which employed 1000 people on the road), a new concrete bridge (largest of its kind in the world at the time).
Peru's boon benefited the surrounding communities as well.

There had been other flooding episodes in Peru. The East side was particularly prone to this problem. After the floods of 1904 and 1907, people had found ways to raise their homes but that would not matter in 1913 as the high water mark would reach between 6-7 feet, leaving debris in high tree branches as a witness.
(while Ron was taking 'now and then' pictures of a house, the owner told them he had wondered how he could have found 3 in of dried mud on the ceiling of his newly bought house)

It had been a wet winter. The ground was already soaked. Easter rains caused enough concern that churches cancelled Sunday services.
Ebert Shirk owned a furniture factory right on the Wabash and he was quite concerned about its safety. He put his workers to building a temporary dam to keep the river from invading the manufacture and it worked for a short while.

Normally the Wabash flow is between 8,000 to 10,000 cubic feet per minute. In 1913, the water flowed at the rate of 118,000 cubic feet per minute!
It not only carried off the planks from Ebert Shirk's factory, it was strong enough to knock houses off their foundation and carry them downstream.
As planks floated down river, they got caught on the new bridge and soon stacked into a barrage that diverted the water onto the city streets.

By Monday afternoon, storm sewers were spewing river water. Some people evacuated to higher ground but many decided to ride out the storm.
Within an hour the water was knee high and soon after that evacuation stopped altogether due to the rush of water.
By evening the utilities stopped services.
People were already without heat, as basements and first floors were flooded. Now there was no drinking water.
People were trapped. SO were the animals.
Ben Wallace's circus animals were in grave danger.
Situated at the confluent of the Mississinewa and the Wabash, the Circus Winter Quarters were submerged as the two river became one.
The caged cats drowned. So did the one Bengal tiger that escaped. He jumped in the water and drowned too. 8 horses drowned too.
The shackled elephants had to be freed but even after being freed they would not leave, too panicked by the cold wind. Nellie saved one of the trainers and got him to safety but returned to where the other elephants were. They made it to the house but would not go to higher ground. 5 elephants died. 3 floated away down river. One got tangled up by the bridge too.
(As a side note, Ron tells of this businessman who bought the elephant carcasses after hearing of their deaths, and had them disinterred 3 weeks later, to have them skinned...!!! and their feet cut off to use as sun-umbrella(?) stand!!!)
Ben Wallace tallied his losses to $150,000 (1913 figures), while Ebert Shirk's losses amounted to $250,000 (1913 figures)
The total loss for Peru is estimated at $3,000,000 (1913 figures)
Some people lost everything they had.

Remember, there was no insurance, and no FEMA to rescue or help you recover...
However communities came together to help each other.
Once word reached them out of the situation in Peru, Rochester and Warsaw offered their boats to help rescue stranded people. And they did this in spite of the torrential rains and snow...
A $1,500 donation was made on the spot and a train of relief supplies was prepared.
On Wednesday a big snow storm added to the trouble, but the rescueing went on.
Michigan City also sent rescuers.
The trains could not get right into Peru but delivery continued to come in.
Rescue boats worked non-stop.
Ron name two whose outstanding work was not unnoticed:
- Sam Bundy, a 32y old Miami Indian, whose boating skills were welcomed. He worked non-stop for 57 hours and rescued an estimated number of 162 to 325 people. When he was done, he only asked to be able to have a cup of coffee and some sleep.
- Red May was not quite as lucky. His efforts saved the lives of 200 people but he drowned trying to save the lady who had caused his boat to capsize with all its passengers.
The unforgiving waters were 15 to 20 feet deep.
Another Ron names by name is Mr Baldwin, who is said to have saved 120 lives. Who is he? Ron would love to find out more about this individual. If the name sounds familiar, let me know and I will get you in touch with him right away.

In all, 11 people drowned in the flood. Forgive me for not having taken this down fast enough... )=
The total death toll reached 10 however after counting those who died of exposure shortly after.

Ron mentioned Rochester earlier in the presentation. He back-tracked a bit to show that people knew what was really important. Rochester and Peru had professional baseball teams and they were arch-enemies on the field, but they prepared a "Peru Day" after the flood. Rochester's population swelled to 30,000 that day!

He also explains how South Peru and Peru had been separate entities before the flood. South Peru being 'nicer' than Peru. With the Broadway Bridge washed out, there was need to rebuild. They talked it over and finally agreed only to discover they need the approval of the War department beforehand... They got it BUT they had one more barrier... it would require an act of Congress to allow the rebuilding...
Eventually they got it.
In the meantime, two weeks after the flood, they had already built a foot bridge and 6 weeks after the approval of Congress, they had the new bridge up and running.

In spite of newspaper reports that disease and death was rampant in Peru, there was no case of typhoid fever as vaccination was made available immediately.
The Fire Dept pumped out people's basements.
By the end of April, Peru was running business 'as usual', minus the businesses whose owners decided to leave for fear of another such disaster.

Sure makes one appreciate the Mississinewa Dam, that's for sure!!!

I took notes as Ron gave the presentation but I could not keep up.
Neither does this summary give you the full spectrum of what he said.
He has hundreds of anecdotes and of course unpublished pictures we got to see.

One of you asked what impact the flood had on the Miami Indian community. Ron is hoping to get more answers from the Miami Indians soon. Maybe then he can tell us more.

One story he told was about this horse stranded on the bridge unable to go anywhere for 2 days, without food. A man took pity on it and figured out a way to get food to it and it survived.

Another one is of a family who managed to get themselves to safety in the 2nd story of the ice cream factory and survived on cone wafers for 4 days, then to their delight discovered a box of dried meat... only it was not really the sort they'd have eaten at any other time...

This was a wonderful presentation!!!

Maybe you will have the chance to hear him sometimes.
Otherwise maybe he will publish his study. It sure will be well worth reading!

Hope you got something out of this report!"

To my knowledge, Ron Withers has not published the book.

My thoughts and prayers go to those living this nightmare right now.

I hope things can get back to normal soon for them and that people will continue to rally to President Obama's call for neighbors to help neighbors across the nation.

1940 US Census Indexing Project

2012-03-14T22:19:00.001-04:00

http://thebelgianresearchers.blogspot.com/

Sorting Out the WHELCHELs

2012-03-03T11:08:00.002-05:00

I hope you will bear with me as this is a means for me to sort things out since nobody wants to hear me think it through out loud.

While transcribing the letters Stanley Safford wrote his mother during WWII, I tried to figure out who was who in the picture albums left behind so that I could add them to illustrate the text whenever possible.
It was rather rewarding to become s much more familiar with otherwise names without faces that we had heard thrown around in the conversation.

Grace Whelchel is my mother-in-law's mother. She's the one who at times reminds me of Amelia Bedelia, not that she was clumsy or anything, just the way she dressed.
She was the oldest daughter of Cora Hartwell and Francis Marion Whelchel but she was not the eldest. Loyd was three years older than Grace. We didn't hear much about him though other than his daughter, Frances Whelchel, was my mother-in-law's best friend. Frances was born in between Stanley and Muriel so was almost like a sister to both of them in a way.

The other sibling we heard more about was Aunt Nina, the lady who more or less mentored Muriel and had hopes for her to pursue a modelling career. Nina and her husband Bill Baker never had any children and so their large fortune was divided between their numerous nieces and nephews upon their deaths.

Oh and there was Aunt Eileen... the one who stayed close to their mother in spite of all the feuding.

Those were not too hard to keep track of but there were twice as many names or more in just that group of children as Cora bore Francis 11 (eleven) children:
- Edwin Loyd Whelchel (married twice: 1 Esther Johnson, mother of Frances; 2 Fern Parker, mother of Robert Lloyd)

- Arthur Marion Whelchel (died as an infant)
- Grace Hazel Whelchel (married Wayne Safford - 2 children: Stanley and Muriel)
- Gladys Isabel Whelchel (married Roy Burton - at least one daughter Velera Louise)

- Nina Estella Whelchel (married Bill Baker, no children)

- Victor Clifford Whelchel (died at age 7)

- infant
- Clair Griswold Whelchel (married a Jean - )

- Eileen Blanche Whelchel (married Charles Lane - no children)

- infant
- Clell Wilbur Whelchel (married 3 times: 1. Helen Blume, mother of Clell Wilbur Jr; 2. Judith A Benkert; 3. Marianna Bew)

BUT Francis Marion Whelchel was a widower when he married Cora in 1895, and not only did he have a son from the previous marriage, his first wife, Eliza Jane Butler, but she had been married before she married Francis (to a John Chipman) and had two sons and maybe a daughter too from that union. So Francis brought with him - at least that's how I explain the additional names in the pictures - 3 boys and a daughter to be raised by Cora, I'm assuming.
- Claude Chipman
- Clyde Chipman
- Evelyn Chipman
- Fred Whelchel

I haven't done much research on these guys as I am just now figuring this out.

In his letters, Stanley referred to an Aunt Mayme but I could not fit her anywhere, well... She was Fred Whelchel's wife!
Another letter found, this one was written to Grace by Mae Chipman, Clyde's wife talked in length about the sad life she was living with him. And she mentioned Fred and Claude and Evelyn as well.

Now let's add to the mixture the fact that Cora's mother was also married three times herself and had children with all three husbands.
Cora was the oldest, born in 1875 to James Willis Hartwell and Isabella Griswold.

Isabella was not married long to Cora's father before they divorced, as in 1879 she married Charles H Wilde with whom she had a son, George Henry Wilde, the following year.

Charles died in 1884 and so Isabella was left raising the two kids.
Luckily none of these two husbands had children from a previous marriage though that would not be the case for the third, William Henry Matthews whom she married in 1890. William Matthews was a widower. He and his first wife Nettie had one son Archibald "Archie" Matthews. Isabella added two more sons to his brood: Ralph and Elmer Matthews.

George Wilde was married twice: 1. Menella Pemberton gave him 5 kids: Clarence, Paul, Louis Allen, Ruth E and George Henry Wilde Jr.; 2. Olive May Hodgins

Ralph Matthews married Bernice Lila Ogden who gave him 6 kids: Elton, Carl, Dorothy, Willard, Grace and Dean Matthews.

Are you still with me?... No wonder Muriel said there were lots of cousins to divide up Aunt Nina's money into... Still haven't figured out Aunt Maibelle though and let's not talk about the elusive Aunt Irene (Stevens) we never did find...

Anyway, this goes to show... Today's generation has not invented anything in creating chaotic family ties, but what I find most interesting is the close bonds that remained between these siblings, half siblings, etc.
They kept in touch, they helped each other, sometimes to their own detriment as some more letters have shown. They fought but they stayed in touch, even if the correspondence was not very regular.

What else did I learn? I learned to better understand the dynamics of my mother-in-law's family. She might have had some pointed opinions, whether right or wrong, she never had any trouble voicing them, but she never pushed away a family member who needed her help, who would ask. Was that a thing her generation learned from their parents and the Big Depression. They didn't have much but they shared what little they had so another would not go without.
We live in a disposable society that could take great lessons from that generation... We already have the crazy relationships down pat...

on the right holding her baby Clell is Cora, left of her is Grace Whelchel... not sure about the rest... feel free to contact me if you know who everyone is...

If you're still with me, and you are a member of our family, I hope this will help clarify a few things for you as it did for me...

Oreo Remembered

2012-01-24T12:14:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe it was over 14 years ago that you entered our lives. Which one of the kids brought you home making us believe you followed him? Jon, I think, or maybe Richard. Those two always brought animals home... But you stayed... You became our old German shepherd's best buddy and revived him in his old age. You would never stay in the back yard, always finding ways to jump out. And it might as well have been as when you didn't run away to find company, company came to find you! i will never forget the day when we found two strange dogs in the backyard wanting to court you... ah ah... we soon remedied that and you slowed down a bit but you were never cured of your love of roaming free and any chance you got you took.
You never went far. You always came back to our front porch, to the poor mailman's great distress. More than once I had to stop him after he passed our house because you were sitting there guarding the porch from any intrusion... him included...
Odie went the way of all old dogs eventually and you were left alone but Melanie and Joe came to the rescue and brought you another German shepherd to be friends with:Triton and after first pushing him away you accepted him as your son and raised him. The two of you in the backyard... One thing you were never able to teach Triton was to run away though... he brought in his own type of trouble... and I'm not sure you didn't teach him that too as I caught you more than once scratching at the back door...
But Triton was only on loan, so after Melanie and Joe took him home, you were alone once more.
Still it was not very long until Jon brought home another puppy... 6 weeks old Max, found in a dumpster with his siblings... oh how you despised him at first, growling at his futile attempts to nurse on you... but you always had a good heart and you raised him and taught him ALL your tricks... oh yes, don't think I didn't know... I watched you coax him to jump over the fence... and once he had had a taste of freedom, it was hard to keep him from running off... Oh Oreo...
Before Melanie graduated from High School you had a permanent spot on her bed. She was your whole world and when they came for a visit in those days, you would nuzzle your way to her and showered her with attention. But she really could not take you home with her. Besides by then they also had another dog because Triton was lonely for you... It was quite hectic dealing with these new additions. You hated Sammy and Triton would try to best Max, so we had to alternate you two in and out of the house with Sammy and max who got along fine. Sammy was actually much more motherly towards him than you were, but that's ok...
Eventually Max took a bride, Zoey (thanks to Jon and Brandon) and together they produced Lucy... And you took it all in stride.
You didn't run away very often any more but when you had the chance you took it... Pushing the gate open and setting all four of you into the streets of Peru... How many times have I stayed home for fear you would run off while I was gone?!
A few days ago Jon noticed something nasty in your mouth and we hoped it would heal itself but by last night it had doubled in size and smelled horribly bad. I took you to the Veterinarian this morning knowing full well there was a chance he would tell me it was cancer and that the cure was worse than the disease at your age. You had been breathing so painfully for the past few weeks. It all became clear.
When I came home alone this morning, my heart was heavy because I didn't let anyone else say goodbye to you but I didn't want you to be scared. I didn't want you to have time to figure out what was going to happen ahead of time. The doctor gave me the choice but it seemed like it would be more cruel to you.
You trusted me and you trusted the doctor who had taken care of you many times before. I put my head close to yours and whispered softy in your ear that everything was going to be ok and that you were going to soon feel much better. It was quick. You didn't show any sign of pain before your spirit was released to roam free again, this time in fields much sweeter than those on Earth and I hope with all my heart Odie and Kei and Luke were there to greet you.

It was not easy but it was better to let you go... You were a big part of our lives and will always be part of our family, Oreo... Thank You for being patient with us and teaching us to love you (grouch and all).
We miss you already... Max, Zoey and Lucy wonder where you are... I wonder how many times Lucy will take me to the backdoor to make sure you are not left outside...
We will see you again some day but for now it's goodbye...

Ripples...

2011-11-07T14:05:00.002-05:00

Last week, as I was doing some research for The Belgian Researchers' Obituaries project, I came across the name of Fernand DuBois, whose daughter, Renee lived in Kokomo, Indiana where he had spent the summer in 1950.
The obituary peaked my curiosity about Renee. And this is how I found this wonderful October 7th, 1946 Kokomo Tribune article, "Belgian War Bride Quick Convert to American Football Enthusiasm".
It explained how she had become a quick football enthusiast and went into detail about her origins and her first weeks in Kokomo.
She had met her then future husband, Captain William Linkhorn, in October 1944 in Liege, while he was visiting the city. Although she had a degree in Pharmacy from the Universite de Liege, she turned to teaching languages and became instrumental in establishing a French program for adults at the Indiana University's Kokomo campus and a conversational program for school aged children (grades 4-7) in 1952, which she taught until she moved away to Mansfield, Ohio, where she continued teaching French. It looks like she moved away from Ohio again as her husband's obituary places them in Cape Cod in 2007.

What really caught my attention however is the fact that she attended the Lycee Leonie de Waha !
How amazing it is that although we will likely never meet, we have shared experiences that bind us as though we had... We have walked the same hallways... We have opened the same doors... We have followed a similar path that brought us both here... We both became involved in teaching French...
Our children grew up 100% Americans, with whom we can never really share these hallways, doors, these experiences in the same way...

I wonder where the many young women who graduated from the Lycee over the years are leaving a legacy, where they made their mark on the world, as we all do. Some are never mentioned anywhere again but their influence is felt for generations all the same!

Random Thoughts: Colored Greys

2011-10-14T08:43:00.001-04:00

It' always when I'm driving that I think of things to write down somewhere.
Driving back from Wabash the other day, I was taken back to y first year at the Lycee. The changing colors fo Fall always remind me of my first Art teacher there, Madame Lemoine. She was as big around as her husband was tall and skinny. I can't remember what he taught. I only had her for one year. She is the one who taught me how to print. One of our assignments was to capture the 'colored greys' of Fall. While I can draw, I can not ad color to anything I make without taking away from the drawing, so this was not my favorite assignment for sure... We had to mix the primary colors to make the colored greys we needed then apply them on the trees we had drawn... One of my classmates painted one I will never forget it was so beautiful and all she did was take her brush and instead of 'painting' as I understand 'painting', she just put dabs of colors here and there all over her page and her tree truly was beautiful.
Anyway... All this to say... every Fall, I go back to being 12 years old every time the trees change color...

2011 Goal Setting

2011-01-02T03:29:00.013-05:00

I am not much of one to determine on December 31 how I should change my life on January 1. Not that I think it's a bad idea. I believe we should be ready to do this regularly in our lives. It's important to stop and evaluate where we are and whether we are headed in the direction we aimed to. Besides it is often necessary to redirect our course as we go, not once a year...

When the kids were little I would often tell them that before they made a decision they should choose a destination and make their choices accordingly. I would often simply ask them which direction they should go if they wanted to go to Logansport from our house. Ultimately there was more than one way to do this of course but the shortest route was to turn right on Main Street and keep going West. Of course they could have turned left on Main Street but they would inevitably have to change direction to head West if they ever intended to reach their destination.

Many years ago I learned how to set goals while working with the Young Women of our ward. They used a Personal Progress book that divided goal setting into categories:
Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works and Integrity
There were short-term goals as well as long-term goals. They had to be realistic so as to make them reachable but they also needed to make me stretch so as to help me really grow.

We don't often think about this but it is a fact that writing down one's goals helps us actually achieve them. Otherwise we can easily lose track of them and thus never reach our destination.

So... what do I want to accomplish in 2011?

Sherri and I have been talking about setting up a booth at craft shows. That means I need to get busy knitting. What I would really like to do is to invest in a knitting machine and take the classes to learn to make the most of it.
Now what does that entail?
Making a phone call to the Knit-Knack Shop north of here - that is a HUGE thing for me because I don't like making calls.
Of course I could just drive up there. Hey I took a step in the right direction... I found their website! If only I could do all this online... ok... got to get out of my shell, I know...

I should really also set a monthly number goal for FamilySearch Indexing this year. The last time I did that I got sick and have not been able to get back to it as productively.
Having 2 logins does not help much either but I have no control over that part as one is my official login and the other for the Belgium Project. My preference is with the latter but I should not look like a slacker as Indexing director since the stats won't be combined, so it looks like I may remain divided for a while.

What else is on my mind...
- learning new recipes. - I am far from being short on recipes, that's for sure!!!
- transcribing Stanley's war letters
- translating Papa's letters into English
- transcribing Bobonne's letters
- transcribing Marraine and BonPapa's letters - with eventual translations
- scanning the old pictures that came from Los Angeles
Big elephants... all of these projects are... One bite at a time...

Of course there is also a wish to renew and strengthen friendships and family ties.
Maybe find a special service project to get involved in too. I really enjoyed making those 2 scarves for the upcoming 2012 Superbowl in Indy, and found that there are many other opportunities out there to help others. I might even knit a couple more.
AND I almost forgot: I would love to participate in recording audiobooks for people to download for free online.
Bottom line... I have a few ideas but need to sit down and write it all down...
Might be good too to take another look at those other categories I made no mention of and help ensure balance in my goals...
And maybe they will become reality by the end of 2011.
For now I had better close... maybe finish this later...

The Belgian Archives Online

2010-11-22T02:09:00.008-05:00

In February 2009, FamilySearch began uploading digital images of Belgian civil records onto its Record Search Pilot site, enabling genealogists researching their Belgian ancestry to access original records right from their homes.

It was however short lived as the Belgian Archives quickly requested access to the public be restricted. I won't lie when I say that it was a terrible blow to researchers, especially since the creation of the index for these Belgian records had just begun.

What a treat it was to have been one of the first countries online!!!
Even if it was short lived.

On November 18, FamilySearch made an announcement about having added another 15 million names to its site. Many of them are linked to digital images of original records.
Dick Eastman composed an article on the subject, to which I would like to refer you: A Lot to Be Thankful For

I have had the opportunity of using this wonderful new tool and can't wait till more is uploaded.

While researching on microfilms at our local Family History Center, I have learned to appreciate paging through the reels and finding information in documents that apparently did not fit in my direct lines. Actually that has helped me more than once in stumbling onto great-grandparents I had not found on my direct-line ancestors' records. So when I saw the "Browse the images" option, I jumped on it with both feet.

It didn't take me long to realize that - and that is by no means a criticism, but rather motivation for me to help more - however incredibly wonderful it is, using the browse feature is slow and tedious.

Belgian registers usually have one index at the end of each year.
Some group all the records into one annual book with three indexes at the end of the year, in other words, the records are divided into three parts (sometimes 4):
1. Births,
2. (Marriage Publications - which have no index),
3. Marriages,
4. Deaths.

On a microfilm reader, you just crank up the wheel, find the index, locate the name you are looking for, then if you find something that is relevant to your search, you backtrack (or go forward if the index is at the beginning of the year) to the right page.
It is tedious but I have found this method very efficient.

On the computer, the process is more or less the same, except it is more or less slow depending on your computer's ability to handle the image but also on your internet connection.
And the big question comes up: "Where is the right image?"

You soon learn that you do not need to thumb through each page if you don't want to. You can skip a few forwards and backwards, pretty much in the same way that you would crank up the microfilm reader's wheel forwards and back.

So what has this taught me?
It has taught me the reason why it is so vital to work on the indexing of all these images.
We are incredibly blessed to be able to use this 'browsing' system in the first place but how much easier it would be if all we needed to do is type in a name and narrow down the search.

HOW can this be done?
Through FamilySearch Indexing

Some people have been unhappy with me for getting on my soapbox and encouraging others to get involved with the Indexing program.
This site is for my voice, so I will shout it from the roof tops and as loud as I can.

GET INVOLVED!

There are so many records to index out there!
The goal of FamilySearch is to digitize all the microfilms that are in the granite vault and to create an index that will enable people to better use these images to research their roots.

There are many English records to work on, but there are records from everywhere to work on too. I have worked on census records and vital records of several countries and what i find is that it is easier for me to read those whose languages I am most familiar with.

My first experience with this came when we were working on the 1880 US Census.
I had come across a name that, no matter how I looked at it, I was unable to make sense of.
The handwriting was not even the problem. It was actually beautiful.
So, I turned to another indexer who was working on something else and asked her what she thought it was. Without hesitation she said "Felicity" and sure enough once she had said it I could see it too.

There is a need for multilingual people to help.
Not only because you understand the text you are looking at but because you will be more familiar with the names and more likely to recognize them, especially when the handwriting is difficult to decipher. What is hard for you becomes impossible for another and this can affect the accuracy of the end product.

Now, this sounds like the proverbial carrot, I know, but FamilySearch has made good on their promises and will on this too, I have no doubt. "Qualified Indexers" will be given access to databases that are otherwise closed to the public per request of the Archive owner.
A point system has been set up for this purpose.
Some things still have to be worked out at this point (for the Belgian project anyway) but I truly believe it will happen.

Come and help with the Belgian project. You will find greater satisfaction working on this project
- if you are Belgian
or
- if you read/speak Dutch, French or German fluently

Contact Jean Huysmans and tell him you want to help.

If you want to help with other projects, visit FamilySearch Indexing and click on
"Get started"

There are tutorials to help you learn how to index.
The program is a free download (it is a big program, best downloaded with a high speed connection)

You don't have to go it alone.
There is a feature in the program that enables you to share your work with someone to have them take a look at what you're doing - if you want them to.

Otherwise, the system is simple, with line-by-line instructions right into the form lay-out.

You work as much or as little as you want.
There is no expected quota you must meet.
The batches are small enough that you can index them within 30 minutes but you don't have to do a whole batch in one sitting if you don't have time.
Just close the program and pick up where you left off later
You have a whole week to submit your work.
If you run into a time problem and can not finish, the batch is automatically returned and someone else can pick up where you left off. No questions asked. No bad feelings.

If you are looking to make a difference... consider taking a bite out this elephant...
The task is HUGE and requires many hands.
Many people are already involved but more means faster access but it also means "lighter load" for those who are indexing already.

Fall Activities

2010-10-17T21:45:00.006-04:00

Bruce fell in love with Conner Prairie when he chaperoned Michael's 5th grade class a few years ago. He still talks about sleeping in the barn and getting a couple of boys literally out of their beds in the morning. Since then it seems we have made at least one trip to the Living History Museum every year.
So it was no surprise yesterday when he suggested we go.
The weather was gorgeous.
We had to renew out membership and this gave us the opportunity to spend the afternoon with James and Bethany. They were going to have their Headless Horseman Hayride in the evening and we stuck around for the ride and upgraded our membership to allow 2 youths and 2 adult guests to come along.
Since the Museum closes at 5pm and the activity didn't start until 6pm, Bethany and I went to McDonald's to pick up something to eat while James and Bruce lined up on the "members" side.
There were three lines and when they finally let people in we were given Hayride tickets for the 6:30pm ride. It was still light outside. We waited for about 30 minutes before they led us to the "loading dock". Two tractor-pulled double-wagons filled with straw were waiting there with movable steps in front to help the riders climb in. Good thing because Bruce was struggling a bit with his bum knee and was using his cane more than usual.
As we were winding through the wooded areas we noticed two horses carrying tall figures hovering around the big farm, and Bruce even saw one going after the first party some way ahead of us. All along the paths, there were spooks. A never to be forgotten one was the skeleton sitting on the pot in an outhouse... Bruce said he had a smile on his face... I only noticed that 'he' was reading the paper!!!
They also had Ichabod Crane's grave along the road...
That's what Grandpa Brindle nicknamed James when he was a little baby... Why? Who knows??? I had never heard of Ichabod Crane until then. A few years later the Disney Channel began broadcasting and it was then that I discovered the story of Ichabod Crane, the teacher who was chased by the Headless Horseman in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
Disney's character was tall and skinny, huge nose and ears... NO resemblance to our James, that's for sure!!!...
I found an excerpt on YouTube (part 1 of 6)
Anyway, the rider came after us twice during the hayride and chased us up to the covered bridge, waving his sword.
It was about 15 minutes long and we got back to the starting point where we disembarked.
I think it would have been more fun and more spooky had it been darker...
We made our way through the 'midway'. Bruce bought a cup of spiced apple cider and we went home. The wind was too strong for a lift in the air-balloon but maybe next week they will let it go up.
People were eating popcorn, caramel apples, tents with Halloween themes...
We have plans to go back next week-end with Mike and Mitchell and James and Bethany too.
This goes on for another 2 weeks so we might even be able to take Jon and Sarah, depending on whether Sarah has to work or not. We'll try getting a later ride...

I love Fall. The leaves have begun turning colors: a gorgeous display!
I wish it could be Fall all year long!!!

GoodBye, Muriel, Till We Meet Again...

2010-06-30T01:45:00.009-04:00

MURIEL BRINDLE
Peru Tribune, The (IN) - Monday, June 28, 2010
"Muriel Brindle, 85, Peru, passed away at 9:35 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Peru.
She was born June 1, 1925 in Vancouver, Wash. to Wayne A. and Grace H. (Whelchel) Safford. She married Richard L. “Dick” Brindle March 13, 1952 in Yuma, Ariz., and he preceded her in death Aug. 2, 2002.
Muriel was a homemaker and formerly employed at Senger’s in Peru. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and an avid reader and gardener.
Survivors include three sons, Bruce Brindle and wife Regine, Brian Brindle and wife Leanne, and Barry Brindle and wife Anita, all of Peru; 10 grandchildren, Jill Sharp and husband Jim, Melanie Reynolds and husband Joe, Richard Brindle, Michael Brindle, Jeremy Brindle, Michelle Dunnagan and husband Shawn, James Brindle and wife Bethany, Jon Brindle, Wayne Brindle and Brandon Brindle; two step grandchildren, Aubrey Hittle and husband Tim, and Eric Mathias and wife Amanda; four great-grandchildren, Kianna and Kaylee Sharp, Gage Caudill and Brianne Reynolds; and four step great-grandchildren, Ella, Ozwald, Aaliyah, Alivia and Logan Mathias.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother, Stanley Safford.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 W. Third St., with Bishops Scott Haupert and Alan Hileman officiating.
Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home."
Here's the PowerPoint Presentation that was shown at the funeral home.
With "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole, who was one of her favorite singers.

Le piano est de retour!

2010-05-10T11:50:00.005-04:00

Since 2007 I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to watch the Queen Elisabeth International Competition. This year is my favorite instrument: the piano.
when I last checked the website I was concerned that I would have to get a subscription to Belgacom to watch it this year but I was glad to see they opened it through a link on the Queen Elisabeth Competition site.
http://video.cmireb.be/live
I am still going to download the podcasts with iTune like I did last year but there is nothing like having a front seat to these wonderful cultural events.
The 3 Belgians who made the candidate cuts did not survive to the semi-finals: Stephanie Proot, Nicolas Franco and John Gevaerts. Their performances are also available in a podcast.
If you go here you will be able to see who played when.

And if you want to listen to the radio with commentaries from announcers, listen to Musiq3 who also sponsors this event. I love listening to what the expertise of Axelle Thriy and Michel Debrocq. Since I'm a complicated person I have at times turned the sound off the video broadcast to listen to the Musiq3 broadcast instead so I can benefit from the extra information.
If you want to try it, click on the "ecouter en direct" option at the top of the page, on the right.
You will need to download a program that will open in Windows Media Player and you will be able to enjoy the competition with me too.

Thank You Belgacom and Queen Elisabeth International Competition for thinking of us who live so far away!

Bicker Bicker Bicker

2010-03-31T01:17:00.005-04:00

I can't believe I got myself pulled into the crazy Wives reality show!
But what else can I watch while knitting doll clothes!?
It's absolutely crazy to watch these women nit-pick at each other, say they're best friends and yet do nothing but hurt each others' feelings, giving their very subjective and edited version of events.
I don't even remember my High School years being this bad! and I went to an all-girls school!!!
I do know that girls can be horrible to each other though and not just to each other.
They can crush a young man's ego just as easily as they can a girl.
I guess there is not enough drama in my life...
In the latest show some of these women attended a private evening at Saks Fifth Avenue and I got curious and checked out their website. I found a gorgeous outfit I would love to have - if found in my size! - then I checked out the price tags!!! Who shops in these high priced stores!?
These are chic clothes but wow... what salty prices...
How do these stores stay in business?
Obviously there is still a lot of very rich people in this country.
or maybe it's just me. I can not imagine spending $1,000 for a sweater! In fact, I looked closer to see if I could see what stitch was used... might be able to make one for myself...
Do you think I could find the right yarn somewhere online?
Do you think I could sell High Fashion hand-knitted doll clothes online?
I'm building an inventory first... besides knitting cocoons and slings for Bethany's Photography budding business.

Cocoon

2010-03-14T03:32:00.004-04:00

Fun thing to do while watching tv... eases the guilt of not doing three things at the same time...
I hope Bethany can use this in her photography.
If not, maybe it'll make a nice gift for someone's baby.
It really didn't take long at all.
And the variegated yarn really made a nice pattern.
You be the judge.

Vues de liège - Visite Virtuelle

2010-02-27T18:06:00.002-05:00

The memories flood in whenever I see the Place St Lambert...
Maman worked at the Grand Bazar and we took the bus home there and in a way it often was a 'point de repere'.
In any case, whenever I think of Liege, it never fails: my thoughts take me back to the Place St Lambert where my feet walked so many times.
Genevieve M. told me she knew the person who created this photo display.
He sure did a splendid job! Enjoy!
Vues de liège - Visite Virtuelle

"If you start out on the right foot, you'll never have to retrace your steps."

2010-02-26T08:51:00.005-05:00

Interesting words for today's horoscope...
"If you start out on the right foot, you'll never have to retrace your steps"

These words are definitely thought provoking.
They make my mind wander.
Things in life are not always that simple though.
How many times do we have to make long detours and end up back at our starting point?
The fun is the journey they say.
That journey is not always pleasant though but eventually we'll know why we experienced the things we did.

Some things happen because they are due to our choices, some to circumstances, some to other people's choices. We can't escape that but we can make the best of it and believe that God knows what we need better than we do and will not fail us in the grand scheme of things.

Step by step, like when we sew a garment or build a house, or just grow up.
If we fudge here and there, or cut corners, we soon find out that we have to go back and redo...
so why not do it right in the first place?

Like I use to tell the kids when they were little:
"Choose your destination and make your choices accordingly"

We all have different circumstances and are not all born with a silver spoon in our mouths or with a spoon at all... and life does throw us curves, sometimes in rapid succession.
We 'make do' until we have more time, more money.
Sometimes, that time never comes.
If it does, the work that would have been simple if done right at first, turns into a major remodel job. And then sometimes it's too late and the structure has to be completely replaced, but at least it gives us a chance to start on the right foot again.

My band-aid solutions make do for a long time but they have never been the permanent fix.

Food for thought.

Liege in Mourning

2010-01-28T02:03:00.005-05:00

As you already know, I left part of my heart in Liege and so when I saw in the news that there had been a huge explosion downtown, I had to know more.
The last time we were in Liege was in 1988. The landscape had already become unfamiliar and that was only 9 years since I had left, so I was very grateful for the helicopter video that showed the whole area from up high.
I saw the Perron, still standing, to me a sign of the resiliency of the Liegeois spirit that had just been dealt a blow. The Hotel de Ville was not as lucky in that most of its windows were broken by the blast, and it stands a good 100m from where the explosion occurred.
Same thing with the Palace of the Bishop Princes that stands even further away.
Throngs of people were being held back by policemen so as to keep them from crossing into the destroyed area. Business owners waiting right outside the line for word on their stores. They said it felt like the buildings moved and maybe they did...
But these are buildings... windows can be replaced, buildings, even the very old ones can be fixed and if not can be replaced with newer ones.
There were people trapped in the rubble. There might still be some but they are not hearing any more noise. They found 2 bodies and have not uncovered anyone else since they pulled the 12 y old girl from the rubble.
Although this explosion is not as catastrophic on the whole as the Haitian earthquake of 2 weeks ago, it still should serve as a reminder to us that catastrophes can strike anywhere and at any time.
They say this explosion was due to a gas leak. The days to come should tell us more.
Why does this affect me so much?
Liege is the one place in the world where I felt at peace. From the time I was 12, Liege was the focus of my life: I went to school there, I took the bus there, I window-shopped there, some days I hurried on foot from one bus stop to school because my bus pass did not include all buses. I crave the smell of Autumn in Liege, when the October Fair brought the sweet perfumes of baking waffles and crackling chestnuts. I miss the sounds of the Music Academy on my way to my bus stop home. I miss the buzzing of thousand of people come to La Batte to find a special treasure... I miss the lights of fireworks over the Meuse river. I miss the peniches, long flat boats, slowly traveling on the river and canals. I miss the bridges... I miss the museums, the gardens, the Grand Bazar... I miss the past... The Liege I miss is no more but Liege does live, ever changing, and will continue for centuries to come...
There is no city in the world I like more... no city I miss more...
Liege is my heart and will be forever.
Hoping the displaced survivors everywhere will find peace and return to their lives without too much difficulty.

Letter from GrandPa Matthews: Thanksgiving 1935

2009-12-30T02:24:00.005-05:00

In one of the many boxes Bruce brought back from his uncle's house we found old letters. One set came from his grandmother's step-grandfather, Gdpa Matthews, Isabella Griswold's 3rd husband. He must have been a very religious man.

I scanned all these letters and hope to transcribe them all soon but it is so tedious a work and it's not like there are not other things to do every day.
This letter was sent in November 1935.

"Thanksgiving. 1308 Summit St, Marshalltown, Ia. Nov 28, 1935
May God's choicest blessings rest upon you this day. Me thinks I would like to draw a word picture of what this day means to me. It takes me back in life to the time when my family fathered around the family table on each succeeding thanksgiving. Many years have passed since then. Is my life now a blank, far from it. If any of my unseen friends are thinking of me this day, and I trust some are. They perhaps picture me sitting here alone , my only company being my radio and my dog. All wrong. There is perhaps none among my friends who are happier than I. 42 years ago this past summer I built this house. A house can be created in a few months, but only time creates a home. No I am not alone. The memory of my loving wife long since gone on, are still with me, so is the childish prattle of my children who long since have made homes of their own. I do not live here from necessity, but from choice. Each of my children have urged me to spend my declining years with them. They have lovely homes but they are not my HOME. Here each scratch and mar brings memories of the past. The growing up of children, the departure of those near and dear to me. All this put together spells HOME. Then there are two others always present with me. God and my elder brother Jesus Christ. They are ever with me at all hours of day or night, they are ever present to console and comfort, what a blessing that is to those who really love God.
This morning as I looked out of the window I saw we were facing a blizzard. It was both snowing and blowing. My house was warm, so was my heart. As I looked upon that snow so clean and white, my prayer to Allmighty God was may my heart and life be ever as white as that snow.
Evening. The old song no place like home is only too true. I have just returned from a lovely home, and a bounteous repast. this is one of the days my sons family insist on me being present at their table. They have a much finer house than mine, and beautiful furniture, nothing lacking in what a home should be. Yet with all their fine things, it doesn't measure up to mine. My furniture like the owner is good but old fashioned. I love the things bought years ago. Do you know I wouldn't exchange what I now have for the loveliest set of overstuffed furniture in town.
The complaints of some seems sacrilegious to me, None are going hungry in this depressed land of ours unless they are too lazy to work for the price their work is worth. Where I differ from many is They live to eat, while I eat to live. This morning for breakfast I ate some toast and a cup of coffee. Nothing more. That has been my breakfast for many months, and will be for months to come. This is not from necessity but from choice. Th me my health outweighs my desire for food which my stomach will no longer stand.
Many times I have been asked what do you find to amuse yourself. Do you know I really pity people who ask such questions as that. There is a clog loose somewhere in their make-up, something fails to click properly. Time never drags on my hands, instead it is lack of time that troubles me. No happiness is greater to me than just a nice sociable visit with some of my shut-in friends by the letter route. I ask nothing greater in life than that I may continue to brighten the lives of others for years to come. When I become useless to others I want to be called to my long home. These lines represent the life and wishes of one who is on the declining slope of life. One thing I am thankful for is my steady nerves. Anyone who can sign their name as steadily as this is signed at age of 78 yrs has much to be thankful for. May God be ever with each of you who receive a copy of this my Thanksgiving thoughts.
W H Matthews

William Matthews was born in January 1857 in Marshalltown, Iowa. He married Cora Hartwell's mother, Isabella Griswold on 28 January 1890. He corresponded with Cora's daughter Grace Whelchel Safford with whom he seems to have had much affinity. He died during WWII as witnessed in Stanley Safford's war letters.

Merry Christmas - Joyeux Noel !!!

2009-12-12T03:08:00.005-05:00

Click on the pictures to be able to see the letter right.

Run-Away Slaves...

2009-11-08T22:17:00.007-05:00

I can't believe it's November already!
Where has the year gone by?
It's been a while since I have been on here... Not that I didn't have anything to share... not by far... We are just too busy!!!
Our latest outing was educational, as we took Michael and his pal Mitchell to Conner's Prairie to participate in "Follow the North Star" event. They offer this activity twice a year in May and November.
I didn't participate but happily volunteered Bruce to accompany the boys as they needed adult supervision and a Mom tag-along didn't sound quite right for these two teens.
A waiver had to be signed before participation was allowed and I must say it had our imaginations soaring... Would there be dogs, would they do anything realistically to have happened to caught run-away slaves?
OOOPs.. I didn't tell you what this activity was about but maybe you have guessed from what I just said. The purpose of this program is to sensitize the participants to being helped to run away on the Underground Railroad.
It was supposed to last 90 minutes but even though their session started at 6:45pm they didn't return until almost 9pm.
Groups of 20 people are taken through the experience every 15 minutes.
No cell phones or cameras allowed, no running, no gum either...
The bottom line was to cooperate and Bruce was not about to play his part. Mitchell got them into trouble by saying they were run-aways and that cost them all three to have to lay down flat on the ground face down... But the boys played along much more easily.
After their orientation, they were taken to be sold at Liberty Corner or somewhere on the grounds, then they were moved around the grounds, meeting different types of people who helped or not. Before leaving they went through a sort of debriefing where they were explained how out of the 20 people in their group, maybe 3 would have made it to freedom.
Some would have been killed, others, injured, some others retaken and who knows what fate would have awaited them then!?
The three of them will surely remember the experience a long time that's for sure.
While I was waiting the guide who got the tour started shared some thoughts about a book she read about a woman who had a baby with her when she escaped on the real Underground Railroad and how the baby started crying and because she could not let the baby cause the group to be caught, she had to smother the little one... Can you just imagine!? "Beloved" is the name of the book but I can't recall who wrote it.
I saw a wonderful movie recently that falls into the subject of this post: "Amazing Grace" - the story of how the slave trade was dismantled in England. A wonderful true story...
Since there were no cameras allowed, I can't share any pictures with you, at least not pictures taken November 5th. But we have been to Conner's Prairie several times this year as we decide to purchase a membership. We went to Country Fair and plan to go again for the Civil War Days in May. I feel like I'm rambling tonight... maybe because it's been so long and thoughts are jumbled up in my head. Maybe this will peak your curiosity and if you live in Indiana, you will want to know more... This would make an excellent Young Men/Young Women activity. In fact there was a group of old Mennonites who went with a later group. They looked the part that's for sure... How lucky they all were that the weather was nice, and that it had been for several days... I can't imagine the boys (and Bruce especially!) putting their nose on the wet ground...
But let's face it, reality would not likely have been stopped by the weather... snow maybe... maybe not... Memorable evening though...

Football Season

2009-09-16T20:55:00.003-04:00

I have not had much time to post much lately and I finally decided to try using our Digital video camera... Let's see what the results are.
Michael is #45. He did a decent job on defense according to Bruce, and in the 4th quarter he had 3 big plays to move the ball towards their goal. He even would have scored a touch down had he not fumbled the ball.
Now, don't ask me what this all means... I'm just repeating what I heard...
Some people say Mike's pretty good... I think he still has room to grow...
I can only upload a partial video so I picked those 3 big plays Bruce talked about. I'll post 20 minutes (out of 22 recorded) on Facebook.

Wedding Bells!

2009-07-16T22:12:00.005-04:00

This morning around noon the phone rang.
Bethany was at the other end of the line: "I'm a Brindle!"
She sounded so excited, so happy!
James and Bethany eloped today.
They took with them only those responsible for their first date, and Richard, to witness their committing their lives to each other, and alos take some pictures.
I can't wait to see them!
Hectic is the least way I could describe these past weeks.
I feel like we have been on a roller coaster, not knowing from one day to the other whether the wedding would take place as planned or if they would elope.
My mother was flying in from Florida. Luckily I she's landing in Louisville so Melanie can go get her and she can meet her newest great-grand-daughter. This is a treat none of our kids have had very many times in their lifetime.
So this week-end, we are all making our way to Kentucky to have an impromptu family reunion of sorts.
Mel only expected James and Bethany on the 19th as they made their way to North Carolina where they're honeymooning. Instead they will be going tomorrow and spend a couple of days there.
Jon was to go there today to do some yard work for Melanie but had unexpected delays and won't leave until tomorrow.
Richard will follow James and Bethany but has to work this week-end, so he will be heading home before we all do.
Unsure what Bruce will do still as Muriel needs someone here too.
Regardless, Mel's getting ready for an invasion... (=

Bethany is truly a wonderful young woman, genuine in her actions, true in her word. She and James have known each other for about 18 months and it's plain to see that they bring out the best in each other.
They both have grown by leaps and bounds as they find their own footing in life.

Before he first met Bethany, James was quickly becoming a hermit as he concentrated on his studies - producing wonderful academic achievements. He never saw it coming! Bethany stole his heart.

We are all so eager to have her join our family!

This evening we learned that they had called family members to introduce Bethany. We hope to have a family get-together so all here can meet her in person and learn to love her as much as we do.

It is cool to watch the bonding with our other kids too. It is so good to see!
Bethany truly is a new daughter to us, a new sister to our children.
We love her very much already and look forward to having this new Brindle in the family: Welcome home, Bethany!

May July 16 mark the beginning of a lifetime of happy memories, peace, joy and all the good things God has in store for His children.
May each anniversary find your love stronger than the year before!

Me and my shadow...

2009-07-16T21:36:00.002-04:00

No doubt about it... Lucy is MY dog.
Wherever I am, she is.
Jon says she's spoiled.
She probably is.
She was sickly when she was days old and thanks to her being sick we were able to ensure that none of the other pups got sick too and she was treated and got better fast but I always had a soft spot for her.
Jon called her Yoda at church because of the funny almost purring noise she made - not unlike the one her dad (Max) makes still.
Anyway, maybe because of that, but more likely because whenever she was 'humanless' in the house, she discovered all sorts of things she could destroy.
So we began to take along pretty much everywhere we went and she developed a real taste for the car
She used to dart for the door once i picked up my keys and most often managed to get out before I did. She always came back when called and never strayed too far from me.
Lucy was destined for my mother, as a companion for her older dog. But her being sick made the future too uncertain to risk her leaving behind a little animal we had grown so fond of. SO we kept her and Lucy became my shadow.
She perks up her head. Her ears straighten out and she looks at me as though asking "Do I get to go too? pretty please..."
9 times out of 10 I melt and off together we go.
She must stay in the car at times and I have left the windows down a bit, enough for her to stick her nose out and she barks and barks and barks until she sees me and then all is well.
You would think she'd have figured out I was coming back by now.
BUT no... Today though she really did something funny...
Bruce and I were at the bank and Lucy was in my car, her hear sticking out of the window barking her lungs off. I could see her from inside the bank. We didn't have to be there long. Just a matter of signing two pieces of paper and we would be out again. Then it happened.
A horn sounded that would not stop.
We looked out side.
Lucy was no longer hanging out the window she was pushing on the horn with her full body weight. She seemed totally unaffected by the loud noise she had produced and was continuing to produce.
I ran back outside to get her off the horn!
and put her on the leash and took her in with me.
They gave her a treat...
You think she figured out how to get me back now???
mmm... Time to leave her home...