Captain Madness

2008-06-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hello from Las Vegas! We had a great trip to Cancun -- slipped out of town for a quiet "zero" birthday. We sat in the sun, read a few books, ate and drank way too much, and it was a great birthday trip. We did some scuba diving and toured the Mayan ruins and met some great new friends. Thank you all for your birthday wishes. I think I am on my way to accepting that the number of years has increased, but I refuse to grow up any more.....

A Beautiful Day At Dead Man's Bay!

2008-05-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

Well, in case you haven't heard yet, Kate and I just spent a few days in the San Juan Islands North-West of Seattle where on a beautiful day in Dead man's Bay I asked Kate to marry me! Of course she said yes, and we are now celebrating in gorgeous Washington.

Also this is Mona and she likes apples.

Hello Hatterys

2008-03-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Suzi supplied me with the address and I'm sure no one has enjoyed it more. I've missed you all more than you'll know and it was wonderful seeing family pictures of your growing families.

I had a delightful visit with Mary and Don for a few minutes last summer and they haven't changed in the last ten years. I mourned the deaths of Jane and Tom from afar. That's the only downside of growing old - losing family and friends.

I'm grateful for my health and have a part-time job that keeps me active. I regret that I left my comfortable apartment in Indianola and bought a large house in Knoxville with two apartments upstairs -- I've learned that I don't like being a landlord but the market is slow and looks like I will be here forever.

My favorite activity is being with my grandchildren. Alissa still comes for long weekends and we have a very special relationship. Suzi continues to encourage me to keep young and be hip. My mind is young but the body just keeps aging. I've made a few great friends from church and still have lunch with high school friends often.

I miss you every Christmas. Christmas with the Hatterys were the greatest.

My email is sasha1@iowatelecom.net and address is 403 E. Montgomery, Knoxville, IA 50308.

Love,

Sherry

A Little Late...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2008-01-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas with Dad and Barb. It seems to go so fast. Dad's legs still are not so good so we got him...it looks like a foot stool but you put your legs IN it and it vibrates. It is supposed to help his legs, by the time we left I was wishing I had bought 2 so when it wears out I had an extra. Dad and Barb are going to Flordia 2 times this winter in Feb and March. I got to go to St Joe, Missouri on New Years, I know you all wish you were there. We bought a feed truck and went to the stock yards to watch a sale to find out cow are cheaper in Missouri!!! So a return trip will be planned. (I will let you all know so you can come :) ) Robert is taking care of lots of cows for his Uncle this winter, they will have babies in the Spring and our Sheep heard is back from the summer in southern Iowa and the will be have babies any time.

Alissa has taken the winter off sports and is looking forward to track to get in shape for softball. We are starting to look for 8th grade graduation dresses. That is a big deal in small schools with a dinner, program and then a dance for the kids. (she wears a homecoming dress kind of thing and boys wear suits) Joe is going to do 4 H this year with Alissa and he is starting to think about what he is wanting to do. Alissa is going to do Chickens again this year.

I started at the gym last week and have lost 10lbs. Does not sound like much but for me it is and I am very excited. I know many more to go, but the gym is small and I get lots of attention. I am already walking 1 mile riding 1.5 miles and doing what I call the devil .5 mile I hope it will continue to come off.

You know Dad has the Orr family Bible, with lot of interesting letters, pictures and other items if that would help on your information gathering. We just looked at it and Dad told lots of stories I had no idea about. Alissa found it very interesting and still asks Dad about things.

Well I guess that is our update...see you all soon.
Suzie

Family History

2008-01-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

We have had a great weekend and Mom is recovering nicely from her surgery. However, we have started on a project that has been very interesting. My Dad has written his autobiography and I was reading the early years portion. In there, Dad wrote that he has his father's World War I uniform. Well, I asked to see it and one thing led to another and we started looking through boxes of family pictures. We found several interesting pictures, both old and not so old, and I thought I would share some with you. I have attempted to identify the people, but if you notice an error, please say so. ENJOY!

Once upon a time, Myron and Dorothy met each other and fell in love....

Here is the Newkirk family home in Delta, Iowa.

Dorothy's family lived in What Cheer, where she graduated from High School.

What a handsome man!!!

This is Harry and Mary Singer Orr, Myron's parents.

Here is a picture of the Orr family, including Mary, Jane and Dick.

Thought you might like to see the High School/College photos....still looking for Dick's.....

For more photos and/or information, please contact Mary Lou or Don!!!!

Vashon to Manhattan

2008-01-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

Four country mice were spotted wandering cluelessly in midtown last week, including these three in the Rockefeller Center. "There sure are a lot of people on this island," one was heard to remark. Well, duh, it was the busiest week of the year and they went to all the touristy spots, like -

Times Square and Broadway, where they were able to sneak into both A Chorus Line and Wicked, by cleverly agreeing to pay exorbitant prices. The museums were jammed, which didn't stop them from admiring the old bones at the Natural History Museum, the impressionist's work at the Metropolitan and some of the more creative work at MOMA.

Frances discovered the answer to the puzzle of all of those headless sculptures in Greece - they're all at the Metropolitan in NYC! Stolen fair and square.

Shopping was a big attraction, both at legitimate stores like Tiffany's and Bergdorfs:

and with the less established houses just off Fifth Avenue.

The view from the borrowed apartment wasn't half bad.

Now we're back on-island, with our perspective of the world rearranged. Isn't that the point of going places? Happy New Year to all!

.From GrandMary.......what Did we do?

2007-12-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

We brought in the 2007 new year with the Sorensens, the Lawlers and other friends as we cruised the Caribbean. The farthest point south was Grenada and we renewed our good memories by visiting "Solemente". A quick visit to Las Vegas allowed us to personally welcome Trevor back home. At the end of February the bad knee finally got fixed. The usual meetings that keep us in touch with the world came along in regular clockwork style. Inga, Lynn and Mary Lou drove the new car to Keystone for a last look at 1159. Culver's helped us spiff up the front of the Rosedale house; meanwhile Sherry worked hard in the garden. We spent more time in McGregor and did a little spiffing up there. We went to Flagstaff to help Dan graduate. We celebrated Bets graduation from Washington; another Hattery on a firm foundation! Suzy had a great 70th birthday party for Dick. Over the internet Irishmen kept showing up with information and questions about the J J Orr family. Preparations for the first week end in August kicked into high gear........

We had a great family reunion in August ...........

and we were treated to a memorable dinner in Florence ...

We liked Cortona a lot ....the hotel was nice.

the town plaza was interesting........

We met friends in Paris and enjoyed a convivial week-long barge trip on the Seine.

We explored French markets

and looked at several castles. As always, it was good to get home!

Soon we found ourselves on that old doctor-lab-hospital merry-go-round that is so popular at our age; but "All's Well that Ends Well" and every day we know life is good.

We look forward with anticipation to the new year and send you our love and prayers for your health and happiness!

More Rosedale Christmas pictures

2007-12-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

More pictures from Christmas at Rosedale -- this time from Inga's camera.

Grandma and Grandpa talking to Vashon on the phone...

Pieter excited about his awesome gift!!!

Grandma opening her Arizona vacation gift...

Lynn and the new purse...

Tommi came over for Christmas Eve dinner and we made Fondue...the cheese was a bit sketchy at times and very potent!!

Senor Azul

THe Diva

Christmas at Rosedale

2007-12-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve - while the devout when to church, the others played...

Everyone loved their gifts!

Shadow said Humbug!

We missed you all and hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas is up at Rosedale

2007-12-18T08:43:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Tree is now up at Rosedale!!!

Iowa City Ice Storm 2007 edition

2007-12-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

Iowa City woke up this morning to an ice storm that had been going since about midnight of last night, which means it's been raining ice for almost 12 hours now. Everything is coated in ice - cars, roofs, trees, shrubs....it looks pretty, but makes it very difficult to get around. It's also pretty eerie when the wind picks up and all those ice-covered trees start moving from the wind... Here are some pics:

Halloween in Chicago

2007-10-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's a giant pixie stick in the Crocodile's hand. No, Josh was not allowed to have that tonight before bed. Josh and Maia (Ladybug) had a fun time trick or treating through the neighborhood. Josh even had a trick when asked for a trick..."Two little ghosts that I once knew, one named Bob (showing one of his thumbs) and one named Boo (showing his other thumb), fly away Bob (puts one thumb behind his back), fly away Boo (puts other thumb behind his back), come back Bob (showing one of his thumbs from behind his back), come back...BOO (as he opens both hands to scare you). It was really cute. Anyhow, we hope everyone had a fun and chocolate-filled Halloween.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

I figured I'd post something since the blog's been a little 'stagnant' for a while. Is anyone dressing up for the holiday tomorrow??? I don't think I am this year, but I was a deck of cards last year....does that count?? It won me the office costume contest aka $15, which was barely enough to actually cover the cost! :(

Hope you guys are all having a great fall so far. It's flying by here in Iowa City. On Friday I'm picking up my good friend Eva from Germany who is flying in to spend 10 days here in Iowa. I'm sure some of you remember her - she was one of the Maedels who visited me right after we moved from Germany to Iowa City!!

Anyway -- hope you're having a good day.

Inga

Trevor is home

2007-10-09T12:06:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share some photos from Trevor's homecoming. Unlike his deployment, the return happened during the day....

Andrea had put together a few welcome home signs which were placed in strategic locations where Trevor could see them as the bus drove by.... so we thought! The bus actually came in another way, but he got to see them on the drive home.

Alex got to put on a special dress for Daddy's homecoming - she doesn't look like it in this picture, but she was really excited!

Waiting for the bus to arrive was a bit long, but the kids passed the time by playing and the parents had time to talk about things.

There were quite a few people in the area waiting for the arrival.

The start of the procession is just coming into view and the crowd was yelling and clapping to welcome the Marines home.

A proper bagpipe arrival!

The bus doors were open and we could see through the windows a bit.

As you can see from the arm out of the bus window, the Marines were taking it all in.

After they got off the bus, they had to go to the ammunition depo to turn in their weapons and ammunition (yes, they traveled on the planes with weapons...) and then they were able to come down the hill to the waiting families. It was really hard to identify a specific Marine as they all pretty much looked alike.

Trevor is the very determined Marine in the middle of the photo with the sun glasses on, striding purposely and looking at the camera.

Back together again!

We had to wait a bit for them to be released to go home. There were some things for the kids to do and it gave us a chance to talk with some of Trevor's buddies.

Alex wasn't really too sure about Trevor at first. After a bit, Trevor pulled out a worn picture of the three of them that had been taken before he left. I could tell that he had pulled it out a lot because it was torn a bit. He showed it to Alex and she pointed to Andrea's picture to let Trevor know that it was her Mom. Trevor pointed to Alex's picture and asked who that was. Alex told him it was "Alex" and he pointed to his picture and she told him that was her Daddy. He pointed to himself and said "I'm your Daddy" and she connected the two, and gave him a big hug. Needless to say, a few tears were flowing at this time.

As some of you know, there is a certain duck call that Trevor got from my Dad when he was about Alex's age. When you give a 2 year old a duck call, it can get a bit noisy and somehow, the reed on the duck call mysteriously disappeared. Many years later, Trevor took the duck call to Iraq and used it to round up his vehicle crew. After he got his things, he gave it to Alex and she had a great time blowing into the duck call -- and his crew had a good time with it too!

However, Dad, it is still a bit noisy.....

This is an LAV, similar to the one Trevor commanded. For more information, write to Trevor!

The house had a few special signs!

We are very glad to get him home and to be able to be there to greet him. He is now back in "Mama radar range" and it sure feels good!!!!

Lynn & Lothar hiked RMNP

2007-09-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

After having said good-bye to Keystone in May, Lothar and I spent a vacation week in Grand lake Colorado, at the southern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park the end of August. We missed the gentrification of Summit County (especially the hot tub!) but got to see more wildlife in 5 days than in 5 years at Keystone!

These marmots were sunning at 7:30 am - a good idea considering the brisk temperature of 46 degrees! A few steps up the trail we walked right past 2 Pronghorn rams - the first I'd ever seen! The most exciting event was the bugling of the elk, however. Mating season was just starting and (for a brief, somewhat scary time) we shared a clearing we an elk who was sounding off to another elk somewhere across the valley. Sounded a bit like the pig calling at the Iowa State Fair...

We did a lot of hiking. Here's the view looking back along the Continental Divide.

And here's the view of what was yet to come:

with some mighty slides along the way -

It was a lot of fun! We came back feeling much more relaxed, content and FIT!

You Missed Out!

2007-09-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

I am sure that everyone will be sad to learn that they missed the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival in Jefferson this weekend. While I am sure that Aunt Mary would have loved it with all the looms and such things that she is very good at, but I the very uncreative found it....very unexciting. However, I had fun with Robert and my in-laws were not bad either. I did learn some things and watched them prepare and show sheep. It was just a very long, long drive. Not sure if I will go next year, but Robert and his dad are already planning the return trip.

We have 3 weeks of school under our belt and things seem to be going well. Alissa had her first Volleyball game and she played 2 matches. Won one and lost one. She is on B team which is hard for her because she is so good at softball. Learning that not everyone is good at everything is hard at that age...

Joe will have his first scout meeting this week, Robert will go with him and he is looking forward to it. He is doing well at school with no mishaps.

Robert will be in the field soon, with is sad for me, but my father in law had a hip replaced and my mother in law works night so he is here with us so that will make time go by fast...I hope.

The Banquet Center is going well and keeping me busy in my down time???? Not sure when that is, but all is well.

Hope all is well with all of you.
Suzie

We lived to tell the tale...

2007-09-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Soren, Piet and I had a great time watching the Hawks play at Soldier Field this past weekend. A lot of craziness going on there!! Also a lot of sunshine too -- I walked away with a classic sunglass tanline. Almost looks like

Greetings from the Old Pueblo (that's Tucson, AZ)

2007-08-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

Since I was forbidden to attend the Family Reunion festivities, I thought I would send my sad and very pathetic "I wish I were there" face. I am working on buttering up my boss for the next year to get time off for Inga's wedding. It's hard to work for a university and get vacation time approved for any point in the month of August.

Dan and I will be "photoshopping" me into the group picture so it will be like I was there. Don't prepare yourself for any good or realistic since my brother is the photoshop expert but is busy earning a living doing something other than photoshopping pictures for his sister.

And for those of you that weren't there or didn't see the photos, here's Dan's graduation from Northern Arizona University back in May.

Jennifer Wellborn

(In case you are wondering who these people belong with, they are my parents Steve & Linda Schiefelbein.)

Football Season is here....

2007-08-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

The first Hawkeye Football game is this weekend at Soldier Field in Chicago. Soren, Piet and I are heading up there to take part in the festivities. Crazy Hawks fans in the Windy City??? Should be a blast.

We'll be sure to send some pictures....(if we make it through the weekend...)

Inga

More reunion photos from Vegas

2007-08-24T14:38:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

We had a fantastic time at the reunion and really enjoyed the rain and the lower temperatures!!! We enjoyed seeing everyone and experiencing the love that was flowing around and through the group. Thank you all for coming and here are some of our pix. Let's do it again!!!!

Alex really had a lot of fun on the boats -- a real river girl!!!

The other thing she learned was how to work a pull tab at the RiverView......

Uncle Dick enjoying a ride in the houseboat.

Inga having a good (?) time.

Soren, Trevor and Dave having a good time in the corner.

Hmmm... I don't recall Trevor being taller than Dan.....

I distinctly note a family resemblance!

The two Dans

Casey and Alissa

Dave and Sooz talking with Corky

Tim and Kelly

Trevor and family -- nice of him to come!!!

One way to enjoy a rainy day.

Mike and Dick having a serious discussion.

Susie and Robert on the Julia Belle Swain

2007-08-24T13:29:00.001-07:00

2007-08-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

2007-08-24T07:50:00.001-07:00

Random picture time?

This is me calling a moose while backpacking Isle Royale!

AND MOLLY ADDS:

2007-08-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

THIS IS NOT ONLY A TREAT --- IT'S A CHALLENGE! but do-able ....

The river house is now almost back to normal. I looked at all those pillows and decided they should be cleaned. So I put them in our washing machine 2 at a time along with soap and oxyclean. FYI: you must monitor to corrrect balance and push down pillows while in the washer. And , given that we're having little sun /high humidity, it takes about 3 hr in the dryer. Sun would have been better!

So that's the exciting news on the homefront. I am otherwise occupied in reading about sweets in Escoffier, trying to ramp up my french cook book assignment.

It is great to have all the good memories of the reunion, thanks to you all. Blessings upon you.

Captain, Friday August 24, 2007

2007-08-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

What a treat! Thank you, Lynn, for setting this up. I'm already enjoying it. Mary Lou and I are here at the River because we all got a big August surprise. Our River has NEVER flooded in August, nobody can remember when something like this has happened, but we're having a real flood. The weather front stalled over us and it started to rain about 10 days ago, mainly in Minnesota, so we thought we would probably get some high water but then it kept raining. The first forecasts were for a river stage of 10 feet here- normal summer stage is about 7 feet. A few days later, still raining, the forecasts went to 11 and I started to be a little concerned about the dock and the Whalers. A few days later, still raining, the forecasts went to 12 and I came to McGregor prepared to pull the boats and tie the dock to the shore so if it pulled loose at least it would be where we could find it. It is now at 13 and looks like it is falling but will be high for at least another week. It is a gorgeous River, even in flood because there is no wind and the surface is absolutely flat. The flood has pulled a lot of duckweed out of the backwaters and there are streaks of light green trailing along the surface.

We had a great time with all of you here, and the pictures are really enjoyable. We're looking forward to seeing pictures from the rest of you. We'd post ours if we could find our camera. It's not permanently lost, just resting in a place not known to us right now. I have developed a bad habit that maybe some of you can relate to, putting things down and then forgetting where I put them. Love to all.

Alissa and Her Chickens!!!

2007-08-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

First, we had a great time on the river. Thanks to everyone who made it such a wonderful weekend.

When we went home it was all about getting ready for the fair and school. The Marshalltown newpaper came out and did a front page story about Alissa and her chickens, if you would like to read the story, you can go to timesrepublican.com and search for Alissa Orr. She got 2 blue ribbons, which are first place, but not Champion or reserve Champion. Robert and I were very happy with the blue ribbons, because if it would have been champions we would have had to stay the rest of the fair.

School started on Monday. Joe and Alissa are loving it already. Volleyball is going strong for Alissa, with the first Football game this Friday. Joe is ready for cub scouts to start, Robert does this with him.

The Banquet Center is really picking up, I sign 3 weddings yesterday I am really happy about that. Robert is wanting it to stop raining so he can bale hay....I am liking the rain, we are getting some things done around the house.

My father in law had a total hip replacement on last Friday, came home on Monday and is staying with us. My mother in law works nights so this way someone is with him all the time. I dont remember what it was like when Mom had hers....but this is keeping me moving!

Hope all is well. I look forward to seeing you all again.
With Much Love,
The Buerckley's

Wohooo!

2007-08-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Love the blog idea! Love the pics too!

Inga

Riding the Julia Belle Swain

2007-08-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Hattery-Nelson-Orr Reunion continued on Saturday with a ride on one of the last 4 steam-powered paddleboats on the Upper Mississippi, the Julia Belle Swain.

Uncle John Hattery, his son Doug and grandson Travis joined us on board

Some of the best seats on the boat were outside, watching the rain and fog. Alissa, Casey and Frances were having fun. Kate was trying to stay warm!!

Lothar and Ruth were in their own little world for awhile.

And others were trying to figure out what happened to the Bloody Mary mix!

And all the while, the river slipped by...

Trevor shows up!

2007-08-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

Contrary to existing military intelligence, Trevor was in McGregor, too!

Reunion fun

2007-08-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

With 2 houseboats in Gerntz Lake the stage was set for lots of fun!

But then the rain set in and the action moved indoors - and the fun continued!

Welcome Family Bloggers!

2007-08-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Since we had such a good time together at the reunion, we decided to create this blog to share pictures and stay in touch!
Please share news and pictures regularly. Since the account is all under one name, don't forget to sign your posts with your name.

Laissez les bons temps roller!!

Lynn