Well, it has been determined that I need a new knee, so I will have knee replacement surgery on January 4, 2010. Doesn't that sound exciting, time to start replacing 70 year old parts. I have a lot of support in line for assistance after surgery. Cathy will be here about two weeks (more or less), Janice is coming for I don't know how long, Jane and Jerry are always available to assist, and of course Brittany is fitting me into here busy schedule (school and social).
I also have exciting news about Brittany, Monday November 2, she is being inducted into the National Honor Society and her Granny (with the bum knee) is going to attempt to go to the program at Mustang High School. Can't miss this important event. I'm so proud of her dedication and hard work in school.
I'm wandering if I will be allowed at the Taylor Christmas Breakfast on December 5 if I don't have lots of goodies made. Brittany has offered to help make all the cookies and candies. We will just wait and see what happens.
Chris is still working at Buffalo Wild Wings. That's all for now.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Too busy having fun to have much more
This is Mark responding to whoever is out there reading this stuff. We Harris’s were all touched by Jan’s opening remarks. I am proud to have been Jan’s Inspiration, although I think that distinction is better credited to this blog’s namesake.
Having not had the privilege of meeting the wonderful Miss Maxine, I am at a bit of a loss; nonetheless, I believe I know her all too well. From the photos I've seen I recognize her smile and rosy cheeks to be the same that I see in all of the Taylor women I have grown to know and love, most notably my own Amber and Hannah. Amber always says that her granny would have loved our beautiful red headed Hannah. I see her intellect and kindness in the Taylor Women, all of whom are pretty much smarter and more caring than any of us men they’ve chosen. I see her cantankerousness (if that is even a word?) in her sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons -- I only wish I could have been there for Jeff’s Joke. But most of all, I see her love of family and friends in all genders and generations of her off-spring, which is evidenced by the fact that more two decades after her passing, her family still makes it a priority to spend time together over a Green Leaf camp fire.
As for our part of the Taylor (and Harris) clan, no sooner had we left the park did we start planning for our return trip(s). In 2009 we were blessed enough to be there three times – February, July and October. In 2010 we may just need four trips to get our fix. We’ll be back in February (Amber and me only – thanks to Hannah and Blaine’s Granny and grandpa) for a long valentines weekend in cabin 13. If any of you plan a surprise visit, I would only suggest you not enter before knocking (sorry kids, I just couldn’t resist). We’ll return in mid March for spring break week where we hope to take it even easier than we did in October – if that’s possible. We’re not sure about July yet, we just might have to fit some work in somewhere around all of these vacations.
Speaking of vacations, we’re heavy into the planning for our Christmas in the Bahamas cruise, a first ever for our family feat that will be complicated by the fact that we’ve got Thanksgiving in Andover with the most gracious Marc Taylor Family, followed by a two week stint for me at the university of Tennessee in Knoxville after which we’ll cap it all off (yes, the pun is intended) with Amber’s graduation from St. Gregory’s University on the 19th (of December). So you see, we have a very full calendar.
As for the Christmas breakfast, I’m not sure what Amber and the kids will do since I’ll be miles away in Knoxville on the 6th, but we’ll hope for the best.
In closing I’d like to say thanks to Jan for making this blog possible and for channeling Maxine’s spirit to all of us to provide an ample supply of inspiration. Hope all are well and stay that way. Love, Mark (also for ATH &B)
Having not had the privilege of meeting the wonderful Miss Maxine, I am at a bit of a loss; nonetheless, I believe I know her all too well. From the photos I've seen I recognize her smile and rosy cheeks to be the same that I see in all of the Taylor women I have grown to know and love, most notably my own Amber and Hannah. Amber always says that her granny would have loved our beautiful red headed Hannah. I see her intellect and kindness in the Taylor Women, all of whom are pretty much smarter and more caring than any of us men they’ve chosen. I see her cantankerousness (if that is even a word?) in her sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons -- I only wish I could have been there for Jeff’s Joke. But most of all, I see her love of family and friends in all genders and generations of her off-spring, which is evidenced by the fact that more two decades after her passing, her family still makes it a priority to spend time together over a Green Leaf camp fire.
As for our part of the Taylor (and Harris) clan, no sooner had we left the park did we start planning for our return trip(s). In 2009 we were blessed enough to be there three times – February, July and October. In 2010 we may just need four trips to get our fix. We’ll be back in February (Amber and me only – thanks to Hannah and Blaine’s Granny and grandpa) for a long valentines weekend in cabin 13. If any of you plan a surprise visit, I would only suggest you not enter before knocking (sorry kids, I just couldn’t resist). We’ll return in mid March for spring break week where we hope to take it even easier than we did in October – if that’s possible. We’re not sure about July yet, we just might have to fit some work in somewhere around all of these vacations.
Speaking of vacations, we’re heavy into the planning for our Christmas in the Bahamas cruise, a first ever for our family feat that will be complicated by the fact that we’ve got Thanksgiving in Andover with the most gracious Marc Taylor Family, followed by a two week stint for me at the university of Tennessee in Knoxville after which we’ll cap it all off (yes, the pun is intended) with Amber’s graduation from St. Gregory’s University on the 19th (of December). So you see, we have a very full calendar.
As for the Christmas breakfast, I’m not sure what Amber and the kids will do since I’ll be miles away in Knoxville on the 6th, but we’ll hope for the best.
In closing I’d like to say thanks to Jan for making this blog possible and for channeling Maxine’s spirit to all of us to provide an ample supply of inspiration. Hope all are well and stay that way. Love, Mark (also for ATH &B)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Angel's Baseball
Yes, Art & I were at the come from behind Angel's win in Anaheim. We also watched the Angels fall on their petunia in New York. What a horrible game. Oh well there is always next year! All is well in So Cal. Art, Julie, Cobi and Brownie are all doing just fine. But, it has turned really cold, at least down to 50 at night! Hee, Hee! We'll have to break out the electric blanket and turn on the furnace.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Adopted Family
My friend, Carol, wants to see the movie, read the book, and be adopted, if fifty-mumble-mumble-mumble-ish isn't too old.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Old Photos on Parade...
Hello out in CyberSpace to my wonderful family. It is I, Nora. Jan has thrown down a challenge for us to post and I intend to respond with vigor. Here are some of my favorite photos of my Mom, Aunts, and Uncles. I have tons of them and I will keep them coming.
Nora is that picture of you the one taken on the ass end of the Victoria Clipper? You look gooood! It reminds me of how cold and beautiful it was, how wonderful you were, and how much fun we had even if you walked my heels off.
Jerry, concerning your comment on The Taylor Family Blog "what now." The answer is easy, POST something, anything. I gave you the sign in and password so log in as though you were me and add a post -- a picture -- a thought -- an idea -- a comment -- a shopping list, I don't care. Tell us something ornery about Jane, oh never mind, Jane isn't ever ornery. Tell us something ornery about Hannah instead, surely she is ornery.
Have you had lunch with Jean? Did you mow your yard? How is your tummy tum tum? Speaking of tummies here is a recipe that is worthy of the Taylor's. Prepare to eat too much.
Gorgonzola Dip
1 1/2 cups crumbled Gorgonzola or other blue cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons milk
3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt or less if it is ordinary table salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or if you are lazy like me, just add pepper to taste
Blend until almost smooth and enjoy with veggies, chips, Buffalo Wings, or what ever is your hearts desire.
Nora any friendly get togethers lately? Next occasion make this and your friends will think you are a master chef.
Jerry, concerning your comment on The Taylor Family Blog "what now." The answer is easy, POST something, anything. I gave you the sign in and password so log in as though you were me and add a post -- a picture -- a thought -- an idea -- a comment -- a shopping list, I don't care. Tell us something ornery about Jane, oh never mind, Jane isn't ever ornery. Tell us something ornery about Hannah instead, surely she is ornery.
Have you had lunch with Jean? Did you mow your yard? How is your tummy tum tum? Speaking of tummies here is a recipe that is worthy of the Taylor's. Prepare to eat too much.
Gorgonzola Dip
1 1/2 cups crumbled Gorgonzola or other blue cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons milk
3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt or less if it is ordinary table salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or if you are lazy like me, just add pepper to taste
Blend until almost smooth and enjoy with veggies, chips, Buffalo Wings, or what ever is your hearts desire.
Nora any friendly get togethers lately? Next occasion make this and your friends will think you are a master chef.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Okay, I'm getting the hang of this. I thought of more photos to add.
Jean and Janice in sunny San Diego. Jerry and Jan in Vancouver BC Canada after we rode the train, the sky train and the sea bus. Jerry on his Wallace Falls trek in Washington, trekking with Roger not Jan. Julia and Jan at a favorite restaurant in Victoria BC Canada The Tapa Bar.
And Brittany is reading The Scarlet Letter, the one we all read in high school, Liberty and Power, I have no idea what that is about but it sounds like history to me, and The Things They Carried for AP English, one of my all time favorite books. Read it.
Kathy and Mike will not be kayaking with the whales in the San Juan Islands this summer for her fiftieth birthday due to the purchase of property they bought that needs paying for, or so she says. Does everyone know Kathy turns fifty on February 29? Speaking of birthdays.
Happy Birthday Julia, are you fifty yet?
How are the Angels doing? Anybody know? Was Janice and Art at the rousing Angels come from behind game in Anaheim?
I've paid my bills and am going to bed, so no more posts tonight. You are all safe.
Jean and Janice in sunny San Diego. Jerry and Jan in Vancouver BC Canada after we rode the train, the sky train and the sea bus. Jerry on his Wallace Falls trek in Washington, trekking with Roger not Jan. Julia and Jan at a favorite restaurant in Victoria BC Canada The Tapa Bar.
And Brittany is reading The Scarlet Letter, the one we all read in high school, Liberty and Power, I have no idea what that is about but it sounds like history to me, and The Things They Carried for AP English, one of my all time favorite books. Read it.
Kathy and Mike will not be kayaking with the whales in the San Juan Islands this summer for her fiftieth birthday due to the purchase of property they bought that needs paying for, or so she says. Does everyone know Kathy turns fifty on February 29? Speaking of birthdays.
Happy Birthday Julia, are you fifty yet?
How are the Angels doing? Anybody know? Was Janice and Art at the rousing Angels come from behind game in Anaheim?
I've paid my bills and am going to bed, so no more posts tonight. You are all safe.
Okay, no one has said a thing about the blog, except you Amber, thank you.
Is this another dismal failure? I was hoping for a picture or two, or a least a comment, even if it's a snide comment. Where is my ornery family? Napping, eating, planning next years reunion, writing a rebuttal about how bad the blog is? Come on folks wake me up and add something! Jason where are pictures of Judy? Cathy?
What are you folks reading? Watching on TV? Sewing? Thinking? Planning? Dreaming? Wondering?
I'm over my trip back east, how about all of you? The campfire smoke is almost out of my lungs. The mile high city is far behind me. The painters have moved past my condo and spraying paint down the way. I can almost breath normally. The plastic is finally off my back window, my red door is beige and actually looks quite pretty. I don't know why I thought I had to have a red door.
I'm going to try photos again with pictures of The Prince and his trip to the Pumpkin Patch.
Is this another dismal failure? I was hoping for a picture or two, or a least a comment, even if it's a snide comment. Where is my ornery family? Napping, eating, planning next years reunion, writing a rebuttal about how bad the blog is? Come on folks wake me up and add something! Jason where are pictures of Judy? Cathy?
What are you folks reading? Watching on TV? Sewing? Thinking? Planning? Dreaming? Wondering?
I'm over my trip back east, how about all of you? The campfire smoke is almost out of my lungs. The mile high city is far behind me. The painters have moved past my condo and spraying paint down the way. I can almost breath normally. The plastic is finally off my back window, my red door is beige and actually looks quite pretty. I don't know why I thought I had to have a red door.
I'm going to try photos again with pictures of The Prince and his trip to the Pumpkin Patch.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Taylor Family Blog Beginnings
The Spirit of Maxine: The Taylor Family Blog Spot
-- we know where we come from, we know where we belong --
-- we know where we come from, we know where we belong --
The twenty-fifth Clark and Maxine Family Reunion seems a befitting time to start a family blog. Thank you for the timely input from the Honorable Mr. Mark Harris, the one who had to pass a test to marry into the Taylor's, and is, even now, nudging us into the modern cyber era.
Reunions have come and gone during the gentle unfolding of all our lives. We Elders remember Fort Cobb with fondness and appreciation, somehow it will always be intimately tangled up with memories of mother, but this reunion is the real reunion. Greenleaf is our joy parade.
The rules are simple: on the third Thursday and Friday of October meet at Greenleaf. Come with a tent, pop-up, air stream or Wussabago, but come. Camp, get a cabin, or sleep in a car, but come. And for twenty-five years we have.
Ask Jerry, Jean, and Jane who attended the first -- they will tell you!
Wind, rain, earth and fire became basic building blocks for memories while we, as family members, shared stories, laughter and tears. How many campfires have we admired dayglo orange and burnt umber coals? How many would it take for us to tire of them?
Not many fish were caught.
Milestones were marked, children were nurtured. Fiftieth birthdays became sixtieth birthdays, children became grandchildren, and some became Angels. Family fellowship was sustained, together, with family, extended family, adopted family, ex family and guests. The years rolled by.
One arrest and four trips to the emergency room.
I'd rather be a Taylor than married to one.
Jerry used to bring a trailer full of bikes, now it's chairs, comfortable chairs. My oh my times have changed. Chairs, windscreens, hot dogs, canoes, all of it contributes to a family gathering. Babies, Brits, and biscuits. Thousands of biscuits, all of them cooked by one person -- and eaten!
One Allie, two soldiers, one enthusiastically toppled tent.
A family film, night walks, scavenger hunts and an I-Love-You-Kiss going around the circle -- James
Camp coffee, salsa, Baileys and beer, apple pies aplenty, dissertation on farts, feed the ducks, or who builds the best fire, not a problem for families.
Jeff remembers the joke he told that woke up Ian.
Taking the kids to the play ground. Are you tired yet Cathy? You seem to be on a third generation.
James' tent, James' chairs.
Stealing leaves.
Jacquie's split up a tree.
Forts, hikes, bikes, and tykes a typical Taylor family reunion.
Family, clan, tribe -- we know where we came from, we know where we belong.
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