It's New Year's Eve and it's been snowing nonstop since last night. Click here for a slideshow of images from this morning. Wishing everyone in the family a very Happy New Year and much love!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Snow on New Year's Eve
It's New Year's Eve and it's been snowing nonstop since last night. Click here for a slideshow of images from this morning. Wishing everyone in the family a very Happy New Year and much love!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Holiday Greetings from Mel and Lee
We're just back from a post-Christmas walk in the snow at Chesterfield Gorge. The gorge is one of our favorite places to take a walk. It's close and the scenery is lovely. Susan gave me a little pocket video camera for the holiday. We tested it out today and I've included a little video from the walk.
It was very nice talking to everyone on Tuesday, and we wish everyone a great New Year.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Boston
Had a great trip to Boston last weekend. It was our opportunity to celebrate Lee's birthday. The main purpose of the trip was to see Annie Lennox in concert. You can see pics and read my review at my Blog. Rosie O'Donnell was at the concert, too.
On Saturday, we went to see a competent but not overwhelming production of Streamers. On Sunday, we had a great time shopping and walking around Boston. The concert was Sunday evening.
The best part was the city fix. We drove to Waltham and then took the train into Boston. Then we moved around on the Subway. It was an amazing time
On Saturday, we went to see a competent but not overwhelming production of Streamers. On Sunday, we had a great time shopping and walking around Boston. The concert was Sunday evening.
The best part was the city fix. We drove to Waltham and then took the train into Boston. Then we moved around on the Subway. It was an amazing time
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Hurricane Noel
Lee and I headed to Boston yesterday to see the national tour of Sweeney Todd. Sweeney Todd is, I believe, the one musical Anna Belle and Emile have walked out of. I've seen it many times, and this production was absolutely incredible. Ten actors who play all of the parts and all of the instruments.
But that's not why I write today. Oddly, we got caught in the bands of weather emanating from Hurricane Noel. New England isn't really know for its hurricanes, and what we got here was a lot of rain and gusts up to 80 miles per hour. The odd thing was that people traveled from all over New England to be in it. The major effects were between 1 and 4, so we spent most of the time in the theater.
The newscasts were filled with stories of power (20,000 customers) down and fallen trees. Oh, and a carwash collapsed.
Now, you're probably thinking what has reduced Mel to writing about some wimpy hurricane that didn't even hit land. Exactly. I'm sure Anna Belle will write about her repositioning cruise when she gets back, but I also want to hear from everyone else.
But the storm really was amazing and most of the trees have finally lost their leaves.
But that's not why I write today. Oddly, we got caught in the bands of weather emanating from Hurricane Noel. New England isn't really know for its hurricanes, and what we got here was a lot of rain and gusts up to 80 miles per hour. The odd thing was that people traveled from all over New England to be in it. The major effects were between 1 and 4, so we spent most of the time in the theater.
The newscasts were filled with stories of power (20,000 customers) down and fallen trees. Oh, and a carwash collapsed.
Now, you're probably thinking what has reduced Mel to writing about some wimpy hurricane that didn't even hit land. Exactly. I'm sure Anna Belle will write about her repositioning cruise when she gets back, but I also want to hear from everyone else.
But the storm really was amazing and most of the trees have finally lost their leaves.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Fall 2007 Television
I've been getting requests for my thoughts on the new fall television season. You can find my thoughts on the season so far right here.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
In Our Lifetime...
We have been enjoying a set of cd’s on Broadway Shows—you guessed it, a gift from Mel. With the dismal summer TV schedule it has been a bright spot to view the history of Broadway theatre from the beginning to present. And when they get to the late forties, fifties and sixties, and when we see the wonderful plays that were written and performed in this period, plays that we saw and enjoyed, we both said “and to think these were created in our lifetime.” There have been many thousands of inventions, activities, changes in social, religious and social structures in the past 74 years.
The “in our lifetime” musings stayed with me and it made me think of another significant happening in our lifetime. It is related to baseball. When I was fourteen I was a big fan and knew the names of most of the players and listened to the games on the radio. (It wasn’t until the next year that television came to New Orleans). A lot of the following info comes from a column by George Will that I tore out of the paper a few weeks ago. I disagree with George Will 98% of the time, but every now and then he writes something nonpolitical that I enjoy. Actually, Will got most of the information for his column from a new book by Jonathan Eig, Opening Day, The Story of Jackie Robinson’s First Season.
Sixty years ago on April 15, 1947 there were 400 players in major league baseball. The next day there were 399 white players and one black. Branch Ricky, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers had the courage to hire Jackie Robinson, the first Negro in major league baseball. When Jackie was leaving to go to the stadium he told his wife, if you have trouble picking me out I’ll be wearing number 42. It turns out that number 42 is the only number that has been retired by every team in the majors.
Of course his entrance into the majors did not go without incidence. The famous announcer of the Dodgers, Red Barber, threatened to quit, but later changed his mind. Some of his own team shunned him not to mention the abuse he received from opposing teams. Although the worst abuse seemed to come from “southern boys” it was a southern boy and teammate Pee Wee Reese from Kentucky who had never shaken hands with a black person ran across the field on a day when the abuse from the Cincinnati Reds was particularly bad, and patted Jackie on the shoulder. This simple gesture started the thaw and of course Jackie’s great playing didn’t hurt. He played 12 years for the Dodgers. A great player, a great man. He had been a four sport letterman at UCLA , lieutenant in the army, and in 1944, 11 years before Rosa Parks, Lt. Robinson refused to move to the back of the bus at Fort Hood, Texas.
Reading the above reminds me of two other stories that also prove that racial prejudice was not limited to the south.
When I worked at Shell we had an African American co-worker who was as funny as any comic on TV. His stories about his family kept us laughing. Except one day he told a story that brought tears to his eyes. He was in the army, probably around 1950, and his outfit went to a camp in Virginia, close to DC, for artillery practice. After a week of firing the big guns they were finished and the Captain asked for volunteers to stay a few extra days to comb the entire area looking for shells that failed to go off. A very dangerous assignment. So Raymond and seven white guys spent several days cleaning up the area. When they finished they were heading back to their Post and stopped at a restaurant outside of DC to get some food with money the army had given them. They placed their order and after a while they brought out seven plates of food and gave a paper bag to Raymond and told him he had to eat outside since blacks were not allowed to eat in the restaurant. I’m sure you can appreciate how emotional it is to hear a story like this from the lips of the person who lived it. The one redeeming thing about this story is that his buddies walked out the restaurant with him.
I had a similar and personal experience when I was in the Army in 1956. I had finished the school I attended at Ft. Devens in the Boston area and was about to go to Asmara in Ethiopia. Everyone who was going overseas was sent to Fr. Dix in New Jersey to apply for their passport in New York, wait there until they received it and finally shipped-out to various destinations.
We had about twenty of us, including two blacks, who were going from Boston to New Jersey on an Army bus and for some unknown reason they put me in charge. About the only duty I had was to pay for the one meal we had along the way. They gave me a list of two restaurants to choose from and told me I had to choose between the two since some restaurants along the way didn’t serve blacks. This was 1956!
Dad
The “in our lifetime” musings stayed with me and it made me think of another significant happening in our lifetime. It is related to baseball. When I was fourteen I was a big fan and knew the names of most of the players and listened to the games on the radio. (It wasn’t until the next year that television came to New Orleans). A lot of the following info comes from a column by George Will that I tore out of the paper a few weeks ago. I disagree with George Will 98% of the time, but every now and then he writes something nonpolitical that I enjoy. Actually, Will got most of the information for his column from a new book by Jonathan Eig, Opening Day, The Story of Jackie Robinson’s First Season.
Sixty years ago on April 15, 1947 there were 400 players in major league baseball. The next day there were 399 white players and one black. Branch Ricky, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers had the courage to hire Jackie Robinson, the first Negro in major league baseball. When Jackie was leaving to go to the stadium he told his wife, if you have trouble picking me out I’ll be wearing number 42. It turns out that number 42 is the only number that has been retired by every team in the majors.
Of course his entrance into the majors did not go without incidence. The famous announcer of the Dodgers, Red Barber, threatened to quit, but later changed his mind. Some of his own team shunned him not to mention the abuse he received from opposing teams. Although the worst abuse seemed to come from “southern boys” it was a southern boy and teammate Pee Wee Reese from Kentucky who had never shaken hands with a black person ran across the field on a day when the abuse from the Cincinnati Reds was particularly bad, and patted Jackie on the shoulder. This simple gesture started the thaw and of course Jackie’s great playing didn’t hurt. He played 12 years for the Dodgers. A great player, a great man. He had been a four sport letterman at UCLA , lieutenant in the army, and in 1944, 11 years before Rosa Parks, Lt. Robinson refused to move to the back of the bus at Fort Hood, Texas.
Reading the above reminds me of two other stories that also prove that racial prejudice was not limited to the south.
When I worked at Shell we had an African American co-worker who was as funny as any comic on TV. His stories about his family kept us laughing. Except one day he told a story that brought tears to his eyes. He was in the army, probably around 1950, and his outfit went to a camp in Virginia, close to DC, for artillery practice. After a week of firing the big guns they were finished and the Captain asked for volunteers to stay a few extra days to comb the entire area looking for shells that failed to go off. A very dangerous assignment. So Raymond and seven white guys spent several days cleaning up the area. When they finished they were heading back to their Post and stopped at a restaurant outside of DC to get some food with money the army had given them. They placed their order and after a while they brought out seven plates of food and gave a paper bag to Raymond and told him he had to eat outside since blacks were not allowed to eat in the restaurant. I’m sure you can appreciate how emotional it is to hear a story like this from the lips of the person who lived it. The one redeeming thing about this story is that his buddies walked out the restaurant with him.
I had a similar and personal experience when I was in the Army in 1956. I had finished the school I attended at Ft. Devens in the Boston area and was about to go to Asmara in Ethiopia. Everyone who was going overseas was sent to Fr. Dix in New Jersey to apply for their passport in New York, wait there until they received it and finally shipped-out to various destinations.
We had about twenty of us, including two blacks, who were going from Boston to New Jersey on an Army bus and for some unknown reason they put me in charge. About the only duty I had was to pay for the one meal we had along the way. They gave me a list of two restaurants to choose from and told me I had to choose between the two since some restaurants along the way didn’t serve blacks. This was 1956!
Dad
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Mel's New Eyes
So, after looking into procedures and safety and the like for sometime, I head under the knife--well, the laser, actually--on Thursday morning to get new eyes. I'm scheduled for Lasik on both eyes Thursday morning. I've had to read so much about the procedure that I could almost do it myself.
When it's done, I'll still need glasses to read, but I should be able to see distance without glasses. That will be a big change for me. All of my pre- and post-op care is handled by my eye doctor in Keene, but I'll be going to Albany for the surgery itself.
In case you're curious, Lasik doesn't exactly correct your vision. More accurately it zaps your eyeglass prescription onto the lens of your eye. Since I can't see things close with my glasses on, I now won't be able to see things close without glasses.
In other news, the semester started last week. It was a crazy week, with a number of unexpected personnel matters to deal with. But the job is going great, and we've made enough friends that we're able to have a labor day party on Monday.
We're also excited about AB and Emile coming up to visit with Helen next month. It's the most beautiful time of year up here. The deer are already staking out their spots on the front lawn, and the season is about to change. Bring on the leaf peepers.
Oh, by the way, the picture above is my right eye.
UPDATE: Sent a few updates out to family members to invite them to post on the blog as authors. It would be nice to hear from the Texans occasionally.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Kasey’s summer update:
By now I’m sure you all know that I’ve decided to transfer to Loyola (from LSU). I can’t even explain how happy I am about this.
I finally found an occupation that is perfect for me! The program for music therapy at Loyola is one of the best and oldest in the country. I can’t wait to start!
So, over the summer I worked (as a server) at
Also, a good portion of my summer was spent taking vocal lessons for my audition to get into Loyola’s school of music. I met with my high school music teacher once a week. She is an amazing lady.
I finally got an audition, and passed it! So, much to everyone’s surprise, I actually do have a nice voice. The program requires that I learn piano and guitar as well. This is something that I’ve always wanted to accomplish. I really feel like I am bettering my life by doing this. And that is such a good feeling! Going through two years at LSU with no real purpose was very difficult. But now I actually look forward to going to class every day!
This past week was orientation at Loyola and I start with classes on Monday. I have a crazy schedule… I will be taking 18 hours. I am taking guitar, chorus, theory, music therapy (intro), religion, field studies (music therapy), mental retardation (music therapy) … to name a few.
Everything is SO different from LSU. But I am loving it. It’s something completely new. Which is what I needed.
In other news… Richard and I are still together. Things are going great. We have been seeing each other for a little over a year now. He is also starting at Loyola as a music industries major.
I hope you are all doing well. I miss everyone SO MUCH! I know that we are all busy people…but let’s try to keep in touch a little better. I guess that’s what this blog is for! But I will try to post more often. And call and email everyone.
This blog is very scatterbrained…
Email me!
Keep in touch!
Love you all!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Fernie, July 2007
Well, we're back from vacation, and it's time to catch up on a bit of blogging. Lee left for Fernie a couple of days before I left for Vancouver. He to decompress and to handle some of the outstanding issues related to the water damage our condo received over the winter. Me to attend a chief academic officers meeting. The conference was great.On Saturday, July 28, I flew from Vancouver to Kalispell and then headed to Fernie for my own vacation time. We had a really great week. It was hotter and drier than usual. On a couple of days the smoke from the fires in Montana were carried into the area. Notice the haze in the photo.
This vacation actually felt a little less athletic than our typical Fernie visits. We had a number of leisurely bike rides and walked all over the place. It was a little hot (mid-90s) to do strenuous mountain biking. But I think this was exactly the kind of vacation we needed.
Fernie continues to be a very special place for us. If you haven't checked it out--virtually or in person--you should. It's beauty is unmatched. The people are wonderful. We always have an amazing time.
Monday, July 16, 2007
The Hamptons, July 2007
We had a great weekend in the Hamptons! Lee, Jared (our friend and dentist), and I went to visit our friend Will, who has a sailboat and home on Shelter Island. We left around 2:30 on Friday and caught the 5:00 ferry in New London, CT. Will's mom picked us up on Orient Point. She dropped us off at Greenport, where we dined and waited for Will. When the Long Island Railroad dropped him off in Greenport, we boarded the Shelter Island Ferry and made our way to the island.
We spent much of Saturday on the beach. I've been paying for that with a baked lobster complexion since Saturday night. But the pain is subsiding even as I write this. Saturday evening we took the boat out into the harbor, fixed dinner and watched pretty spectacular fireworks. That was followed by a night of warm conversation and peaceful rocking sleep on the boat.
Sunday we slept in, fixed breakfast and then headed to shore. Jared and I looked pretty foolish trying to get everything to shore on the dingy in very rough water. Then we headed back to Greenport for lunch and the ride home. The sun was out, the weather was glorious and we had a great time.
Sorry I don't have better pics!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Canopy and the Flume
So, we're back from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We actually got back on Sunday night, but most of the family is cruising, so I figured I had a few days to get the pics together. The trip was a great deal of fun. We did the Zipline Canopy Tour first. (See previous entry if you don't know what that is.) We had great fun. One of the reviews said it's like Fear Factor with greater safety precautions. It's nothing of the sort. There's never that rush ofadrenaline you feel on a roller coaster--even a kiddie roller coaster. But the trip was beautiful and fun and definitely worth doing.
We spent much of Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning hiking in the rain. The views were beautiful, and the clouds dramatic. The natural beauty of the White Mountains is incredible. Streams and waterfalls surrounded by granite walls and huge boulders. On Saturday afternoon, we went to The Flume in Franconia Notch State Park. The two-mile hike took us past covered bridges from the mid-19th century, boulders from the glacial age and beautiful falls. The rain kept the crowds down.
On Sunday, we hiked to Sabbaday Falls. It's a two-mile hike off the Kancamagus Highway about ten miles east of Lincoln. The photos capture a bit of the experience and the beauty of the region.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Exploring New Hampshire
One of our hopes for this summer was that we'd be able to explore New England. We started off with an urban weekend two weeks ago. We had a wonderful trip to Boston. We walked, we explored, we shopped, we visited the incredible Institute for Contemporary Art and we saw the True Colors Tour. (You can read my review of True Colors at Mel on Media.) It was an amazing weekend.
This weekend, we explore the natural side of New England. On Saturday we're going to the Alpine Canopy Tour in Lincoln. Canopy tours started in the rain forests, where researchers didn't want to touch the land. They developed a system of cables and pullies that allowed them to move about in the tree canopies. The one in Lincoln goes down the mountain. Check out the site, especially the videos. After that, we'll be exploring Franconia Notch and parts of the White Mountains.
A full report after the weekend. In the meantime, happy 4th, everyone.
This weekend, we explore the natural side of New England. On Saturday we're going to the Alpine Canopy Tour in Lincoln. Canopy tours started in the rain forests, where researchers didn't want to touch the land. They developed a system of cables and pullies that allowed them to move about in the tree canopies. The one in Lincoln goes down the mountain. Check out the site, especially the videos. After that, we'll be exploring Franconia Notch and parts of the White Mountains.
A full report after the weekend. In the meantime, happy 4th, everyone.
Another Katrina Tragedy
“I think that I shall never see” You probably know the rest. I was reminded of this when we went to New Hampshire last October at the peak of the leaf changing season and it was natural that this particular poem came to mind. I was surprised that I remembered most of it, but I also knew I was missing at least one verse. When I got home I Googled Robert Frost and searched for his poem, Trees. In my search there were two surprises. One, it was not Robert Frost who wrote Trees, it was Joyce Kilmer. The second surprise was that you could Google Robert Frost/Trees and you get the poem written by Kilmer.
Actually, I had been thinking about trees a lot ever since Katrina. Uprooted and damaged trees were another great loss we suffered in our area the magnitude, which most people don’t appreciate. Thousands, hundreds of thousands trees were gone. Untold numbers of trees were damaged. Some were counted like losing soldiers in a war—160 lost on the golf course near our house, 400 cut down by the Corps of Engineers along the lake. There was a pretty big uproar about this one. The trees, on the levee surrounding the lake in Jefferson, survived the winds of Katrina and the many people who enjoyed the shade as they walked, jogged or biked along the lake were quite upset. The justification for cutting the trees relates to something AB and I discovered when we made our first trip back after the storm: trees were not only blown over, but also uprooted yards and yards of dirt—sometimes taking half the yard with it.
No trees were immune. The river birch on the front lawn of our next door neighbors, young, old and very old gigantic oaks and all the other varieties that graced our area were either gone or damaged. And all had that gray look that stayed with us for months. On that first trip home I went to a friend’s house in the neighborhood and they were out in their yard surveying a big oak next to their house they felt had to be removed. I happened to mention how odd we thought it was that the trees that blew over took so much soil with them. My friend informed me that it was due to the high water table in the area and that the tree’s roots spread out and didn’t need to grow deep. The same with the tap root that usually grows deep enough to stabilize the tree.
Last week at Church we sang an old gospel song that relates to this subject. “ I Shall Not Be Moved. I shall not be moved, just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not—no I won’t, no I won’t, I shall not, I shall not be moved.” This symbolizes strength but during the storm it seems that the wind conquered the trees.
On Friday, March 9 Lolis Elie mentioned a girl in his column who as a student at Ursuline Academy several years ago had a dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Her dream became a reality last April when she started the 2,175 mile trek. She also decided to use the journey as inspiration for a tree-planting mission in New Orleans. She hoped to raise enough money to plant one tree for every mile.
The Parks and Parkways department of the city of New Orleans reports that over 100,000 trees were lost during Katrina. Monique Pille’ needs $100,000 to complete her project and so far she has planted 44 trees in several neighborhoods.
We have a Blvd. in our area that has a four block stretch of Oak trees planted in the neutral ground. The storm did terrible damage to every one of them. It was eerie since they all had basically the same damage—about a third of the bonnets were gone and all the damage was on the same side. There were also damaged branches hanging from the trees and they no longer had the bright, beautiful green look, they now looked gray. For many months after the storm I had to go down the street every day. It was like a thorn in my side. Sometimes I would say things out loud like, “Why can’t the city send some workers out to remove the hanging limbs. Why can’t they come and even out the tops of the trees.” Of course I knew there were priorities in the cleanup and reconstruction but the tree situation was an ongoing aggravation.
We also have a row of oaks down Chateau Blvd. and Kenner city workers were tending to them today. It appears that they are thriving and have been shaped and pruned.
So like everything else in our city the trees are getting a little help and are slowly coming back—not exactly like they were before but much appreciated.
By the way, just in case you don’t remember that great tribute to trees, here it is.
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed;
Against the earths sweet flowing breast.
A tree that looks at God all day
And lifts its leafy arms to pray
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair
A tree whose bosom snow has lain
And intimately lives with rain
Poems are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree.
(submitted by Emile Jr.)
Actually, I had been thinking about trees a lot ever since Katrina. Uprooted and damaged trees were another great loss we suffered in our area the magnitude, which most people don’t appreciate. Thousands, hundreds of thousands trees were gone. Untold numbers of trees were damaged. Some were counted like losing soldiers in a war—160 lost on the golf course near our house, 400 cut down by the Corps of Engineers along the lake. There was a pretty big uproar about this one. The trees, on the levee surrounding the lake in Jefferson, survived the winds of Katrina and the many people who enjoyed the shade as they walked, jogged or biked along the lake were quite upset. The justification for cutting the trees relates to something AB and I discovered when we made our first trip back after the storm: trees were not only blown over, but also uprooted yards and yards of dirt—sometimes taking half the yard with it.
No trees were immune. The river birch on the front lawn of our next door neighbors, young, old and very old gigantic oaks and all the other varieties that graced our area were either gone or damaged. And all had that gray look that stayed with us for months. On that first trip home I went to a friend’s house in the neighborhood and they were out in their yard surveying a big oak next to their house they felt had to be removed. I happened to mention how odd we thought it was that the trees that blew over took so much soil with them. My friend informed me that it was due to the high water table in the area and that the tree’s roots spread out and didn’t need to grow deep. The same with the tap root that usually grows deep enough to stabilize the tree.
Last week at Church we sang an old gospel song that relates to this subject. “ I Shall Not Be Moved. I shall not be moved, just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not—no I won’t, no I won’t, I shall not, I shall not be moved.” This symbolizes strength but during the storm it seems that the wind conquered the trees.
On Friday, March 9 Lolis Elie mentioned a girl in his column who as a student at Ursuline Academy several years ago had a dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Her dream became a reality last April when she started the 2,175 mile trek. She also decided to use the journey as inspiration for a tree-planting mission in New Orleans. She hoped to raise enough money to plant one tree for every mile.
The Parks and Parkways department of the city of New Orleans reports that over 100,000 trees were lost during Katrina. Monique Pille’ needs $100,000 to complete her project and so far she has planted 44 trees in several neighborhoods.
We have a Blvd. in our area that has a four block stretch of Oak trees planted in the neutral ground. The storm did terrible damage to every one of them. It was eerie since they all had basically the same damage—about a third of the bonnets were gone and all the damage was on the same side. There were also damaged branches hanging from the trees and they no longer had the bright, beautiful green look, they now looked gray. For many months after the storm I had to go down the street every day. It was like a thorn in my side. Sometimes I would say things out loud like, “Why can’t the city send some workers out to remove the hanging limbs. Why can’t they come and even out the tops of the trees.” Of course I knew there were priorities in the cleanup and reconstruction but the tree situation was an ongoing aggravation.
We also have a row of oaks down Chateau Blvd. and Kenner city workers were tending to them today. It appears that they are thriving and have been shaped and pruned.
So like everything else in our city the trees are getting a little help and are slowly coming back—not exactly like they were before but much appreciated.
By the way, just in case you don’t remember that great tribute to trees, here it is.
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed;
Against the earths sweet flowing breast.
A tree that looks at God all day
And lifts its leafy arms to pray
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair
A tree whose bosom snow has lain
And intimately lives with rain
Poems are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree.
(submitted by Emile Jr.)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Welcome Mary
Now I'm proud of myself because I just figured out how to become a member of the Netzhammer blog. I read all of the interesting stories and will certainly have some to add soon. Anything that helps us to stay in touch is great. Dad, keep those history lessons coming. The cruise is only 12 days away, I wish Mel and Ward's families could be with us. Maybe I'll figure out how to send pictures on this blog, so they can feel like they were there with us.
Monday, June 25, 2007
The (Great) Grandmothers--A History Lesson Part I
Today, my children, I would like to discuss my grandmothers, your great-grandmothers. I was blessed to have four grandparents until I was nine and believe they had a great influence on my life.
Grandma Netz: Frances Reiser 1883-1950. Since Carmel and I were the only grandchildren we had their unconditional and undivided love. We spent pretty much time with them, weekends and other times when our parents needed babysitters. When I was about five we moved six blocks from their house and I would walk to their house several times a week. My Dad’s and Uncle Frank’s beds were still in the house and we each had one. I remember the beds had moss mattresses.
I remember her as being very German—she and Grandpa Netz brewed their own beers, Homebrew, made cream cheese and ate limburger cheese. She would dress to the nines to go to church and whenever we were there on a Sunday she would take us with her—the Evangelical Church. She was so happy and proud to introduce us to her friends.
My relationship with Grandma Netz would have been very similar to your relationship with your Granny, so you can appreciate the bond. When I was a sophomore in high school I went over to their house after supper to get something. She had a friend over and when I went in the room she pulled me over to her and sat me on her lap and introduced me to her friend. That night she died in her sleep of a stroke. We got the call early the next morning and from that moment Grandpa Netz was a different person. He went from an outgoing person who would come over and fix anything that needed fixing take us to the levee to collect clover for our Easter baskets to almost a recluse. You had to beg him to come over even for holiday dinners.
Grandma Lozes: Anna Willmes 1870-1956. The relationship with Grandma Lozes was very different. First, there were 17 cousins who shared her affections. Second, she`was very reserved. Third, she had broken a hip before I was born and was always either on crutches or in a wheel chair. My Aunt Alma lived with them and took responsibility for her after Grandpa Lozes died even though she had a significant job with the Port of Embarkation. And into the picture comes Uncle George (remember the dollar bills he gave you when we stopped to see him after community). He also took care of his mother. In those days children took care of their parents.. In those days children took care of their parents. In those days children took care of their parents!!. (something happened to my printer) Anyway, he also worked at the Port and Aunt Alma and George went together for 30 years. Finally, his mother died and they were ready to marry. My parents agreed to take in Grandma Lozes and made an apartment in our basement. . An article appeared in the paper about the couple who worked at the Port and went steady for 30 years. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. After three years Aunt Alma died of cancer.
Grandma Netz: Frances Reiser 1883-1950. Since Carmel and I were the only grandchildren we had their unconditional and undivided love. We spent pretty much time with them, weekends and other times when our parents needed babysitters. When I was about five we moved six blocks from their house and I would walk to their house several times a week. My Dad’s and Uncle Frank’s beds were still in the house and we each had one. I remember the beds had moss mattresses.
I remember her as being very German—she and Grandpa Netz brewed their own beers, Homebrew, made cream cheese and ate limburger cheese. She would dress to the nines to go to church and whenever we were there on a Sunday she would take us with her—the Evangelical Church. She was so happy and proud to introduce us to her friends.
My relationship with Grandma Netz would have been very similar to your relationship with your Granny, so you can appreciate the bond. When I was a sophomore in high school I went over to their house after supper to get something. She had a friend over and when I went in the room she pulled me over to her and sat me on her lap and introduced me to her friend. That night she died in her sleep of a stroke. We got the call early the next morning and from that moment Grandpa Netz was a different person. He went from an outgoing person who would come over and fix anything that needed fixing take us to the levee to collect clover for our Easter baskets to almost a recluse. You had to beg him to come over even for holiday dinners.
Grandma Lozes: Anna Willmes 1870-1956. The relationship with Grandma Lozes was very different. First, there were 17 cousins who shared her affections. Second, she`was very reserved. Third, she had broken a hip before I was born and was always either on crutches or in a wheel chair. My Aunt Alma lived with them and took responsibility for her after Grandpa Lozes died even though she had a significant job with the Port of Embarkation. And into the picture comes Uncle George (remember the dollar bills he gave you when we stopped to see him after community). He also took care of his mother. In those days children took care of their parents.. In those days children took care of their parents. In those days children took care of their parents!!. (something happened to my printer) Anyway, he also worked at the Port and Aunt Alma and George went together for 30 years. Finally, his mother died and they were ready to marry. My parents agreed to take in Grandma Lozes and made an apartment in our basement. . An article appeared in the paper about the couple who worked at the Port and went steady for 30 years. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. After three years Aunt Alma died of cancer.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Mel in Superior
I'm midway through my first visit to Superior, Wisconsin. It's a city of about 20,000 on the shore of Lake Superior. Combined with Duluth, Minnesota, which has a population of 80,000, it's a nice area of the country. The hospitality has been wonderful. My hotel is on Barker Island and the walks along the water are very nice.
This is also my first experience with a conference of only 30 people. Usually the smallest ones I go to have 300 people. It's all very intimate and very nice.
This is also my first experience with a conference of only 30 people. Usually the smallest ones I go to have 300 people. It's all very intimate and very nice.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Keene State Talks about Anna Belle and Emile
One of our professors at Keene State took a class of students down to New Orleans to complete a service learning project. In a service learning course you use service projects as a means to reaching the learning outcomes for a course. In this case it was a sociology course. The editor of our student newspaper was one of the students in the class, and he made arrangements with mom and dad to conduct an interview. It turns out that the parents hosted all 10 of the students for breakfast.
Last night, the students presented their research and information about their trip. One of the segments they put together was "Meet the Netzhammers." While there were a few technical difficulties, it was very interested to hear them talk about our story. I'm working on getting a copy of the video to either post here or get around to the family.
They were really happy to have had a chance to get to know ma and pa.
They also cooked a New Orleans meal for the crowd as a fundraiser for the city. Excellent red beans and rice.
Last night, the students presented their research and information about their trip. One of the segments they put together was "Meet the Netzhammers." While there were a few technical difficulties, it was very interested to hear them talk about our story. I'm working on getting a copy of the video to either post here or get around to the family.
They were really happy to have had a chance to get to know ma and pa.
They also cooked a New Orleans meal for the crowd as a fundraiser for the city. Excellent red beans and rice.
Mel and Barack
Barack Obama came to Keene in April, and I was assigned the task of introducing him to a crowd of 2,500 students and community members. Barack was definitely a star, and by association I was given the star treatment. The cord around my neck is connected to a pass that would get me anywhere.When Barack arrived (I called him "Senator;" He said, "Call me Barack.") I got about 5 minutes of time to welcome him to campus and chat. Then I introduced him to the students who had invited him to campus.
He went into the clutch (that's the room where big donors get a piece of the candidate before the public address), and I went into the gym to handle the big introduction. I got a standing ovation. I'm sure pretty much anyone would have, but it was cool nonetheless. People laughed at my jokes, too.
Felicien Lozes--A History Lesson
Today I will give equal time to your great grandfather on my mother's side. Grampa Lozes. Felicien Lozes. Born in 1870, married at 19, 1889, and died in 1942. I was nine when he died and remember much about him. Until I was five or six we lived two blocks away and spent much time in their house. A big, beautiful house with many rooms and two porches off the second floor and two off the first. They had six children ( your grandmother was the second to youngest) and we gathered often at the house and only one room was used upstairs (Aunt Alma was still living at home) so we had a lot of places to play hide n seek, etc. They also had a slave quarters in the back, another interesting place.
He was a butcher all his life and in his obit it states that he had a stall in the Ninth Street Market for 54 years. From age 18 to his death at 72. It also states that for the last 11 years he was president of the N. O. Butchers Co-op Abattoir Co. That was the slaughter house for the area located in St. Bernard and I remember Sunday rides over there. They had a beautiful house, and were the only people I knew for many years who owned a car. He probably inherited money from his father who was not only a butcher, but also in his obit was listed as a ship chandler. (Supplied meat and provisions to ships) His obit was also unique in that it said he was a big man, 330 pounds, a volunteer fireman and that instead of a hearse he was moved on a fire tuck It also says he liked to dance.
Writing this brought back many memories and so I will propose a question for you folks. I can remember two events when I was 3 or 4, fragmented of course, that happened at each grandparents house. The Netzhammer house--Antoinette and Frank's wedding reception. At their house, a big tin garage in the back had kegs of been and the eats. At the Lozes house--my Aunt Claire's wedding. I remember her coming down the stairwell and some of us were under the stairs in our hideout.
So today, children I propose a question for you to share with us. What is one of your earliest memories. The advantage you have is that we perhaps can fill in some of the blanks.
He was a butcher all his life and in his obit it states that he had a stall in the Ninth Street Market for 54 years. From age 18 to his death at 72. It also states that for the last 11 years he was president of the N. O. Butchers Co-op Abattoir Co. That was the slaughter house for the area located in St. Bernard and I remember Sunday rides over there. They had a beautiful house, and were the only people I knew for many years who owned a car. He probably inherited money from his father who was not only a butcher, but also in his obit was listed as a ship chandler. (Supplied meat and provisions to ships) His obit was also unique in that it said he was a big man, 330 pounds, a volunteer fireman and that instead of a hearse he was moved on a fire tuck It also says he liked to dance.
Writing this brought back many memories and so I will propose a question for you folks. I can remember two events when I was 3 or 4, fragmented of course, that happened at each grandparents house. The Netzhammer house--Antoinette and Frank's wedding reception. At their house, a big tin garage in the back had kegs of been and the eats. At the Lozes house--my Aunt Claire's wedding. I remember her coming down the stairwell and some of us were under the stairs in our hideout.
So today, children I propose a question for you to share with us. What is one of your earliest memories. The advantage you have is that we perhaps can fill in some of the blanks.
Grandpa Netz--A History Lesson
My Grandpa Netz, your great grandfather, was one of 11--seven girls and four boys. Only one of the girls married and she had no children. (Ref: the aunts back o town. The mother died giving birth to the last child and an aunt came from Baden Baden Germany to raise the 11 children. The Netzhammers had a lot of land in Carrollton and their home and blacksmith shop was on the corner of Oak and Dublin Streets. Grampa Netz was a blacksmith, had a horse and buggy bread delivery business and finally was a Dock Board Policeman. They also had a cow or cows and both my dad and uncle Frank claimed they had to milk the cow before school and when they came home. Grampa Netz died in 1965 at age 94.
(sent by dad)
(sent by dad)
Monday, June 18, 2007
About this Blog
Hello Netzhammers...those by birth, those by marriage, those by choice, those by accident (and by that I mean those who stumble across this blog. Here's the deal. We're still working to become Web 2.0 as a family, and this is my latest attempt. This blog is a way to keep track of what's going on in the family and to leave comments for each other.
To leave a post, you can send it to me or you can send me an email address and password (not the one you usually use) and I'll fix it so you can post things yourself. To comment on a post, just click on "comment" at the bottom of the post.
You can follow my other blog if you'd like at melonmedia.blogspot.com.
To leave a post, you can send it to me or you can send me an email address and password (not the one you usually use) and I'll fix it so you can post things yourself. To comment on a post, just click on "comment" at the bottom of the post.
You can follow my other blog if you'd like at melonmedia.blogspot.com.
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