Hey Susan and Dixie:

So does these hints mean what I think they mean? That Susan is going to help you and yours get to the Family Reunion? I hope that is what I am picking up on!

The night I read about Susan's generous offer to treat me to the Family Reunion I sat there for hours trying to figure out how to get you and your family there as well little sister. I came up with a plan. I have been calling around and reaching out to people I meet hoping for painting commissions to help you with some $$$. But if Susan is able to help you I will apply those much needed $$$ to the purchase of a hot water heater instead. I so much want you to be there dear sister!

I did get three commissions though. Small watercolor paintings. Enough to pay 50% of the cost of a water heater. I am getting there. One painting is done and waiting for the new owner to pick it up. Two of the commissions are of cats and one a cabin cruiser sitting at the docks.

Angie I am so tickled that you may be coming too.

You guys know that I used to be one of the first in line for fun and games. Sadly those days are over for me. At this reunion I will have to let everyone know right from the beginning that my body cannot stand shocks, sudden movements etc. So there will be no hitting me with water balloons or shaving cream either. I will just sit there and watch ya'll act up and be crazy. I am dead serious. And not trying to be a spoil sport at all.

But I am looking forward to some quiet restful time on the beach teaching some watercolor painting classes to any in the family who is interested. If you are interested just let me know either here on on the phone and I will let you know what materials you will need to buy and bring to the island. Drawing lessons can be given as well. I bet Cumberland Island is a beautiful place for plein air watercolor sessions!

Angie, I love Simon And Garfunkel too! If you come to the reunion don't forget your art supplies!

Sue that was funny about what Mom said about your photos on the walls and the Stones. I never heard that story. Thank you for sharing it. :)

I just hope that I am feeling okay for this Reunion. I worry about that. Stress; good and bad gets me good. I guess I will just have to take it one moment at a time and go to my tent and rest as needed. Thank goodness since I got sick I can now sleep through just about anything. So no one will have to worry about bothering me nothing does when I am sleeping.

I look forward to quiet times and getting a chance to get reacquainted with family and quiet talks with as many as possible. This is what I am looking forward to the most.

Angie, when you figure out how to upload your painting could you help your mom with that? It is so easy!

Okay I am not feeling well today sitting. I have slept most of the day away. My surgical sites are giving me fits. I had to carry in a 22 lb bag od dog food into the house last night and put it away. And now I am paying for it. My lower back is really hurting tonight and the pain killer is not touching it much.

I love you all and cannot wait for the Reunion!

Love,

Nancy, Mom, Grandma Cookie

PS where are you Barbara and Beth? We miss you posting here.

Hi again

Yepper the reunions are fun. The Memories are the best. Being together and sharing. Laughing and crying.
The UNO games that never end.
I love you and can't wait for this years memories.

Hi

Dee,

I had forgotten about that, I still can't believe she did not kill him.

For those who were not there, not last November but the November before, we had a gathering and James brought Annie his girlfriend. We were playing football - all of girls (4-5) against James (of course he was winning). So Val, Me and Annie ganged up on him and he put Annie inside an empty trash can (big plastic one), she got suck and he could not pull her out, so he tipped her upside down - she looked like a turtle.Everyone was on the ground laughing so hard - thank god Dee was sitting in a chair or she would have hit the ground from laughing.

We always have so much fun.

I think one of the best ones was in Blue Springs (Barb A not sure if you were still there or if you and Morgan had already flown home). Anyways, we (Allen, Val and I) decided that we were going to get the kids with water balloons (some filled with shaving cream). Well Val mentioned it to James - who always stayed neutral. While he decided to tell him cousins what we had plan. (The plan was to call for a group photo - get the kids suck behind a table them get them with the balloons). Anyways they were ready and had their own stock of balloon. Boy did they get us but good. The best part, was Val had one balloon that would not break (it had shaving cream and water in it), So she decides to bite a small hole in it and pour it on Erica. While as soon as she bite it it exploded - she had shaving cream all over her face and hair. Dee that time I wet my pants from laughing so hard.

Or the one we had at Swanee River - Ava had the best time getting in the middle of the shaving cream fight - she kept running around yelling "Get me" Get me" then she thought she was grown up - cause she got to go clean up in the bathroom with her Aunt's, not her Mom. She was so cute, she had shaving cream everywhere but her hair. This same one we got Scott - boy he was mad in the beginning, but then he did his best to get even with us girls. And Dad - he just sat in the chair covered with shaving cream.

You know what I retract my state about the best because they all have been great. Even though we make a mess - we always leave the camp grounds cleaner then when we arrived, because the last day - we form a line and walk the site picking up everything.

I can't wait........

Love you Susan

Hi Suzie and all

Thanks Suzie
Win the Lotto would help sis. lol
Oh the ballon fights lol they are fun.
With the teens in our family you never know whats gonna happen.
James has that adorable face and you just never know whats behind his smile.
But Sue ending up in the pool's not too bad, at least you didn't look like a turtle or a Hermit crab crawling out of her shell like Annie did stuck butt first in a trash car.
I don't know how you and Valerie didn't pee your pants laughing like you both were, neither one of you could even stand up right from laughing.
If I knew how to post pic's here I have some great pic's from that reunion.
This next one will be awesome too. Angie said she will try to get the time off too.
Love you all xxxxxxxxx

Hi

Dear Family,

Just a quick HI.

Angie, I loved your posting, I laugh when you mentioned the group, I remember listening to them with your Mom and Aunt Nancy. Even though I was born in the next generation, spend my youth with Nancy and Dixie, I learned to love so many different types and styles of music.

I remember when I had a crush on KC and the Sunshine band, Shawn Cassidy and Leif Garrett. I had their pictures all over the walls and Mom would say "well if I could look at the Rolling Stones for year - I can handle anything" Nancy loved the Rolling Stones.

I was out shopping a few weeks ago and I was laughing about the style of clothing, I remember wearing some of the styles when I was teenager. Makes the old saying true "As much as things changes, things stay the same"

I am looking forward to the family reunion, everyone has such a good time, we talk about old times, new times, goals, dreams and we bond.

When I was in Florida, the lids (James, Little Eric, Erica, Annie and Erin and Rita) had a water balloon fight. It was great - they had water balloons and water guns. And some how Val and I ending up in the pool thanks to James.

I can't wait til the reunion and we have a normal water balloon and/or shaving cream war. Beth I hope you have warned Jim and the kids - your family is not normal and all new attendees usually get it the worst - YES Nancy this includes you..........

Well now that I have give you lots to think about, plan and strategics...I will close for now.

Dee....what we spoke about yesterday...let me know it there is anything I can do to help you.

LOVE AND KISSES TO YOU ALL - I THANK GOD AND MOM FOR THIS AWESOME FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Susan

Hi

Hi Susan
Thanks for helping Nan to make the reunion.
Nan please have fun with the family. You need this time together.
Take lots of pic's ok please.
Ok Back to my laundry lol YUCKY
Love ya family

Hello Angie:

How nice to see you on here posting. What a lovely surprise to see it! I just wanted to take a minute to acknowledge your post but will have to get back with you tomorrow. I am up so late with some bad pain in hips, back and legs. Bad weather coming early in the morning.

Nice long posts with lots of info and goodies to talk about. Yeah!

I will say before I log off a big congratulations on the 20 pounds lost! You go girl!!!!!!!!!!! And please do post your art. I would love so much to see it.

I will be back tomorrow and chat with ya!

I love you Angie bunches and bunches,

Aunt Nancy

Wow, can it be true??

Did I actually write two posts before anyone else could reply? This is a first for me! Anyway, I'm back to haunt you guys somemore! WAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!....Does anyone watch American Idol? I do ( last year was my first year watching and I got addicted, it's hopeless ) , but I only caught half of last night's two hour special. This year, they're doing a special thing called "Idol Gives Back" where, for everyone who voted, money will be donated to feed and provide medical care for poor children in Africa and in America. Isn't that cool? Also, many famous people have been giving money to them. I'm not sure how many people made appearances on the show last night, but I saw Divo (the musical group of men that Simon put together), Kelly Clarkson, Ellen Degeneres (how do you spell her name?), Celine Dion and.....ELVIS PRESLEY!!! That's right, for those of you who haven't heard yet, Elvis made an appearance on American Idol last night!! I'm not sure how they did it, I guess it was a hollogram of some sort, but it looked like he was standing right next to Celine on the stage. They took a performance he did from back in 1968. Everybody has been talking about it today I've heard and it's all over I-Tunes, You-Tube, etc... Isn't that so hillarious though? Not only is it funny that Idol went way over the top with putting Elvis on the show, but now everybody has to talk on and on about it? It's so funny how society is, how we all get so worked up over celebrities and stuff like that.

I was listening to Simon & Garfunkel earlier and there is a song that I love (well, I love many of their songs actually) and I think it's called "At the Zoo". Do you all know what I'm talking about? I like their music because the lyrics inspire me and make me think. Is it wierd that I like to either listen to allagorical/symbolic/inspiring music when I'm creating art or if not that type of music, then it's....techno?! Isn't that funny? Techno music gives me energy so it helps when I'm drawing, painting, writing, etc...

For anyone who may be interested, there is a new website out there called God Tube. It's just like You Tube, except it has all kinds of videos with anything Christian (from music to discussion to silly stuff, etc.) So for anyone interested, check it out!

I have two questions now that might be fun to discuss or ponder. 1.) Do you think that we will ever be able to make a decision as a nation to do something about gun control or figure out some way to prevent at least some of these types of things like what happened at VA Tech from happening? Is there a solution? I personally hate guns and wish I could send them off on a spaceship or wave a magic wand and they'd dissapear. 2.) I'm writing a blog on my myspace titled "What Really Matters". What really matters in life to you all? We get so caught up in day-to-day life, endless to-do lists and mindless tasks that we hardly ever--IF ever--get down to doing what's really important, like developing our talents or helping someone out who's in need or who just needs a hug.

Hello again

I'm back to take another peek at the blog site! How is everyone? Aunt Nancy, you are an amazing artist! I am going to choose a few of my pieces and maybe put them up here if I can figure out how (which I probably can) . I don't have as much experience as you, so mine are more amateurish, but hey, art is art right? Speaking of art, this past weekend I went to the 4 Bridges Art Festival which is held in Chattanooga, TN every year (I hadn't paid enough attention and hadn't heard of it since I've lived in TN) . I don't know how many years it's been going on, but artists from all over the country come to show their work. I saw people not only from the southeast (GA, FA, AL, NC & TN) but also from places like Chicago, Minnesota, Montana, Ohio, etc... There was everything from crafts to fine arts to photography (both digital and old school photography) . Pieces were sold for a wide range of prices, some reasonable enough for someone like me to afford! I loved it. After walking for three hours my feet hurt and I was extremely tempted by the smell of funnel cake wafting through the air, but it was all worth it. I did splurge and have a little icecream I must confess!

I am trying to lose weight. Anyone have any tips? I'm always open to new ideas, I've been reading tons of stuff from different books and websites and sort of conglomerating different ideas. I need something to raise my metabolism that doesn't cost much. So far I've been trying to eat foods that supposedly raise it and also drinking green tea. This is a whole new ballgame that I'm not that familiar with what to do. So far I've lost some weight (about 20 pounds) but I've hit a plateau where I haven't lost any more in about two weeks. Exercising is the easy part for me (even though with my asthma I do get out of breath, but I enjoy it) , what is hard is figuring out what to eat! Everyone says something different!

So what is new with everyone?

Angie

Hi Susan:

First of all thank you so much for treating me to Cumberland Island. I really appreciate it very much. Now will you help me tote my stuff. LOL I know you just want free watercolor painting lessons. *wink*

Granma Jean's sisters were Christine (the oldest and frailest) the other sister who traveled the world as a teacher I cannot for the life of me remember her name. It is on the tip of my tongue! But it wasn't Beatrice. Beatrice was Grandma Dot's sister. Hon, I don't blame you about Grandma Dorothy. She wasn't a very nice person. Hard to say it because she was Momma's Mom. But it is true. I don't think she was a very happy person either. She used to come to Florida for months at a time; took over the couch and proceeded to brag so much everyday on Aunt Nancy's kids and how smart, wonderful, pretty, special they were. Mom confided to me after her funeral, she and Nancy got together and compared notes. Seems Grandma Dot was doing the same thing to Aunt Nancy; bragging about us so much and putting Nancy's kids down. I kinda really sucks because we all tried to impress her when she was there. :(

I have got to get some of these old photos scanned and uploaded here. With titles so everyone will know who is who of our ancestors.

I am so excited about the family reunion. I hope it all works out. I will continue to post emails about the reunion here for us all. It helps having it all in one place too. Or you could add your emails to that page. Just hit Edit on that post and post away. And don't forget to Publish it. LOL

I just love your Green font on Earth Day Susan!

Will ya call me? We got some catching up to do. Do you have Cingular?

Love,

Nancy

Hi everyone

Hi, everyone....just thought I would chime in.

Little family history going on....

I am a little confused, I knew about Emily and Marg, but I though Bea was Grandma Jean's sister. Wasn't she the one who traveled all over the world as a teacher teaching in poor country's? They all run together.

Little fact...the painting Eric has was painted by our Great Grandfather and he had to mix his own colors and he was missing two fingers on one hand and one on the other hand. (At least this is what Mom told me).

I never got to meet him or his wife, nor do I remember Grandpa Al. I remember Grandma, Grandpa, Grandma Jean, Aunt Marge & Uncle Wendy, Aunt Em and Uncle Fred, Bea, Betty, Margie and one more aunt from Grandma Jean, Aunt Easter & uncle Ralph, Aunt Nancy and uncle Lester, Grandma Cindy and Marguerite and Robert Carll (The people that raised Dad).

I remember I loved going to Grandpa's house, because he had the strawberry patches and would let me eat them all and not tell. He was such as cool Grandpa. I remember he loved his Boston Red Sox and would cheer them on no matter how bad they were doing. And Grandma Jean was such a wonderful woman, just like a grandma should be. And Grandma Dot - GOD forgive me but I hated that woman, she was mean, nasty and hateful to everyone - ex specially Mom.

Well, enough family history...

Nancy...as for the fee due next month....my treat - just to have you with us!

Love you all!

Suzie

Earth Day 37 Years Later:

Dear Granchildren and Youger Nieces and Nephews:

Now did you really think Earth Day would come and go with out your Treehugging Grandma Cookie saying anything? Ask your parents. LOL

I cannot believe it has been 37 years since the First Earth Day Happening happened. Back then an event like this was called A Happening; for all you aging Baby Boomers you should remember this. In honor of this day; I sat at our dining room table after I had put Barbie and Beth to bed and search the house for every ink pen I could find in any color available. I raided the kids book bags even.

I sat there in our apartment on English Oaks Drive and did the first ever Pen and Ink Wash; my interpretation of Earth Day. It was a large mound of trash with old tires, plastic bags and milk cartons, old shoes and anything plastic which we were told would take 1,000 years to break down and release dangerous toxins in this time. I have it here somewhere and will search it out and upload it. I cannot believe I have saved this for so long.

My reason for celebrating Earth Day was to do everything I could to make sure my children and future grandchildren (oh my you are here now and I loved you before you were even born!) would be able to enjoy this beautiful planet like we (my siblings and I) did as a children. A safe and very green planet for all living things. I felt I could do something anything to make this a reality.

I would like to ask you all to go to the library and rent the DVD Inconvient Truth and have movie night with your parents. Any anyone else. Or hold ask your parents if you can host a Green Party using recycled plates and cups, organic food and candles to save energy.

Here are some great sites to check out but check with your parents first.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GlobalWarming/

There is a quiz to find out how Green your home is and now much carbon your home produces. This is called Carbon Footsteps; reducing this rating will certainly help our planet. And in the future saving the planet will be so good for your future children and their children! :)

So Nieces, Nephews and Grandchildren; here are some energy saving tips for your household. But first here are some things that ya'll can do even as young people. It will help your parents by reducing their electric and water bills. They should love that!

1. While brushing your teeth; turn off the water until you are ready to rinse out your mouth. This saves lots and lots of water!
2. When you leave a room, turn out the lights. It takes awhile to get used to doing this but it will save tons of dollars too!
3. After charging up equipment like cell phones, toys, batteries, etc. unplug the chargers. If you touch the outside of the charge it will feel warm which means it is eating up electricity and also sending out carbon dioxide into our air. We want to reduce carbon!
4. Ask your parents if you can plant a perennial Green Garden (perennials come back year after year); plant some small trees and bushes in there in the background and some lovely perennials in the front. You can even plant some lovely veggie plants in it too and help feed the family. Ocra has the most beatiful flowers so do squashes. I can help you with your Green Garden when I get there. You can find baby trees out in the woods and in Morgan's yard there is a natural area where I think you can find baby trees. Just ask your parents to watch out for poison ivy or oak! If you would like me to bring something special from my garden when I move to Atlanta just email me and I will dig it up and pot it for you. :)
5. If you are not watching TV or listening to the radio; just turn it off when not in use. If you leave the room you can cut it off too.
6. Keep the mini blinds or curtains closed during the day when it is hot outside. Close all the big doors too.
7. Keep the mini blinds open in the winter during the day. That warms up the house a lot. Just remember to close them when the sun goes down. Heat leaves a house when it gets dark.
8. Ask your parents if you can have one of those new florescent bulbs for your bedroom. They only cost about 4 bucks but save a lot of money, do not heat up the room releasing carbon (have you ever touched a light bulb that has been on awhile? It is HOT!). Ask your parents to consider converting all their light bulbs to the new energy saving ones. There is more information below about them.
9. When you go to the store with your parents take a recycled bag with you and refuse the plastic bag at the store. You can even use your own backpack to store your purchases.
10. If you need something from the store; ask your parents about it when they are going out on errands so they can pick it up when out. Saves gasoline!
11. Help your parents by removing your belongings from their car as extra weight in cars uses more gasoline.
12. When you go to a friend's house or even a family member please remember to conserve energy at their house too!
13. And share some of these tips with your friends.
14. Help the younger children with these tips too. Show them how to do it.

If you can think of anything else to save out valuable resources just let me know and I can add them.

Happy Earth Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I love you all bunches and bunches! All the words in blue below are called Hot Buttons and are links to other sites with more information about conserving energy.

Love,

Nancy, Mom, Grandma Cookie~the Tree Hugging Old Lady!

Top 10 Tips for Saving Energy Right Now from About.com
From Jeffrey Orloff,Your Guide to Saving Energy.FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
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1) Setting Your Thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat compatible with your heating and cooling system. Make sure to set it comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer.
2) Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees farenheit.
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3) Washing Clothes or Dishes
Follow the full load guideline. Never use the dishwasher or washing machine unless it houses a full load.
4) Using Power Strips
Plug your electronics into power strips. When turning off these electronics, power down using the power strip to prevent stand-by mode from drawing electricity unnecessarily.
5) Power Down Computers and Monitors
Turn off your computer and monitor when they are not being used. Contrary to popular beliefs, turning them on and off will not cause damage. If you are away from your computer at different intervals, make sure you have set the power save options.
6) Drying Dishes
Air dry dishes rather than using the heated drying cycle.
7) Washing in Cold Water
Wash clothes in cold water. This not only reduces hot water usage, but it is better for your clothing as well.
8) Use Compact Fluorescent Lighting
Use compact fluorescent bulbs to light your home. Not only do these bulbs use less energy, but they last longer than traditional bulbs.
9) Take Showers
Take short showers instead of baths. The amount of water used, and heated is significantly less for a shower.
10) Look for the Energy Star Label
Buy products that have the Energy Star label on them. All Energy Star products meet strict guidelines set by the US Department of Energy.

Reunion

Hi Sue
I don't think at this time we can make the reunion.
Joe us working lots of over time so maybe we can make it.
i am trying to buy a car so I can find work too.
I love y'all and op to make the reunion too. We miss you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Angie's Visit

Hi I had WE HAD a great visit with Angie.
But while she was here our cousin Ronald got sick, He had a stroke. He is still fighting to be well. Love you Ronnie.
Thanks everyone for praying for him.
Love you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Dixie:

You and I are posting on the blog at the same time. This has got to be a first. What are you doing up so late?

Hugs and love you more,

Nancy

Hi Beth:

How are you doing sweetie? I hope all is well at your house!

Yes, that is Little Jimmy and Ashley's portrait in that thread! I think it came out well. She did a better job on the cat though. Babies are hard tp paint!

The portrait of Zoe that I loved so much; is on its way to me from the Netherlands. I emailed Connie and asked her if she could photograph it for me full size and email it. She did one better and said she would gift it to me. I am so excited about that portrait. It was the best of them all. Connie is a very talented artist and famous in her country.

Love to all,

Mom/Grandma Cookie

Hi Suzie

I thought it was Grandma Downing's Dad Thanks Suzie.
I knew it pi.... Auntie Marg off big time, she will be mad forever. lol Oh well so sad. Mom did right.
I'm glad the party was a big hit. I wanted to go but couldn't.
Maybe someone can send some pic's.
Thanks for the Birthday Card you sent to me Suzie and the phone call. Meant a lot.
Love ya xxxx

Hi Sis:

I am so happy you remember our great grandfather! I don't remember the shaving thing though. I think Grandpa Al did this with us too at one time. Remember how Grandpa Al would not shave for three or four days before we were due at their house? He would tickle you and I with his beard till we almost peed our pants.

Thanks for remembering Aunt Emily. I cannot believe I forgot Emily! She was such a sweet woman and so was her husband Uncle Fred. I remember Aunt Beatrice too. She was also very sweet. Aunt Emily and Aunt Beatrice are almost interchangeable in my mind; both very sweet with grandma bodies. LOL Both were short with the same colored hair. In fact our grandmother Dorothy looked like her two sisters so much.

Did ya'll have a good visit with Angie last weekend? I am sorry I didn't get to see her this trip.

How are you feeling Sis? Have you found a job yet? Good luck with that. Did you figure out that new gaget we were talking about? I hope so!

Love you more!

Nancy

Great Grandpa

Hi Nancy
I think you and I are the only kids in our Family who met Great Grandpa William and Eric too but he was so little.
The Other kids they had one was Aunti Emily who was born in a leap yr. in my baby book that you still have is a pic of her. They had a brother I don't remember his name. I think he was very young when he died.
But I remember the studio.
I also remember him teaching me how he shaved his face. he had this mug with a brush in it and mixed up a foam, then used a straight raisor YIKES that was scarey.
Then he bought little mugs and brushes for you and I to shave with him. lol was fun
Love ya xxxx

Family Reunion Facts:

Apr. 20, 2007
From Barb: To Family

Hello Everyone,

When I make the RSVP for Cumberland I will need your ferry fees only. They are the only ones needed to hold the RSVP. The remaining fees will be paid on the day we go to the island. To make it easy please bring cash for your camping fees, so we don’t have 500 credit/debit cards (They do not take checks!!!). They do not have ATM machines at the park service building.
I will get the final head count on May 15th and ask that you mail your check to me so that it will get here before May 25th. I wish I could afford to spot everyone, but dang it I just can’t do that. J If you have any questions please feel free to call or e-mail me.
You can make your check out to either Scott or I. And our address is…Barbara and Scott Decker (note from Nancy; I left their address out of the blog)

Love you guys,
Barbara A.


Apr. 17, 2007
From Barb: to Family:

Hello Everyone,

We are getting so excited about the upcoming reunion. We will also post a camping list that we use, it will help to be a guide line for the trip. Unlike most camping trips it is not easy to get extra supplies not to mention very costly. You will need to bring everything you need to eat, drink, wash and wear with you. The island provides a comfort station (with toilets, sinks, and cold water showers only) and the camping spot. To get hot water bring a solar shower (you can get these at any camping supply store such as Walmart, Bass Proshop, REI, Coleman outlet).

To learn more about the island please go to www.nps.gov/cuis/. They have a list on questions about the island.

This is our home away from home and we are so happy to have you guys coming!!!

The last day I need a final head count is MAY 15th!!!!! If someone says that they are coming and don’t show up they still need to pay their portion of the fees unless we can find a replacement.

The prices are as followed. Ferry fee is $17.00 per adult (this is round trip), $12.00 per child (12 and under), and for old farts over 65 $15.00. The camping fees are $4.00 per person per day. And then an national park fee of $4.00 per camper (one time fee). You may contact the Cumberland Island RSVP desk at 1-912-621-4398. So per adult for trip it would be a total of $37.00, children under 12 $32.00, 65 and over $35.00. Please feel free to call us (note from Nancy: left tel # and email address out of blog) I will let you know when we need the money in by.

Take care and love to everyone,

Barbara, Scott, Morgan and Zoe Decker

Apr. 16, 2007
From: Susan to the family:
Barbara A,

Wanted to update you, while in Florida this past weekend, we talked about the next gathering.

We all agree that the ideal you and Scott is great, Cumberland Island the last weekend in October (25,26,27,28)

Quite a bit of the camping equipment was lost in the fire on Dad's property several years ago, so get with Grandpa - he plans to restock the tents.

Here are the number's:
Dad and Betty (2)
Nancy (1)
Barbara, Scott, Morgan & Zoe(4)
Beth, Jim, Ava, Nick, Sarah, Rebbecca & Jimmy (6) - forgive me if I messed up the names)
Brian Jon????????
Dixie, Joey, Angie & Becka (4) - DEE - NOT SURE OF CRAIG??????
Eric & Rima (2)
Barbara J, Ralph, Allie and Evan (4)
Rita and Erin (2)
Allen, Thomas & Eric (3) possible 4 - I have asked Erica and Rita to contact Ashley on MySpace to get the word out to him.
Valerie, James, Erica and Annie (4) - Possible 5 more - Valerie is going to get the information to Francine, she wants to come to that will be JAMES - YOUR MOM IS HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING TO HER E-MAIL - WILL YOU FORWARD THIS TO FRANCINE).
Susan (ME) - (1) possible 5 more - I have invited two of my closest friends Joanne and Jean, if the come it will be Joanne, Jean, her husband Matt and their daughter Sarah. (Uncle Jeff will not be attending)
LOOKS LIKE A FULL HOUSE - BARBARA & SCOTT - WHEN IS THE DROP DEAD DATE THAT YOU NEED A FIRM DO OR DIE COMMITMENT OF WHO IS COMING??????? Please replay to all to with the information

FAMILY & FRIENDS AS YOU KNOW WE ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST TIME - SO PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND.

LOVE YOU ALL......SUZIE

WDE 4/13/07 Artwork:

I had one heck of a time adding images to the previous page; I tried for over an hour last night and was not successful. I figured I would try again on a new page. If there are any repeats I apologize.

Ah success!!!!!!!!!! Blogspot may have had a glitch last night. Don't forget to click on the thumbnails to see a larger view.

Love,

Mom/Nancy/Grandma Cookie

Update on The Weekend Drawing Event for 4/13/07

I just added some more paintings to that page. It was so much fun to host that event. Ya'll would not believe the amazingly lovely compliments made about the family portraits and they have all fallen in love with Ava, Zoe and Little Jimmy too. I was and am a proud Grandma! It was very hard to decide which photos to use. Artists look a photos differently than people who are not artists. They look for a subject matter that appeals to them, values (lights and darks) are very important and vital if one decides to paint it and a photo with too many subjects and too many details aren't usually chosen except for the exceptionally good artists.

I hope you check out this updated topic and feedback is welcomed.

Love,

Mom, Nancy/Grandma Cookie

Hi Barb:

I almost spit coffee on the monitor and key board when reading about Zoe confiscating the painting for you and Scott. I guess all future artwork needs to be hung in Zoe's room and when the walls are full, as a new one comes in you can regain possession of it. LOL

Did she like the ballerinas? Did Morgan like his too? I forgot to send the two paintings I did for his birthday. I will try to get them in the mail asap. I realized it about an hour after Beth and Jimmy left. :(

Thanks for the compliments Barb!

I am taking a break from the mural today. This is not doing anything positive for the fibro and arthritis at all. Gayle ordered me to take a break in an email this morning. She was concerned with the way my walking and getting up and down deteriorated through the afternoon and early evening. She has never seen this side of me. We get together for an hour or two at the most and then we are usually out to eat and sitting down.

But I know she is happy with it. She is the one taking the photos of it and yesterday I noticed she cc'd it to all her family and friends. :)

Morgan, good luck on your tests!!!!!!!!!! I am rooting for you and know you can do it! Barb, your children get their intelligence from both of their parents! And don't forget it either. :)

Take care and mucho love to all,

Mom

Your art work!!!

Hey Mom,

Your art work is getting better and better each time I see it. I got frames for the art you sent us and displayed it. Zoe took the art you gave Scott and I and put it in her room. Little stinker!!! Scott need to reinstall some software on his computer so I can send you the darn photos. He just upgrated on his computer so he is having to make some changes. Both of us keep forgetting to get this done.

Sue, glad to see you are posting again. It gets a bit loney around here when just a few of us are posting. Mom keeps up with it the best.

Morgan has test at school this week, the CRCT test and last week he had the Gateway test. I guess they are making sure the teachers are teaching and the children are learning. It is pretty easy for Morgan-man. He is lucky he got his father's smarts and not mine!!

Hope everyone is well and can't wait to see everyone at the reunion.

Love,

Barbara A.

Hi Sue:

That is a shame someone took those paintings. I don't get that. It wasn't even someone in their family who painted them. I know you must have been disappointed.

The artist is question was my grandmother's father (Dorothy Downing-Shaw-Labonne) His name was William Downing; he was an English sailor who immigrated to the US around the turn of the century 1900 or right before. He married an Irish immigrant named Anna Mariah Jordon who came to the US upon a ship; to pay for her passage she worked as an indentured servant for seven years. When her servitude was up she married William. She had Grandma, Aunt Beatrice (she married Charles Kennedy of The Kennedys), Aunt Majorie and some other children who's names escape me at the moment.

William from what I remember took up art full time and had a very cool studio. I remember he took me there by myself. I was his first born great-grandchild. I remember so many canvases stacked against the walls; paint spots everywhere, a bathroom with a sink and toilet no hot water, skylight, and coffee cans full of brushes. He was an oil painter from what I remember seeing of the canvases and the jars of turpentine. I told him he had a great view and he agreed but let me know in the summer the Charles River stunk to high heaven.

Did anyone else get to see this studio or remember meeting William? I remember his wife. I think she survived him by a few years. I remember Mom and Grandma taking us to visit her in a nursing home. I was nine. She died shortly after that.

She was alive and attended Mom's second wedding. If I remember correctly. Grandma was there along with Aunt Majorie and her two kids Sandy and I don't remember the boy's name. Aunt Rosemarie (really just a good good friend of Momma's) was there with Tommy and Aileen.

Eric, could you either scan or take photos of those paintings and post them here? That would be so cool to see them. I think one of them is oil on a small canvas of a windmill in Holland.

Susan, the new anti-depressant is helping. I think.

Thanks for your offer. Very much. I will let you know when it gets closer to the time.

I am concerned about having to pay for the fees to camp on Cumberland Island up front and soon. Now a days $37 bucks is a lot of money to me. My hot water heater broke when Beth and Jimmy were here a few weeks ago and I am still taking cold baths just like my great-grandfather William Downing.

Love,

Nancy

Hi

Hi everyone,

Dee, the paintings that Eric have are from our Great Grandfather on Mom's side, I remember because Mom took them when Grandma died and then she passed them on to Eric (Boy did this piss Aunt Margie off)

I wish I had 1/4 of the talent Nancy and Eric have....they can look at something and paint it. Mom had this same talent.

The last time I was in Mass to see Grandma Jean before she passed away, she was staying at the house in Lowell and in the front parlor there were two very beautiful picture on the wall, when I looked closely at them I saw that one was painted my mom and the other by Aunt Nancy. When Grandma jean passed away - asked Paul and Debbie for the picture, but someone had already gone through the house and taken them - no one knew who.

Nancy, you are right about the Blog and posting, but not everyone see this (fools that they are) to that is why I send the e-mail. Your art work is getting better, I can tell a change in your mental status - just by the art work - lots more color...see this move it already helping you and you haven't moved yet.

Speaking of moving, you mentioned just giving up the house...if you need help cleaning, throwing away thing and fixing up ---just post a date and I will get there to help you. I am sure the kids and Dee will help you. Just let me know.

Dad's birthday party was really nice---we made him cry (the old fart). Allen made three different types and sizes of cakes and we decorated each one to represent each 25 years of his life. The first one had things on it for the Navy, the second one was crowded with kids and pets the third with thing like camping, more kids. It was nice. We also framed pictures with Dad and at least one of us kids or grand kids. (Needless to say it was large) and we were able picture of each and everyone of us. He really loved it.

Well let me run...love and kisses to you all

Suzie

Beautiful Art Nancy

Hi Sis Great art work. I love it. Grandpa Eric would love it too.
The Grandfather who had the Studio or Great Grandpa, was that Mom's, Mother's Dad?
I'm thinking it was for some reason.
I know that our Brother has son of his art that I have never seen. I'm glad he got it.
Keep up the good work as your able to ok.
Love you xxxxx
Dixie

Family Reunion Facts:

Dear Susan:

Please feel free to post your emails regarding the Family Reunion here on our blog. I think it can help get the word out and we can get a clearer picture of the plans.

Since I will be living in Monroe; coming this year is a real possibility. I have a six man tent and other camping equipment. I can share my tent with two; I would love it if I could share the tent with Ava and Becca so we can do some girl talk. I will provide ear plugs for you both!

And look forward to doing some plein air paintings on the beach and the island in general. I have a small portable easel which has a storage box attached for the supplies. I can even give some drawing and painting lessons for the kids (and grown ups too if ya want to) at the campsite too. That will be a lot of fun!

I have to ask for a ride with the family though. No more long distance driving for me I am afraid. I will pack light. I have a little Red Flyer wagon for hauling in stuff.

Love,
Nancy

FYI: About Comments

I just wanted to let the family know that you can add your comments right to the original post. Signing in and out is annoying. Just click on Edit Posts in the menu at the top of the page. Then a window opens up with a list of all posts. There are two options; EDIT and delete. No deleting allowed though. So you can add your comments right on the same page. I just ask that you use your own colors; different from the author of the post and to not edit what the author wrote orginally. :)

And, I would love to see more photos here. Not just my stuff. LOL We are allowed over 1,000 MB of free space. So far we have only used 5MB. So there is a lot of room here for sharing photos. And it is safe and only invited people can see it. So come on you guys lets see more photos! I posted a page with complete instructions and it is easy to do.If you have ever uploaded photos to any web site; then you can do it on this Blog too.

Love you all,

Nancy/Mom/Grandma Cookie

PS My friend Gayle gave me four large canvases; about 2'x3 feet. Someone had painted; tried to paint abstracts on them all. I have already begun a painting of a black cat hiding in the reeds by a pond in watercolors. I had to apply white acrylic paint over the surface with a sponge to prep it. It works. And the watercolors are sticking too. Another canvas is reserved for the long promised painting of my mom. I am saving one of them for Phyllis as soon as I get the reference photos I will get cracking. The last one is reserved for the commission of Barb and Zoe's hands and feet. Barb, I will get cracking on this one as soon as you mail me the photos.

Beth I have not forgotten about the drawing you asked about. I will get to it when the mural is done. I promise!

Love you all to pieces,

Nancy/Mom/Grandma Cookie

Finally The Mural commission:

Day 5: Worked heavily on the mermaid; she is almost done. Painted the first coats on the foliage behind her. First coat on beak done. When Gayle came home this afternoon I had already painted one hour on her hair and she reminded me she wanted the hair to be brown. She did. I forgot. 7 hours today. I almost didn't go today in so much pain! I just took my meds; laid back down with my coffee and waited to see what would happen. 90 Min later I was out the door on the way to her house. My new goal is to be finished by Thursday; I need the money. :)

Day 4

Day 3

I started this last Thursday; spent two hours drawing it in. Friday finished drawing and painted the rock and partial mermaid. Sat. Painted the flamingos and the background. Today worked on the flamingos some more, painted in the darkest of the water and the palm trees. Tomorrow I plan on finishing the flamingos, add more foliage, finish the mermaid and start the waterfall and finish the water in the pond. I should be completely done by Wed. afternoon. This has been tough on my body. I painted the water in the pond and the sand while lying on my tummy. I sure feel it tonight.

So far about 15 hours into it. What do ya'll think about it so far?

Love,

Mom

Weekend Drawing Challenge:

WIPs of Barb done by Guillermo from Wales. He promised he will finish it.

There are no winners Beth it is just a challenge between artists and a nice way to share our lives with each other through photos. We are allowed to post 16 pictures; 4 of people, 4 of animals, 4 of foliage and 4 travel photos or of buildings. It is a lot of fun. I am hosting again on Oct. 12th & 13th.

Morrow Mountain & Dandy; both done by the same artist.

A WIP sketch of Ava and Zoe. The artist said she has more work to do on this one.

Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge; I love this one.

Another artist's interpretation of Zoe. It is okay.

Another entry of mine. Fields of poppies in the High Desert of the Seirra Nevadas.

This is still coming along nicely. I need to lift some of the dark values though. This was my entry for this weekend's event even though I got a head start. LOL

I hosted this event this past weekend. And I want to share with you a painting a friend painted (she lives in the Netherlands) of Zoe. There are several good ones from this past weekend I will get to saving and sharing them here. I fell in love with this portrait of Zoe and hinted strongly that I would love to have it. 12x12 on canvas with acrylics. Connie is a fantastic artist and I think she got a terrific likeness of Zoe!

Love,

Mom

PS: I just sent a Private Message to Connie with stronger hints about how much I love this painting of Zoe and covet it too. ;)

Update On the portrait:

Another few hours working on this. I worked the hair somemore last night. Added deep brown over the highlights in the underpainting. More work needed around the nose and mouth but it is shaping up nicely. More work on the arms and hands too. This is the thing about watercolor; one must do wash after wash with the paint to get the right effects. If one goes too dark the paint can be "lifted" with a wetted sponge or qtip. I loved this portrait from the start and always knew in the back of my mind I would paint it someday. Well that someday is here.

Hi Barb:

I am so glad that ya'll had fun on the camping trip! And yeah you and Scott get to go camping alone. Good idea!

Honestly, I do not remember bringing the play pen when we went camping. Can you ask your Dad? I just remember watching both my girls like a mother hawk. LOL Beth when a toddler had a tendency to go wandering off and no looking back. So I tried to keep that little hand in mine at all times. I do remember packing the play pen for family picnics though very clearly. We may not have had room in our car for the camping gear, all the food and clothing for the play pen.

Do you remember all of us talking Beth to sleep? I think it was your idea and then we all did it; asked Beth to pretend she was asleep sitting in her high chair at the dinner table. We could see her little eyelids flutter with the effort of pretending and then the next thing we knew we could see her pattern of breathing was in sleeping mode and her head would start to tilt to the side. It was so cute.

This blog is proving to be a lot of fun with all the memories we are sharing with each other. I will admit; now with the passing of so many years I miss totally miss the time when you guys were babies. We did have a lot of fun. Raising three kids is hard work but the joy on your faces when we were playing was/is worth every second of the hard work.

Beth and I last weekend were talking about Brian doing art with his poop. Every freaking day! I think we grossed Jimmy out. We had just finished lunch. LOL It wasn't funny back then at all. And his art wasn't all that creative either. I wonder if he has improved. LOL

One fun memory of you Barb I want to share. It took place in Feb. 1974; the month that Beth turned one. It rained every single day but five and very cold too. Beth cut five teeth in that month. We were sick to death of being stuck inside.

I think I was watching the Phil Donahue show. Suddenly you shouted out "Momma come quick. Momma come see!" I asked if something was wrong were you okay. You ran into the living room. "Momma come look. A red chicken with a hat on outside!" I got up to see what you were talking about. It was a male cardinal sitting on a telephone line! I agreed with you he was beautiful and then explained to you what kind of bird this was and than when we saw cardinal outside warmer weather was close behind it. You were so adorable and happy to see this red chicken!

Then you asked your Aunt Susan (your Dad's sister) what happened at night why were all the lights turned off. Susan explained God turned off all the lights at night. You said "well he forgot some" pointing to the many stars out that night.

Such fun memories and no I am not getting senile. LOL Oh thanks for the compliment on my art and you are right I am working it. Taking lessons on the web site for free with critiques and suggestions for making it better.

This weekend I am hosting the WDE; Weekend Drawing Event on Friday. I am so excited about this and have everything ready. I included photos of all three of my kids when they were very little. I will share some of the paintings from those artists here with you all.

Love,

Mom

Hello Family,

We had a great time camping even in the cold. Everyone did great, I do think little J.T. had a butt full of the cold on the last day we were there. I would like to camp again in the early summer. I checked out Red Top Mountain camping and it looks like a really wonderful place to camp. Most of the camp sites are water front, what an awesome view that would be.

Mom, do remember us having Beth in the play pen for her naps and she would play a bit in there too. I think you guys just did it when we were camping close to the water.

You are really working hard on your art work. I really enjoy seeing the work in progress. It is cool to see it transform. I do remember the photo shoot and it was lots of fun. Maybe when you move down here you, Beth and I could go get glamour shots done. That would be really fun.

We are busy cleaning up our camping gear and washing the clothes. It is the sucky part of camping. Scott and I will be leaving in a couple of weeks to go camping at Cumberland Island. We have not been camping by ourselves since before Morgan was born. I am really looking forward to it. Donna and Joe will be watching the kids for us.

Susan I am sorry to hear you are going through a rough time right now. I do hope it will get better for you soon. I don't have any advise to give, I do have a big e-mail hug for you.

Okay I am off to wash more clothes, I hope it will be the last for today.

Much love to you all.

Barb

The Painting of Barb:

Two more hours. It is starting to shape up and leave that "Ugly Stage".

The background here is done by "pouring". Apply water on the paper and then drop paint into it and let is spread all the while tilting it this way and that. Lots of fun pouring. So far about 12 hours work.

Hi Beth; I wanted to say I am so relieved Jimmy's back held up well. I was worried about it all weekend. And I am glad the kids had such a good time.

Ya know now that I think about it; I don't remember us taking the playpen when we went camping. I do remember taking it on family picnics at various places. I think I pretty much did like you did; let you run free with me close on your heals. I remember sitting in front of the campfire with you safely in my lap. I think both of you girls enjoyed those camping trips a lot.

I am going to post the watercolor of Barb as WIPs here until it is finished.

Love,

Mom

Hello Happy Campers!!!!!!!!!

Dear Campers:

I am so glad ya'll had a good time this weekend. And that the kids had a lot of fun too. Did you take any photos? If so, could you please share them here?

I love camping. But don't do it nearly enough. That is going to change when I get to Atlanta. And yes I know how to erect my tent and light the coleman stove all by myself. LOL

I remember taking my kids camping when they were young. You guys loved it too. The best part was getting naked and being washed down in the lake right after dark (to protect your privacy) then your Dad and I would wrap you in big towels and carry you into the tent where we dried you off and put on your clean jammies. We went less than a 1/2 dozen times but I still loved it and then fishing during the day time. And sitting by the campfire telling tall tales after dark. I especially loved taking you girls swimming in the lake; ya'll swam like fish!

We went with three other couples Sharon & Jerry (two kids), Sheila & Bob (3 girls) and Sharon and Sheila's brother and his wife and kids. Sharon and Sheila were fraternal twins. I doubt if you girls remember this though. Beth you were still a toddler.

One of the things I have been thinking about was to start taking the kids camping. The older ones for now and maybe just one or two at a time. My friend Lisa owns two thirds of a mountain top up in the Blue Ridge near Sylva and it is private land and great for camping. So this is where I want to take the kids. Her cousin lives on this land and the house can be seen at night so it is safe. I think it will be fun and a good way to bond with all seven of my beautiful grandchildren!

It is so cool looking out on the Blue Ridge Mountain and climbing up to the top of Lisa's mountain to the ridge and the flat field up there looking for trillium, Jacob's Ladder, wild geranium, and other wild flowers. Lisa's little boy is the same age as Little Jimmy so perhaps when he gets older I can take him camping too just the two of us.

How cold was it up there? Did ya'll like the photo of the frozen jeans in front of the tent? I was belly laughing as I uploaded it for ya'll! Jimmy, how did your back hold up?

This is a WIP of a photo taken on Barb when she was about 16. We went together to Lennox Sqaure to have the photos taken. The photographers were Japanese and they were thrilled to be photographing you Barb, rememer? They kept calling me over to look in the view finder as they were shooting those photos. It is going to take a few more days to finish it. It is 9x11 on watercolor paper and Van Gogh watercolors. right now it is at what artists call the "Ugly Stage". It will get better. I hope. LOL

Love,

Mom, Nancy, Grandma Cookie