We just made it back from Michigan (Wed afternoon). We met Betsy and Bob just before the memorial service and then we all went. Good to see the family.
Then we went out to PF Changs for lunch with B&B and then back to Linda's for the afternoon. For dinner we met Dave and Judy Hudson (used to live on Negaunee) by Dave Hayden. Anyway, Hayden's at Eglin AFB in Florida, but Hudson's in Westland by Linda. We went and had a good fun time with old friends at a Coney Island.
Smornin' we just sat around and talked with Linda as Mike now has a job (after 3 years) and he had to work.
Bets, here's the airport info:
I looked at the map and we will be driving right through (in this order)
Charleston, WV
Charlotte, NC
Columbia, SC
Savannah, GA
So if you can get an inexpensive flight into one of these cities, that’s great!
We can leave as early as Thursday April 1st if it works better for you guys to fly on a “non-weekend”
Talk with you guys later,
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Baldwin Family (Mt Gilead) Christmas
Here's a short video on Bubby opening gifts at our house on Christmas Day.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Is Santa coming?

What does Bubba think? Quiet day here today. We are organizing to get back to MI
Liz, Ron's wife, is coming in today and we are dining here on Friday with them. there is nothing open here on Christmas Day. Hope we make it back as we have a stop over in New Jersey. Very foggy here. Turns out, the volcano on Monserrat is sending out lots of dust
Going to Shipwreck for free o'doerves and drinks on Christmas Eve. All the locals are invited. It's a good time.
Merry Christmas to you guys. I know it's really more fun with the little ones. Enjoy.
Just Some Pix From Herb
Our first measureable snowfall in Mount Gilead. Looking out our back door to the garage and the alley over toward the neighbors house on the other street.
Bubby spent the afternoon and early evening with us while his Mommy and Daddy were doing something else. Now it's time for hime to go home. He's got his sippy cup and his police car.
Bubby spent the afternoon and early evening with us while his Mommy and Daddy were doing something else. Now it's time for hime to go home. He's got his sippy cup and his police car.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Dinner
Hi Marilynn, I would like to blog that I feel if we go to visit you in April and if you have to go to a wedding that we and Burt and Kathy go with you to the wedding for a free meal. I really am starting to enjoy blogging because you can really share good ideas with your friends and family. R Melnik
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Melnik Michigan Trip
First Snow in Mount Gilead
We had our first measureable snow in Gilead yesterday, need to upload a pix.
Just got back from church, have left over chilled shrimp from our company Christmas party last night, think I'm going to saute' some in butter/garlic/parmessan cheese.
Kathy is wrapping gifts, going to visit Lois shortly and then we're going to the hospital with some folks from church to sing carols, then Christmas shopping a little for a few more things and then at 6:15 to meet Sara and Stu for a nice dinner at Sweeney's Supper Club.
Off for now, later ....
Just got back from church, have left over chilled shrimp from our company Christmas party last night, think I'm going to saute' some in butter/garlic/parmessan cheese.
Kathy is wrapping gifts, going to visit Lois shortly and then we're going to the hospital with some folks from church to sing carols, then Christmas shopping a little for a few more things and then at 6:15 to meet Sara and Stu for a nice dinner at Sweeney's Supper Club.
Off for now, later ....
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Growing Old Together
Yesterday we went to the house in Coral Bay to do a few things. Renters come on Jan 3 while we are in MI. We were moving a single bed frame that wss made by the original owner many years ago out of wood. The legs on the thing are 4"x4". Anyway, really heavy. Of course, Melnik says, "Come on we can do it". We were sliding it and sort of carrying it and I started to fart and couldn't stop, then started laughing. We put the bed down and Bob was mimiking the farting which only made us laugh harder. Made me think of you guys.
Friends coming for lunch today and she is supposed to take picture of us to email to family and friends for Christmas. Don't hold your breath. Marilynn, your Christmas card was really cute.
Friends coming for lunch today and she is supposed to take picture of us to email to family and friends for Christmas. Don't hold your breath. Marilynn, your Christmas card was really cute.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Georgia Vacation
Yes, yes, and yes. Let's do it. sounds like Rick and you are pretty busy. Looks like the end of the month might be better. No, April 1-5 is o.k. for all of us if Kathy wants to take time off. That doesn't seem like much time when you consider travel time. Assuming we see each other, Herb and Kathy, in MI end of the month, maybe we can chat about it then. I guess some of that will depend on the weather in MI. We, however, here in STJ don't have to worry about the weather.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Easter Vacation in Georgia
OK, back on November 23rd Betsy gave us two sets of dates that could work for her and I posted that Kathy would take the time off work, regardless of when it was.
But I've not heard back from either of you as to when it will be, are we meeting in Georgia in April?
Can't stay, it's 4:00 pm and I gotta run over to Gordon Foods to get chicken wings for the Christmas party this weekend.
I'll write more tomorrow,
But I've not heard back from either of you as to when it will be, are we meeting in Georgia in April?
Can't stay, it's 4:00 pm and I gotta run over to Gordon Foods to get chicken wings for the Christmas party this weekend.
I'll write more tomorrow,
Wednesday's news
Well, the Jags lost on Sunday, so tomorrow is our last home game. We are playing Indy at 8:20 p.m. so I don't think there will be a big crowd. Most people work on Friday. The last turkey tailgate was good. It felt like Christmas dinner. Tomorrow we are having hamburgers and hot dogs with the sides.
Rick had a squamas (sp) cell taken off his temple this morning. It was MOS surgery so I believe they got it all. Friday we are getting together with Pat and Bob and celebrating Pat's birthday and Christmas, then Saturday morning going to a Christmas breakfast at some friends. Saturday afternoon and Sunday, Rick and Ryan will be going quail hunting in Georgia with Bob and his son. I will invite Kyla over to pick fruit. Our orange tree is really full and we also have some grapefruit, limes and lemons to pick. I buy Christmas baskets and then give them to friends we see over the holidays.
I'm pretty much ready for Christmas. I still have to polish my silver. It is looking a little yellow and I haven't polished it in years. I should ask Kyla over to help do that too. She would love it. I taught her how to do dishes over Thanksgiving. I guess she doesn't do them at home.
Today I'm going to try to make a label on my embroidery machine for the quilt I will give Ryan for Christmas. I should be able to do this, but we only have Macs and the programs for the Bernina are all for PCs. It gets a bit tricky. I've made one in class before, but never alone. Ryan is coming home for the game, I don't know if he has to go back to work Friday night and then back here for hunting on Saturday and Sunday.
It was 84 here yesterday, a record high. Today it is in the 60s and should remain so now for awhile, no more summer heat, or so they say.
Okay, time to get busy. Love, Marilynn
Monday, December 14, 2009
Innovative concrete Polishing
Tradewinds Newspapers wrote and article about the concrete polishing that Bob has here in this week's paper. If we can figure out how to do the link, etc, we'll send you the link. It was quite a nice article.
The Drug Bust
Check it out. today's paper said they confiscated (sp) 3400 pot plants territory wide, 150 plants on STJ. No arrests!! What? We all just laughed. The DEA, FBI, Border patrol, 5 day long eradiction of the pot, so today's paper says. The helicopter flew over at least 10 passes. they say that if you are growing less than 5 plants, they can't detect it.
where are you guys?
No new blogs all weekend. Probably to cold to type up there in Ohio!! Are you guys really going to come to MI and go to Aunt Pauline's memorial if there is one?
Friday, December 11, 2009
The trip from Hell
Went to STT on Wed and bought a futon and a queen size bed frame. Of course we had all these other plans including a blood draw for me. That took 1.5 hours. On to cost U Less and Home Depot. that went ok., then lunch, good. Now, let's see about furniture for the lower apt. 3 stops . These arabs just pray on the poor of the islands. It's really pathetic. today we go to unpack and set up. Oh, missing 4 little legs and two cushions. they were to come in another box. The guy wanted us to pack it all back up in the box and return it to STT. He would give us a new box, which we would inspect, Duh!!! bob is still trying to talk him into sending the little pkg. on the ferry. Will find out tomorrow. Life is never easy here. Wish us luck!!
Had friends over for dinner last night who are staying in the house while we are inMI. They were here until 11 p.m. Our bedtime is about 8:30 or 9 at the latest, but we had fun and got all the gossip. This island is like hight school or Payton Place. Everyone knows what everyone else does. Gossip, gossip
Had friends over for dinner last night who are staying in the house while we are inMI. They were here until 11 p.m. Our bedtime is about 8:30 or 9 at the latest, but we had fun and got all the gossip. This island is like hight school or Payton Place. Everyone knows what everyone else does. Gossip, gossip
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Christmas Card From The Gardners

Got a Christmas card from the Gardners (Jack Jr & Julie) yesterday. The picture was taken at Jacob and Kathy's (between Jack and Julie) wedding on August 1st and Joshua, Maggie, and Luke are in the pix on the right. Maggie gave birth on Sept 4th to a new "little one" but I can't find the card right now to tell you the details!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Office party
Today it's going to be a high of 82 and a low of 52, tomorrow it's going to be a high of 52 and a low in the low 40s. do you believe that change? So, today, I washed the dog and did some work outside. Now I'm going to pick up a ham and smoked turkey. I'm boiling potatoes now to make potato salad for tomorrow's office Christmas party. We are having it at the office this year. The girls are anxious to get going. They all have plans. Tracy is going to Jamaica. We have our Healey Christmas party on Saturday at someone else's house (yeah) so maybe it will stay cool and I can wear a Christmas sweater. On Sunday we will go to the Jaguar game, but the tailgate before will be a big one. We are frying 3 turkeys and everyone will bring a dish. Tony bought his whole staff tickets and they are invited on Sunday, that's their Christmas party.
Our house is decorated on the inside. Rick still has to do the porch and lawn. Kyla and Ashley came over last Friday and we trimmed the tree and had pizza as Rick was in Tampa.
I'm off to run my errands. I'm still looking for poinsettias for the girls for tomorrow.
Marilynn
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Productive Day

Well, productive day today. Rehab first thing, then off to a new listing to take pictures, measure rooms and actually show it to an investor buyer I have. Who knows, might be a quick sale. I had to pop a Nitro pill for the first time in about 5 years or so. It was so cold and windy today, I think the cold air got to me. Been fine since then. Off to lunch (Chinese) with an old friend from Coldwell Banker I haven't seen in 6 months or so. He's changing jobs (again) and I'm going to help him with his internet marketing. Then a listing appt at 4pm, wrote the paperwork, got the signatures. I'll go back later to take pix and measure rooms.
Home kinda late for dinner, now in the recliner watching Vanna White on Jeopardy and writing this post. Full day tomorrow in the office putting together these listing files. It's supposed to be 30 degrees and VERY windy (50-60 mph winds) big blizzard coming from out west heading our way.
Later,
dinner with friends
comments
Thanks guys. Very helpful on the camera information. no information on the drug bust as yet. Will keep you posted.
How do we put "labels" on the posts?
How do we put "labels" on the posts?
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Another Day at the Rental
We done good today. Bob got the toilets in and today the fan in the bedroom (without directions) What a genius!! I think he was as surprised as anyone that it worked, light and all. We stopped on the road and talked to Ron about the colors of the wires and what went where. That was helpful.
We had a big drug bust here yesterday, hum v's and the army helicopter. He swooped about 10 times. I'm sure we will read about it in the paper tomorrow.
We want a new camera (pocket size) for Christmas. Anyone have any good suggestions?
We had a big drug bust here yesterday, hum v's and the army helicopter. He swooped about 10 times. I'm sure we will read about it in the paper tomorrow.
We want a new camera (pocket size) for Christmas. Anyone have any good suggestions?
Rainbow

Not much to say this morning. just working every day getting the other two units ready for the new renters. bob installed the new toilets successfully with no leaks. Kind of busy as we leave for MI soon and have to get our own house ready for the couple who are staying here watching it.
thought you would enjoy this photo.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tree Trimming Saturday

Well we went to see a great adaptation of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" last night with Porters and Elmores. We all piled in the "herbmobile" and went then had dinner at Ruby Tuesday afterward. The mini-musical was produced by a client of mine. It was a good time.
Today, we're getting out the Christmas decorations and right now Kathy is decorating the tree. It's so small (we have a small living room) that it makes me feel like some old folks in "the home".
Tonight we'll just chill out and watch a Netflix pix or two and tomorrow nite we'll head on down to the Columbus Zoo to see some animals and all the lights. It's 30 degrees here today, no snow yet.
I've included a short clip from the play last night,
Monday, November 30, 2009
Who Does This Remind You Of????

This is Bev Garcia. We were good friends with Bev and Bob when we were first married and lived in Redford. We were all active in the Redford Jaycees together. When we had David and Sara, they had Kurt and Elena. Bev was a teacher and Bob was a State Trooper, then he quit and went to teaching. I stumbled upon them on Facebook, they are both retired now and wintering in Zephyr Hills, FL. I thought she bore a striking resemblance to someone I know!
Cyber Monday
Hi,
I'm trying to find out where I can post a comment on one of your blogs. I can post a new one, but not reply to yours in less I do it in the e-mail.
I loved the pictures. Those boats were beautiful, unfortunately, I do not have any recipes for papaya. The video is good too. I could tell Sara was thrilled to have her picture taken. Kayla looked like she had a nice day.
Kyla and I baked pie, corn muffins and stuffed the turkey. She and Rick made lemonade from the lemons in our front yard and then she talked him into washing my Mini Cooper. On Friday, I had Kyla, Rick went to Daytona Beach to look at the cars. Kyla and I made headbands and played a lot.
We started to do a little decorating on Saturday and Sunday, but the tree is still in the garage attic. We should have taken it down while Ryan and Ashley were here on Thanksgiving. Last year even though it is in three pieces we had to use a pulley to haul it up into the second floor. It will be easier to get down, but I should have thought of doing it while help was here.
I'm going to a quilting class tonight from 6-8 and again next Monday night from 6-8 to finish the piecing part. Just what I need, quilting classes during the holidays, but I want to learn this technique and it is only taught at this time.
We gave my old laptop to Ashley and I am using the one Rick used to use as he got a new one. However, he didn't transfer my i-photos and i-tunes, so Ashley will bring it back sometime and I'll have all my stuff again. This one is taking sometime to get used to. Luckily, I had already printed my Christmas labels because I think I lost all that in the transfer. It was an old program that this newer computer doesn't even recognize.
Today, I am going to go to Bealls, Target, Walmart and few others to pick up a few things. I stayed away from the stores over the weekend, although Rick shopped from 5 a.m. until 6:45 a.m. on Friday before he went to Daytona. That's why I have to go to Bealls, he spent enough to get $30 free bucks to be used yesterday or today.
It's going to be 74 today, but it's been down to the 50's at night. It's nice, no heat or AC.
Tomorrow, Rick's brother Bob comes home from Cincinnati. I'll pick him up at 1 p.m. from the airport. His car has been here for a month. I'll also go to Kyla's school and listen to the 1st graders read for an hour.
Okay, this is starting to look like a letter instead of a post, later, love, Marilynn
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Baldwin Family Thanksgiving
Here's a movie I put together of 3 or 4 different videos. Playing with my new FLIP video camera and the editing software. This one has Stu, Sara, and Kyla in it.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Jib is UP, but no wind
Friday, November 27, 2009
"HANKSPIGGING AT SKINNY'S

Not all the gang was there. In fact, many of the usual locals were not there. We met some new people and saw old friends. It was hot, humid and everyone had bug spray because we have had so much rain and now, the mosquitos are beginning to hatch. Food was great! The whole of Skinny's bar was filled with dishes that everyone brought. They cooked several turkeys and put 2 whole pigs on spits in the yard. One of our friends made some great porter beer for all to taste. No worries about law suits or contamination here. In fact, the guy who put Thankspigging together asked, "Since we have no rules here in Coral Bay, I will just ask two favors, clean up after yourself and only take one plate"
We were home about 6:30.
Nathan's turkey turned out fine. Watch your email for what happened to it.
The picture here is of a papaya that has been growing in the yard by the grill for a couple of months. I think someone just dropped a seed - those little birdies, perhaps. Anyway, looks like we will have plenty of papaya to eat. Have any good recipes for papaya?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Bird Is Done
Happy Thanksgiving
Hi you guys and Happy Thanksgiving!
Bert, I am really enjoying the posted pictures and videos. The donkeys are great too, Bets. I know how to send pictures, but we haven't taken any lately. Maybe I'll get some tomorrow.
Kyla is coming here today when Ashley gets off work. We'll have left-over ham. Ryan may come this evening too. I haven't heard from him yet. Kyla will spend tonight and tomorrow night with us as Ashley and Darin are working Thursday and Friday. We'll eat when Ashley gets off work tomorrow around 3:30 p.m. Darin will be going at 7 p.m., so too bad for him! I'll send some home with Ashley. Ryan is coming from St. Simons Island to work on the 5K run tomorrow morning that Outback sponsors in Jacksonville. He will be going to the San Jose restaurant around 6 a.m. to cut up oranges and prepare bagels etc. for the runners. Then they feed them gumbo when they finish. He usually has lots of left-overs he brings us. I imagine he will stay Thursday night and then go back to work in GA on Friday. I have no idea what Rick will be doing. He has been invited to go to the Turkey Trot in Dayton Beach on Friday (muscle cars and flea market at the track) and he also has been invited to go back up hunting. He went last weekend but didn't get a deer. I'd like to decorate for Christmas on Friday when Kyla is here. It would give us something to do and Ashley doesn't do much in the apartment. Ryan would be here to help put the outside lights up and the yard deer, bears, tree, etc.
It is raining like crazy all through the night here and all day today. It is supposed to clear for the holiday. I hope so, the runners don't really like to run in the rain. It's about 60 degrees which is the coolest it has been so far.
I'm glad to hear that you guys want to come to Florida this spring. I think Rick has a meeting the end of April and we have a wedding April 3rd (in town) I'll let you know his dates for sure so you can figure out what's best for all of us.
That's all for now.
Turkey's In The Oven

Turkey's in the oven. We roast it on Wednesday and then pull the meat off the carcass and fill the crock pot with the meat & a little juice. Plug in the crock pot tomorrow (David, Lisa, Bubby, Shania will be here) and that way we can concentrate on making the other food and not have to deal with the mess of the turkey in the kitchen.
I'll post another pix when it comes out of the oven.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Fall View of the Farm
Here's a short video of the farm on a beautiful fall day, shows a pretty good view of the new barn
Aunt Pauline
Betsy,
Read the obit in the Detroit News link you sent. (you can click on the title of this post and be taken to the obit)
I vote we donate $100 to the hospice she was being served by. Also, I think you said there would be a memorial service on Dec 29th and I think that is when you and Bob will be there. So Kathy and I could come up and go with you and see you at the same time?
Read the obit in the Detroit News link you sent. (you can click on the title of this post and be taken to the obit)
I vote we donate $100 to the hospice she was being served by. Also, I think you said there would be a memorial service on Dec 29th and I think that is when you and Bob will be there. So Kathy and I could come up and go with you and see you at the same time?
Monday, November 23, 2009
easter vacation in GA
Looked up the school calendar. Easter break is Wed, April 1 thru Monday April 5 - only 6 days?
There is another holiday on the calendar, Spring break which is April 24-May 2. nine days.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Nathan bought a 15 pound turkey and is cooking for a few friends and Evan. Evan is having dinner with Julie early then on to Nathan's.
Nathan called me from Meijer's to let me know about the turkey. Now needs directions as to prep and making the gravy. at least with Evan there, I'm sure everything will come out o.k. I hope they take pics.
There is another holiday on the calendar, Spring break which is April 24-May 2. nine days.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Nathan bought a 15 pound turkey and is cooking for a few friends and Evan. Evan is having dinner with Julie early then on to Nathan's.
Nathan called me from Meijer's to let me know about the turkey. Now needs directions as to prep and making the gravy. at least with Evan there, I'm sure everything will come out o.k. I hope they take pics.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Last Puppy
Went to the kids tonight to see the last puppy. Of the eight that were born 6 weeks ago, only one is left and they are keeping him and the Mommy (Jasmine). Just as we were leaving, a buyer drove in from New York (an 8 hour drive) to buy the Daddy (Glacier). David and Lisa made the decision to sell Glacier 'cuz he was starting to get aggressive toward the goats, which he's supposed to protect.
Herb & The Golf Cart
Click on the video above.
Brought the golf cart back home from the lake, going to "customize" it over the winter!!
Sunday evening
Very relaxed day today. Sort of forced. We are getting old. Worked the last 4 days at the house in Coral Bay. No renters in either unit, so we are CLEANING AND CLEANING, including power washing and vacuuming and wiping up mouse shit. I don't think any of the tenants ever cleaned cupboards. We hired two young, energetic kids to wash ceilings, fans and walls then we went in and continued on. Yesterday, we were invited to dinner at our friends' rental who are building below us. What a blast. There were 10 of us. she brought wild marinated salmon from NY. We had a little too much Pinot Noir and have crashed today.
good talking with both my siblings yesterday. Hope the Jaguars won.
good talking with both my siblings yesterday. Hope the Jaguars won.
Easy Saturday Changes Quickly

Well, we got up Saturday morning, drank coffee and watched the news wondering what we were going to do all day ... That changed in a hurry!
Lisa called and told us she was going to the auction to sell the puppies and David was supposed to watch Bubby, but he had to go back down to Columbus to help a friend of his install a new audio system in a church.
Bubby had a doctor's appt (sniffles) at 10am and so we rushed and got our showers and ran off and picked him up and took him to Mansfield (about 1/2 hour away) for the appt. He just has swollen glands, got him some Dimetapp and then we went shopping. Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Lowes ... all the cool places! Bubby liked riding in the shopping cart and Grandma got him a new book about farms and John Deere tractors. He loves the JD stuff.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday Morning
Took a Benedryl last night before bed and it zonked me out and I got a full 9 hours of sleep! It's been a busy week with work all day and meetings in the eves.
Meeting a buyer at a house this am, it's only about 1/2 built. He's looking for a good investment. We're meeting the building inspector there to make sure everything done so far is up to snuff.
After that, I'm headed out to the lake to meet a contractor. Earlier this year, we found that our storage shed had been hit and knocked off it's foundation. The contractor is going to jack it up and move it over and set it back. I have to get out there to empty everything out and then put it back in once he's done.
Then off to a Mt. Gilead basketball game tonight where Hospice of Morrow County is going to be recognized by the team during half time as they are doing a commuunity action project for Hospice and the board is supposed to be there to be recoginzed.
I guess otherwise it'll be a quiet weekend, no definate plans, maybe we'll buy a turkey!
Meeting a buyer at a house this am, it's only about 1/2 built. He's looking for a good investment. We're meeting the building inspector there to make sure everything done so far is up to snuff.
After that, I'm headed out to the lake to meet a contractor. Earlier this year, we found that our storage shed had been hit and knocked off it's foundation. The contractor is going to jack it up and move it over and set it back. I have to get out there to empty everything out and then put it back in once he's done.
Then off to a Mt. Gilead basketball game tonight where Hospice of Morrow County is going to be recognized by the team during half time as they are doing a commuunity action project for Hospice and the board is supposed to be there to be recoginzed.
I guess otherwise it'll be a quiet weekend, no definate plans, maybe we'll buy a turkey!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Lets all go in together and buy this boat
Hi everyone, This is my first Blog(not sure if understand or want to understand what a blog is)-Even though it's been a tough year financially I thought we could all invest and buy a boat that we would keep here on St. John and use when next you come to see us. Find the link and let me know your thoughts. Bob
Yea, Marilynn
Don't feel badly. It took a phone call from Herb for me to get on and to post a pic. Isn't it cool?
Good news today. Bob has been appointed the line rep for CaRA, Caribbean Association which manages the Caribbean Integrated Coastal Observing System (CICOS). Everything here is appreviated. Anyway, there is a conference in Prerto Rico (PR) Dec. 1. They will pay for overnight and Bob's flight, so I am going for the ride. Interesting stuff.
Nathan's contract company with Toyota went out of business. He got a new company and got a raise of 2.30/hr plus benefits. It's so great. we are excited for him.
going to MI Dec. 26-Jan 9. Helping Nathan paint his house so he can put it on the market in Spring.
Did lots of weeding today as we had so much rain the past two days and you have to get out there while the ground is still moist.
Job for me still has not begun. I'll check the school calendar as to the spring break. I DID think we were planning on going to FL or GA for the reunion this year.
Good news today. Bob has been appointed the line rep for CaRA, Caribbean Association which manages the Caribbean Integrated Coastal Observing System (CICOS). Everything here is appreviated. Anyway, there is a conference in Prerto Rico (PR) Dec. 1. They will pay for overnight and Bob's flight, so I am going for the ride. Interesting stuff.
Nathan's contract company with Toyota went out of business. He got a new company and got a raise of 2.30/hr plus benefits. It's so great. we are excited for him.
going to MI Dec. 26-Jan 9. Helping Nathan paint his house so he can put it on the market in Spring.
Did lots of weeding today as we had so much rain the past two days and you have to get out there while the ground is still moist.
Job for me still has not begun. I'll check the school calendar as to the spring break. I DID think we were planning on going to FL or GA for the reunion this year.
Kathy's Spring Break
Kathy says her Spring Break is the week of April 5-9
Chances are that won't work for Betsy -- If it does, that's great!
Chances are that won't work for Betsy -- If it does, that's great!
Marilynn's On The Blog!

Talked with Marilynn today and got her squared away and now she's "bloggin".
Stu and Sara are coming by for a bit soon (dinner time) but I won't have much time to visit, have a mtg at church at 7pm.
Don't know what we're going to have; leftover baked chicken, leftover meatloaf, or BLT's
Think I'll go and start frying bacon, BLT sounds good to me.
Wednesday Afternoon
Hope to see Ryan today or tomorrow. He will be home again for the Jaguar game on Sunday. Ashley is off all week, she took a vacation, but has no money to go anywhere. She said she would be cleaning closets.
How about the Baldwin reunion. Are you guys interested in coming to Florida/Georgia in 2010? What do your schedules look like? Betsy, will you be working in the Spring?
Later, M
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Busy week already
Been a busy week already, work all day in and out of the office and meetings well into the night. I'm bushed, off to bed. Sales meeting tomorrow, tour new listings, do admin stuff in the afternoon. I just sent out about 350 newsletters today, glad to get that going again, hadn't done it for over two years and I needed to get back to that to keep my name in front of my past clients and prospects.
Oh well, g'nite.
Oh well, g'nite.
Monday, November 16, 2009
RAINY DAY TEST
Hi All,
This is a test. Herb, there is no little picture to click on in order to insert the picture. It says Posting in purple, Settings, in blue and View Blog in purple. Then title: Under that, Link
Then a bunch of boxes, the first of which allowed me to pick my font. Now, publish post. I can see all your labels for your prior posts
Are you going to be on FB later or do you want to blog back?
This is a test. Herb, there is no little picture to click on in order to insert the picture. It says Posting in purple, Settings, in blue and View Blog in purple. Then title: Under that, Link
Then a bunch of boxes, the first of which allowed me to pick my font. Now, publish post. I can see all your labels for your prior posts
Are you going to be on FB later or do you want to blog back?
Puppies Ready to Leave
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday Afternoon
Church this morning, short chili lunch after service, pulled a SOLD sign, worked on cleaning up the Suburban. 214,000 miles and still going strong after spending $700 on radiator,oxygen sensor,plugs,wires,temp sensor,fuel pump,and fuel filter. But now she runs like a "*&%^$#", anyway, runs real good. Guess I'll keep it around for another 100,000 or so.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Fun Time With Bubby At The Park
Saturday in Ohio
David and Lisa have gone to a "Goat Convention" in Columbus today and so we had dinner with them last night and then took Bubby for the night. G'ma and he are playing with a cool battery operated train.
Click on the video link image to see Bubby & His Train.
We'll probably go to the school yard and the park to play on the swings and stuff as it's going to be a beautiful fall day today (about 60 degreees). Then we'll take him home late afternoon and see the puppies (8 of them) one last time before they're all sold next weekend, they're six weeks old now and time to go.
Guess that's it for now, I'll post some pix later today,
Click on the video link image to see Bubby & His Train.
We'll probably go to the school yard and the park to play on the swings and stuff as it's going to be a beautiful fall day today (about 60 degreees). Then we'll take him home late afternoon and see the puppies (8 of them) one last time before they're all sold next weekend, they're six weeks old now and time to go.
Guess that's it for now, I'll post some pix later today,
Friday, November 13, 2009
They Both Closed!

They both CLOSED today! We knew one of them was going to close, but the other looked shaky, but it finally closed at 5pm.
David and Lisa are coming over and we are all (with Bubby) going out to dinner and then Bubby is staying with us tonight and tomorrow while David and Lisa go to sell and buy goats at an auction house somewhere.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday Night
As I suspected, one closing is a "go" for 2pm tomorrow, but the other one is delayed until Monday and my sellers are understandably pissed because this is the third time their buyers lender has needed an extension. Oh well, it will close, just later than we hoped for.
Kathy did some Christmas shopping for Bubby today over in Marion. I got back from Cleveland about 3pm so had a chance to hit the office for a bit. I'll have to post a pix of the house we're living in so you can see our high-flyin' life style.
Hope Marilynn gets the email invite and finds this blog and figures out how to log on and write posts. G'Nite for now,
Good news, good week, so far. Many good things happened. Life worked. got other house completely vacated and are now cleaning it. Found two young uns to help us. thinking of renting this house a week at a time and staying in the lower unit over there. Evan is doing great in school, but not yet admitted to the nursing school. Still taking core jclasses, but doing well and highly motivated. Nathan got a 2.50/hr. raise today. He is on cloud nine.
Going to MI Dec. 26-Jan 9. Much thunder and lightening last night and rain. Good. The garden can use it. Trouble is that that allows the weeds to grow along with the plants. Speaking of, we got a beautiful crab claw yesterday at the Ag dept. for only $5.00 and got a lemon grass plant for 1.75 Good deal.
Good luck tomorrow, Herb on the closings
Going to MI Dec. 26-Jan 9. Much thunder and lightening last night and rain. Good. The garden can use it. Trouble is that that allows the weeds to grow along with the plants. Speaking of, we got a beautiful crab claw yesterday at the Ag dept. for only $5.00 and got a lemon grass plant for 1.75 Good deal.
Good luck tomorrow, Herb on the closings
Cleveland Road Trip Thursday
It's 6:18am and we're "up 'n attum" as Dad used to say. The morning news is on, Kathy's in the shower, I'm on my 3rd cup of coffee and checking my email, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.
My broker (Patti) and Nina and I are headed to Cleveland this morning for a regional RE/MAX meeting to hear Dave Linegar (President) speak about today's real estate market and how we can succeed in a down market. Headquarters is in Denver and Dave does these road trips annually. Our regional HQ is Cleveland.
It'll be fun on the way there and back as we get along real well and all have a sense of humor. We'll have a chance in the car for the "water cooler talk" that goes on in many offices but not ours due to the fact that we're all in and out at different times and when we are in we're often meeting with clients or on the phone. Not a lot of chit-chat at our office.
Kathy gets off work early today due to parent/teacher conferences this afternoon and she has her Christmas Club money and so is headed to Marion for shopping. I'll be home around dinner time I suppose.
I've got two closings scheduled for tomorrow Friday, but it's doubtful one of them will close. It's been extended twice now and looks like they'll need a 3rd extension because the lender is slow in getting the deal done. We're assured it will eventually close, but we'll see.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wed Morning
For some reason was sick much of the night (Pepto helped) Kathy says it was most likely the Mickey Dee's Sausage McMuffin I had on the way home from Cardiac Rehab yesterday morning, duh!
Looking forward to two closings this Friday, but right now have to head over to our Hospice of Morrow County office building. We've had mold in the attic and the remediators have been there the last couple days and ran into a "situation" late yesterday and they want me to come by. I serve on the Board of Directors and am chaiman of the Facilities Committee so it's my job to stay on top of this. This picture was taken back in 2007 when we bought the building and were doing a lot of remodeling on it.
Kathy's off to work (she walks to work now) and I've got the Today show going in the background.
I'll check in later and see if Marilynn has checked her email to find out about this blog. I'll set it up where we each get an email if there's a new post or comment that way you don't have to go to the blog to check, it'll let you know.
Later, Herb
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
2nd Post by Herb

It's been good lately, we've been moved into the "smaller" place since mid-August and we really enjoy being back in town. Kathy walks to work and I drive only about a mile or so (I should be walking too!) and it's so much closer to church and shopping.
Now with the extension of the homebuyers tax credit and the fact that we now can take advantage of the $6500 tax credit gives us more reason to find something to buy before June of 2010 when the extension runs out.
The cottage is closed for the season, the boat is out and the water lines are drained. I'm tired of typing for now, been at this computer since after dinner and it's now 8:35pm and my rear end is sore, gotta move around a bit.
I'll look forward to seeing you post something here! (I've included a shot of one of the 8 puppies from David/Lisa's group)
First Baldwin Family Blog Post
this is the first post (by Herb) on the Baldwin Family Blog. I need to get it set up so that family members can write posts without my having to approve as moderator.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)