December 11, 2009 at 10:10 am (Calvert County, Family & Friends, Maryland, Our favorite things, Pictures, Refections, Things we love to do)
Tags: Family, Maryland, Southern Maryland, Christmas, missing persons, NaMUs, Holidays, Bernadette Stevenson Caruso, Memories
A Christmas Tree for Bernadette…
Family Hopes Memories of Missing Woman May Help Others
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Prince Frederick MD, Dec 10, 2009 Every year since Bernadette Stevenson Caruso’s disappearance in Maryland in 1986 her family has put up a Christmas tree up for her. Each year the tree may be a little different but it always has some of Bernadette’s Christmas ornaments on it from the last tree Bernadette put up in 1985.
“I guess in our hearts it is a way to share Christmas with Bernadette no matter where she is. At Christmas we always planned our trees and what we were going to do each year. It is a special link we have had with Bernadette for all these years” says her sisters, Darlene Huntsman and Susan Bowerman. ” For some of our family members, I think the tree is hard but for most of us it is a special Christmas tradition and tribute to our little sister. It is the hope and promise in our hearts that maybe this year the answers will come. This is what Christmas is about sharing the love of those near and dear to our hearts.” says Mrs. Huntsman.
The sisters involvement with missing and unidentified persons motivated them to help establish, The Maryland Task Force for the Missing and Unidentified, Adults and Children, along with other families of Maryland’s missing persons. For the past couple of years they have run this non profit with time freely given and funds raised by its volunteers. Some of their events on behalf of the families of the missing and unidentified have brought national attention to efforts being used to help locate them, these events became models for other states to use. The Maryland Task Force holds public awareness events and speaks before groups such as Moose Lodges, church groups and organizations. They do this is to bring awareness to the fact that every 30 seconds someone in the U.S. disappears, an average of 850,000 persons per year. Approximately 105,000 of these cases remain unsolved. Almost half of these cases represent unidentified persons. The group is willing to speak before any group that is willing to open their hearts and minds about the missing and their families. “Awareness, action and prevention are the key to reducing these numbers” says Mrs. Bowerman.
This year Mrs. Huntsman entered a campaign on the internet at Brickfish.com. Brickfish is a social media community where you can create, view, and review content in many different campaigns for the chance to win rewards and prizes. The holiday campaign, sponsored by Underwriters Laboratories is; Share Your Bright Holiday Moments where you had to share online your most memorable holiday photos, videos and stories. Mrs. Huntsman wrote about her sister and the tree they put up each year and what it means to them. Mrs. Huntsman wanted to share Bernadette’s story and raise funds that will support the Maryland Task Force for the Missing and Unidentified’s efforts . “You have to be creative in these difficult economic times. Small non profits like ourselves are having a tough time” says Mrs. Huntsman. If her entry wins the prizes will be used to attention a national conferences which will provides attendees with investigative and forensic tools as well as new updates on cutting-edge technology. One of the objectives of the conference is to foster collaboration across geographic jurisdictions and the importance of communication among local, state and federal law enforcement and criminal justice practitioners. The group hopes to attend the conference and bring new hope to families of the missing. The group also hopes to raise money for computers and supplies to demonstrate The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) information system at their presentations. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a clearinghouse for missing persons and unidentified decedent records. NamUs is a free online system that can be searched by medical examiners, coroners, law enforcement officials and the general public to solve these cases.
People can go on to the Brickfish.com website and click on the link with Bernadette’s picture to vote for the entry and leave a review. Voting each day improves the entry ranking and scores. This campaign ends December 22, 2009. The entry about Bernadette’s tree has climbed to 6th place out of 595 entries. For more information contact: Susan or Sam Bowerman at 304-261-3132.
Vote at:
Brickfish Website
http://safetyathome.com/contest/?pbb_qsi=27551785&=ecc_all_PPIMEMAIL
Task Force Website:
http://www.themarylandtaskforceforthemissingandunidentified.org/
Bernadette Stevenson Caruso
http://bernadettestevensoncaruso.wordpress.com/
The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
http://www.namus.gov/
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October 29, 2009 at 3:42 pm (Calvert County, Maryland, Our favorite things, Pictures, Refections)
On Saturday night our goat Ivory went into labor, she was due on November 6th so she was a little early. Little Autumn Rose was born Oct 25, 2009 at 4:15 AM. She is a cutie pie! White with black on her face and feet. She is a pretty active little goat for being early but just couldn’t nurse on her Mom. We ended up milking her Mom and giving her bottles for a couple of days, now she is nursing fine. Here is a picture of her at 15 minutes old!
Autumn Rose
On Monday everyone came down to see the new baby goat and have a family dinner. Tracy & Jack visited with us. Sara and Matt, Tracy and Dad all enjoyed the Chinese food I fixed and the delicious cake from Jeneva’s Cakes in Prince Frederick. I was happy to find this bakery when we moved to Calvert County. I walked into the shop and walked out with this beautiful cake for our dinner! Thank you to the very nice lady who iced and decorated it in record time, I was impressed.
The gang loved the cake, and believe me when I say this crowd is cake consiours after all the Sugarbakers and The Cakery cakes we have grown to love! Stop by and check them out!
Cakes By Jeneva
151 Central Square Drive, Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678
We are getting ready for winter here at the farm. We have our black goat, Ebony still due on November 6th. Our Great Pyrameese, Tobi is due on Nov 15th. I am hoping she has a small litter.
There is alway lots to do at the farm with feeding and taking care of the farm and animals. There is no resting here, LOL
The pond is almost finished and ready for fish!
- Jim’s Pond
On my way to work yesterday I stopped by to see Jack and Tracy and snapped a picture or two!
I will close with two more pictures of our little pumpkin taken by his parents!
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October 24, 2009 at 4:31 pm (Refections)
Ok, so most of you know we have chickens and ducks. Two day ago our brood hen , who has been sitting on a nest for a couple of weeks hatched seven chicks. It will be a little more work for the next month or two keeping them warm but they are so darn cute! I keep thinking about all the eggs to come! The picture don’t do them justice!
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October 12, 2009 at 12:59 pm (Family & Friends, Our favorite things, Refections, Things we love to do, Uncategorized)
Jack is here visiting with his Mommy and her friend from Texas, Karah! Everyone is having a wonderful time except little Jack who is having some stomach issues. Lucky for Jack he has some many loving arms to hold him. I got to enjoy Jack through the night yesterday and for someone not feeling well he was a really good baby! The girls and I are having a tea this afternoon so I’ll post picture later. Here the little guy on his one month birthday! Happy Birthday Buddy!
As the afternoon progressed Karah and Tracy went to Solomons Island and then shopping. It was tea for five when they got home. Tracy , Karah, Sara, Jack and I. Can you see Jack enjoying the tea ? LOL. It was a lovely afternoon spent with three young woman that would make any mother proud!
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October 7, 2009 at 6:05 pm (Refections)
Surprise ! Surprise !
Today Tracy and Jack came for a visit, this was the first visit Jack had made to Nana and Granpap’s home! It was also the first time for little Jack to see his room here and visit with JD ( Jack’s Donkey) a miniature donkey born two weeks before Jack! I’m not sure which Little Jack is growing faster, LOL. We had a wonderful visit and Tracy was thoughtful and even brought us lunch! I soooooooooo loved our visit! Here some pictures from our visit!
- ZZZZZZZZZ Jack wasn’t that excited about meeting JD !ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Thanks for the surprise visit, I LOVED it!!!!!
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October 4, 2009 at 5:08 pm (Refections)
Well it has been forever since I’ve written on my blog ( almost a year) so I decided to start blogging again. What a year it has been for us. There have been so many changes in our lives, I don’t even know if I can remember or recap them all. The most wonderful change is of course the addition of our first grandchild, Jack! He is of course the most beautiful baby in the world! I’m not a proud grandma now am I? LOL. We put a lot of thought into what we wanted to be called as grandparents and both of us decided of names used by family members before us. So I am Nana and Jim is Granpap. NO I just couldn’t think of myself as a Grandmaw, LOL. We are both loving being grandparents! One of the things I love the most is how much I loved being a Mom when Tracy, Sara and Matt were little! I loved everything about being a Mom! Tracy and John are WONDERFUL parents. I love to watch them take care of Jack, love and nurture him. Jack is very lucky to have them as his Mommy and Daddy!
Sara is busy with school and friends. She is sooo enjoying being 21! She and Raven are best buds and great company for each other. Raven is her new schnauzer ( she got him from her friends Amy and Craig, he is one of Annie’s puppies. He is really well behaved and trained. They are quite a pair!
Matthew is still trying to find his way here in Calvert County. He rebuilt another car and just got tags for it, so clear the roads! He is going to be helping out as we get ready for our Oktoberfest here at the farm.
Hubby is putting in a pond that seems to get larger every day( I think he thinks I don’t notice that) I think if he had a sandbox when he was younger he wouldn’t like to play in the dirt as much as he does, HAHAH.
Well that’s all for now, time to feed the animals!
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November 15, 2008 at 2:06 pm (Refections)
Jim and I went to the auction last night since we were both feeling better. We were just sitting there minding our own business (watching the bargins) when somone tapped me on my shoulder and said ” I want to buy something too!” What a surprise, it was Tracy and Sara. A double surprise! They had come down to see Matt for his birthday, which is today. They didn’t know that Matt had gone out with his friends and was spending the night so we got to visit with them. Tracy even got a clock at the auction! Watch out, that’s how we got started Tracy! It was nice to spend time with them and we are looking forward to going to John & Tracy’s for Jim’s birthday dinner on Sunday, so see you soon! Happy 19th Birthday Matthew! Boy I am feeling old now, your my baby! Have fun!
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October 15, 2008 at 11:28 am (Refections)
This morning as I was trying to watch the morning news over coffee, I was using the remote flicking through the channels when I saw a special on the Gates of New York. I stopped there to watch the special since that was one of John and Tracy’s first trips together. They actually went to visit New York being unaware of the art exhibit there. I remember Tracy calling and telling me about the Gates. They got some great pictures of the Gates and Central Park. Watching the show I was amazed at the cost of the project, 20 million dollars. I thought,” WOW that’s alot of money for an exhibit for two weeks. Think of all the good the money could have done.” ( I think of how hard it is to do fundraising for our Task Force for The Missing and Unindentified and how much even a fraction of those funds could have been used on behalf of the over 105,372 Missing Persons listed in the FBI’s NCIC computer system. I thought about how that money spent on the Gates could have been used.
I kept watching the show wanting to know how the artists, Christo and Jeanne-Claude could justify the project, for no other reason then because they wanted to, as they stated in the show. The project cost 20 million dollars and they paid for the project themselves! It had nothing to do with Sept 11. No other prupose but art for the public. I watched the mixed emotions of the New Yorkers who watched the project unfold in Central Park, many thought it was an intrusion into the beautiful natural beauty of the park. Many anticipated the unveiling of the project, Truly, it was a mixed bag of reactions.
Here are a few facts about the exhibit from Christo and Jeanne- Claude’s website.
- The Gates were unfurled in Central Park, New York City on February 12, 2005, and remained through February 27, 2005.
- Christo and Jeanne-Claude developed the concept for The Gates in 1979.
On January 22, 2003, the City granted permission to the artists to realize their vision.
- 7,500 gates, 16 feet high (4.87 m) with a width varying from 5 feet 6 inches to 18 feet (1.68 m to 5.48 m) lined 23 miles (36.8 km) of footpaths in the park.
- Free-hanging, saffron-colored fabric panels were suspended from the top of each gate and hang down to 7 feet (2.13 m) above the ground.
- The Gates were stationed approximately 12 feet (3.65 m) apart, except when low branches extend above the walkways.
- The Gates created a visual golden river appearing and disappearing through the bare branches of the trees, highlighting the shapes of the footpaths.
- The luminous moving fabric underlined the organic and serpentine design of the walkways, while the rectangular poles were a reminder of the grid pattern of the City blocks around the park.
- The project provided employment for hundreds of New York City residents, hired to assemble, install, maintain and remove the installation.
- After The Gates were removed, most of the materials was recycled.
- As always, Central Park was open to the public, free of charge, during The Gates.
- The Gates is financed entirely by the artists, who do not accept sponsorships. The publicbeared no expense of any kind.
- For more information about The Gates please visit www.christojeanneclaude.net
As I watched the show and the Gates began to unfurl, the response from those there was amazing, it was very moving to the New Yorkers and the visitors there. The comments made by some of those who viewed the exhibit was that it was beautiful, uplifting and gave you a sense of freedom. As I watched the show I felt a feeling of wonder. In the words of Christo and Jean -Claude from the New York Gov website:
”The temporary quality of the projects is an aesthetic decision. Our works are temporary in order to endow the works of art with a feeling of urgency to be seen, and the love and tenderness brought by the fact that they will not last. Those feelings are usually reserved for other temporary things such as childhood and our own life. These are valued because we know that they will not last. We want to offer this feeling of love and tenderness to our works, as an added value (dimension) and as an additional aesthetic quality.”
There was a feeling within me, a feeling of sadness that I had missed the Gates but happy that Tracy and John had experienced it firsthand. That they had been part of something larger than themselves, a piece of history that gave people hope and inspiration. Thsy had shared in a bigger dream.
The Gates were a vision of the artists, a vision that gave many enormous pleasure and happiness. It was a dream in the making, project that was a long time in the making. A project that gave New Yorker’s and the rest of the country inspiration. We all may not have the funds to undertake projects of that magnitude but we all have dreams in the making. Dreams that no one can ever take away from us, no matter what twists and turns are lives take. That dreams like the Gates are dreams that should be shared, because they inspire and encourage our spirits ands souls. We all need to keep our dream and visions alive even if we are the only ones who pursue them. Dreams have a rippling effect. That all dreams are worth pursuing no matter their size or impact. We all have dreams, dreams to do bigger and better things with our lives. Career dreams, family dreams and yes even dreams of llama farms… on that note I’m headed to the barn.
Oh, and by the way the Gates actually brought in 254 million dollars to the city of New York, smart man that Mayor Bloomburg. That’s giving me some ideas…
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October 12, 2008 at 7:04 pm (Refections)
What better thing to do on a beautiful Sunday afternoon then to get together with the new Mr. And Mrs. Marshall, Sara and Matthew for a relaxing Sunday dinner. Sorry Andy and Amanda couldn’t make it. It was a relaxing day with plenty of good food and conversation, with a lot of football watching and a nap or two mixed in! The Redskins and the Ravens didn’t fare as well as the Huntsmans and Marshalls who enjoyed the crab soup and ribs. Everyone seemed to enjoy just hanging out after having a pretty busy weekend. As John, Tracy and Sara pulled out of the driveway to head home, Harley headed down the driveway and cried when they left. He loved all the attention! We loved the visit!
Hope Everyone Else Had A Great Weekend Too!
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October 10, 2008 at 1:41 pm (Refections)
Ok, So everyone is in the same boat here with the stock market going crazy, so a little humor while we are all losing our shirts! Remember it’s only our retirement money! We will all go to work for Home Depot!
With all the turmoil in the market today and the collapse of Lehman Bros and Acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America this might be some good advice. For
all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks.
9.) Victoria ’s Secret and Smith &Wesson will merge under the new name:
TittyTittyBangBang
Remember to keep your sense of humor!
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October 5, 2008 at 3:37 pm (Refections)
Well maybe not for Sara, she just helped pick them out! Sara joined us at the farm this weekend for a visit. We had a great time just hanging out and playing with the animals. Saturday morning came around and Jim, Matt and Sara and I headed to the farmers market to pick up some roosters and chickens. Sara HATES the chickens, LOL so she didn’t even want to carry the box. We had a fun morning just hanging out and even got to visit with Harley’s brother. We stopped at a Mexican Restaurant that we had been wanting to try for awhile for some great atmosphere and mexican food for lunch. It wasa relaxing day and a lot of fun, just what everyone needed to unwind. Sara headed back home for a romantic dinner with Andy. Jim, Matt and I went to the Cheasapeake Auction House Handyman and Tool Auction. I visited the Marketplace there and picked up some books at the book store before checking out the antique marketplace. Wow, I could spend hours in there just looking. Matt and Jim had fun as usual checking out the auction bargins. We have all had trouble sleeping lately and Saturday night was no different. On Friday Matthew had loaded up a large load of hay on our trailer ( 210 Bales!) and when he couldn’t sleep he went down and unloaded it all to surprise his Dad! It was a long night for Matt and I kept the chocolate cookies coming for energy. Even though it was a night of not much sleep it was nice to hang out with Matt in the barn while he stacked hay and talked. Sunday was a day for sleeping in! Today were resting and getting ready for another busy week ahead. Mr. & Mrs. Marshall are doing the same after working on their house yesterday. Sara is getting ready for upcoming midterms and Harley is busy digging up the yard…
Have a Happy Monday!
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September 30, 2008 at 9:12 am (Refections)
Just sitting here thinking of Tracy & John, who are come home today! I know they have had a wonderful honeymoon and are excited about coming back to their new life as Mr. & Mrs. I know we are! Sara and I are headed to their house before they get there with a few surprises to drop off and then we pick them up at midnight! It will be a l-o-n-g day for them as they leave Palm Island at 9:00AM. Hopefully Tracy will have an easier time on the flight home, since she is feeling better. Looking forward to them being home!
Welcome Home Mr. & Mrs. Marshall !
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September 29, 2008 at 10:18 am (Refections)
Ours won’t be any different. As I speak he is digging in my flower pots. And yes, he has tried to chase the chickens. The cats like Harley, they look at him and see a warm fuzzy blanket. Here are some pictures Sara took yesterday.
Yes, he is going to be a handful. I’m thinking obedience school. LOL
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September 28, 2008 at 9:10 am (Refections)
Yes, I got a ” Harley”Ok, so I told a few people that Jim got me a Harley today. And some people got worried, is she crazy? What was he thinking? We heard all kinds of comments. LOL Well those that new me better just knew it had to be an animal and they were right!
” Harley” is an 11 week old Great Pyrenees Puppy weighing in at just around 40 lbs. We’ve had our female pyrenees, Toby for a couple of years. She is the farm guard dog, just ask the UPS man! She hates the color brown. She is a great guard dog and real sweet to boot.
Toby has taken to her new friend rather slowly, keeping him in his proper place. She immediately went down to the barn and stood in the door way as if to say, Your not coming in my barn! Harley and Annie( our Toy Schnauzer) are buddies and bunked together last night in the laundry room. Harley has been pretty laid back so far. He didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. That’s OK neither did I. So we are continuing on, just one big happy family here at the farm! Next week I’m starting a second page called ” Meet Our Animals”. I’ve been working on some children’s stories for awhile now and now that the wedding planning is over, I’ll be putting the finishing touches on some of those. So, see I’m still as sane as I always was. LOL
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September 25, 2008 at 9:52 am (Pictures, Refections)
The Blogging Bride is Married!
We thought the day would never get here then all of the sudden it was here! All the planning gave way to a picture perfect weekend on the Eastern Shore. The weather was made to order for an outdoor wedding. The guys enjoyed playing golf and shooting clay pigeons before the big event. The rehersal dinner was lovely, with everyone enjoying the delicious food and perfect setting. The young folk continued on after the dinner to the Aspen Wye River to hang out and blow off a little steam. Last time I saw them they were checking out farms, LOL. We older folks turned in to get ready for the big day ahead.
The next morning Jim and I woke up to Tracy crawling in bed with us for one last time. Tracy had gotten some pictures blown up and framed of us with her when she was just a month or two old, when we walked into our rooms at the inn there they were! Talk about kleenex time! But Tracy thought of that too, she had hankies made for Jim and I that said” I carry your heart in my heart. ” Needless to say it was a true magic moment for the three of us. We went down to a lovely breakfast made by Anne Marie and the guys went off shooting. We soon set up our Bridal luncheon with the help of the wonderful B & B ladies and Maid Of Honor, Sara! We broke out the bubbly and soon got started on more serious stuff, hair and makeup!!!! The afternoon flew by and soon it was time to get dressed. At three the Grandparents and Godparents came to watch Tracy put on her gown. Wow, she made one beautiful bride!!!!!
Everyone looked beautiful for the wedding the bridsmaids and flowergirls and our litle ring bearer Andrew, who so wanted to get down the aisle to get that lollypop!
The ceremony was lovely and before you know it it was time for the reception. John and Tracy went off in a beautiful horse and carriage for pictures. Everyone else headed for the reception except for the bridal party, getting those last pictures! The cocktail hour was in full swing by the time we got there. Everyone headed into the reception to wait for the bridal party to arrive. Finally they John and Tracy appeared looking so ready to get the party started! The band was wonderful and everyone raved and danced the night away! Tracy and John seemed to have the most fun of all. Their first dance as husband and wife was impressive and all of their dance classes certainly paid off! From then on the dance floor was packed! Here is a picture of the happy couple!
The night ended too soon, everything seemed to go bye in fast motion! Here are a few more pictures!
Congratulations
Mr. & Mrs Marshall!!!!
We love you!
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September 8, 2008 at 8:55 am (Refections)
Yesterday, Jim and I rode to Virginia. We spent some time in the car and it was a really nice drive. All the clouds and rain from Hanna gave way to beautiful sunny skies. With all we have yet to do (with the wedding just 12 days away ! ) we decided to have just a no rush day. To take some time to slow things down and the ride was a perfect opportunity for that. While driving through the back roads we talked about our love for nature, our “farm” life and our family. Jim talked of retiring and somehow I just don’t see that happening anytime soon. LOL Maybe cutting back soon but we have some wonderful employees at work right now and I have never seen Jim come home more energized and excited about work. It’s nice to see him enjoying it so much! ( I still would like to go on that vacation just the two of us, LOL I am still working on that.)
We talked about the kids and how great they have all turned out. How lucky they have been to have so many wonderful people in their lives. How fortunate they have been to have so many more opportunities then we ever had growing up. How important it has been for us to be able to provide that for them. We can not help but feel that our three children are our greatest gifts to this world and our proudest accomplishments in our life together. We know we’ve had a lot of help by some terrific people helping them to turn out as wonderful well rounded young adults. It has taken a village to raise our kids, a village made up of family, friends and teachers. A village that we will be forever grateful for! I know that Tracy, Sara and Matt will remember this and always be grateful for the love and support they have received in their lives so far. I know that they will continue to become a village for others too.
The next week will be crazy and hectic, but we will get ready for the wedding keeping in mind that it is a celebration of the marriage that Tracy will be starting with John but it is also a celebration of those important people in their lives who will be attending, those who have helped them grow into the fine young couple they are today. So thank you to their ” villages” for a job well done! You all know who you are! 
Well time to get to work, have a great day!
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August 25, 2008 at 10:41 pm (Refections)
Wow, is all I can say about Ocean City! It was a wonderful opportunity for The Maryland Task Force For the Missing and Unidentified, Adults & Children as a public awareness event. From the Coast Guard runners who we roped in to help us move the benches around to the OC police who stayed with us most of the day, it was wonderful! The people who stopped by our spot were all caring and kind, all interested in learning more about the stories of Maryland’s Missing and Unidentified. We got SO much traffic at the location and such overwhelming support, it was great. Some of us got pretty sunburned, we had the service on the beach but were all so wired we went out after our 15 hour day. To the friends and families who joined us there, Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.
Here are some pictures from the CUE center who visited with us:
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August 21, 2008 at 8:20 am (Refections)
I can’t believe I get some time away from the farm! With just one month till Tracy & John’s wedding and lots to still do! I’m going down to Ocean City with The Maryland Task Force For The Missing & Unidentified, Adults & Children for a public awareness event for Maryland’s Missing Persons. We will be joined by the CUE Center on Saturday August 23. So it’s not a vacation by any means but it will be a welcomed change of pace from all the goings on here at the farm lately. Anyway here is some info in case anyone wants it:
The Maryland Task Force For The Missing and Unidentified, Adults And Children
Event Location:
August 23, 2003
501 South Atlantic Ave.
Ocean City, MD 21842
National Tour Joins Maryland Task for the Missing And Unidentified, Adults And Children Efforts to Bring Attention to Maryland Missing Persons Cases
Ocean City, Maryland will host The Maryland Task Force For The Missing and Unidentified, Adults and Children Public Awareness Event on Saturday August 23, 2003. The Maryland Task Force’s mission is to bring attention to the tragedy of missing and unidentified adults and children to the government and general public in Maryland. The Maryland Task Force is a non profit organization of family members, law enforcement and individuals who are committed to making a difference for the missing and unidentified. This all day public awareness event will be held on the boardwalk in Ocean City on Saturday August 23, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at 501 South Atlantic Ave. OC, MD 21842. This location is directly opposite the police substation. The day will end in a candlelight vigil on the beach to remember all missing and unidentified from Maryland.
The Task Force will be joined by volunteers from the North Carolina-based CUE Center for Missing Persons on it’s 5th cross country tour to raise awareness of missing children and adults. The team is scheduled to make an appearance at 11:15 AM and will distributing a trail of DVD’s, press kits and valuable information concerning 110 missing persons and 6 unsolved homicide cases. Many Maryland cases will be featured at this year’s tour stop and highlighted at the groups pre planned rally stops that will include participation from law enforcement agencies, advocates – organizations, families of the missing and local and state officials and media.
It is wonderful that Ocean City and The Ocean City Police Department are supporting our event. If your at the beach this weekend come see us on the boardwalk and look at the faces of some of Maryland’s missing persons. We will be having a candlelight service on the beach at the end of the day.
WHEN I GET BACK FROM THE BEACH I’M HEADED TO VISIT MY MOM AND I JUST MAY STAY THERE TILL THE WEDDING! JUST KIDDING MOM DON’T GET WORRIED!!!
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August 21, 2008 at 7:55 am (Refections)
Well, no one ever said having a farm would be easy. We have been waiting on the birth of our Mini donkey baby for awhile now. Fancy Face, the Mom gave birth to a little boy yesterday who was born with a severe birth defect. He could not have lived with this defect more than a few hours. Despite this he was very active and alert when born and was a sweet little guy. The vet arrived and put him down a little after his birth. It was sad especially for his Mom who had been pregnant for so long. Mom is doing fine and gets to go back in a day or two and hang out with the other girls. We girls all know, we can’t do with out our girlfriends during those rough times! We are hoping this black cloud hanging over the farm blows over real soon.
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August 15, 2008 at 4:25 am (Refections)
For some of us a very l..o..n..g… day. Been up every hour checking on Fancy Face, our miniature donkey getting ready to foal, at least we hope so soon! Got up to check on her and she’s down and stayed down. She had contractions yesterday, maybe her baby was turning. It’s now 4:01 and she is up eating and looks fine. Wish I could go back to sleep but since I’m getting up and down so much why bother, most donkeys ( at least I’ve read this) have their babies at night or early morning hours so ( YAWN) guess I’ll stay up! This will be our first mini donkey to be born here at our farm. If it’s a girl we will keep her, if it’s a boy, we already have a waiting list of buyers. It is quite and ordeal just getting to the barn during the night to check on her, as I go out the back door Iam greeted by at least two of our four cats. I try to go down by the light of the barn light because if the donkeys in the other pasture see you they start yelling up a storm. I’m sure our neighbors just love that! Usually Fancy just looks at me as if to say “You again, what’s up?” If she hungry, and she’s always hungy these days she lets out a yell or two if I’m not fast enough giving her a snack. I think she has me well trained. LOL. I usually don’t turn on the barn lights as not to wake the other 8 llamas, 2 donkeys and 7 goats who stay in that barn with her. it’s a really big barn with room to spare. I try not to get the dogs up in the garage barking either. It’s always an adventure here. I am always walked down to the barn and back by Max and Olivia. Olivia is the cat pictured on the top of this page and she and Max are the favorite’s here at the farm. They have the sweetest, most loving personalities. When we first brought Max here from the other farm he disappeared for over two months ( after just a week here) and everyday we searched and went to animal control to look for him. We had adds and poster everywhere here. We were beside ourselves, Sara and Matt especially. One day, here is Max sitting on the back porch, saying hello! Someone nearby must have thought they found a wonderful cat and kept him indoors because he looked great. Max doesn’t go too far now from home. Time to go back to the barn. Be back soon.
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August 3, 2008 at 9:17 am (Refections)
Tags: shower, Tracy, Wedding
Yesterday, our friends Pam, Mandy and Christie held another bridal shower for Tracy.
It was so wonderful! ♥
Tracy ( and I) got to relax and enjoy the company of some truly special friends. As they say ” you could feel the love”. Tracy was joined by some of her bridesmaids ( thank you ladies for coming to another shower ) and some of our teacher/ friends from Millersville Elementary School. Mrs. Wiles and Mrs. Miller ( Mrs. Jauchnegg and Mrs. Preston couldn’t make it but they were there in spirit!) are very special ladies. We have stayed close to these wonderful ladies since our kids started school. We totally enjoyed reminiscing and their entertaining stories. We told them they should be writing a book! If you go to Annapolis for a tour of the government buildings, you may be lucky enough to get these two ladies for your tour.
Everything was lovely at the shower and Tracy will soon have pictures up on her blog for sure! I cherish my friendship with Pam and her girls, and of course Bill too. Just another blessing I have in my life. The food was scrumptious and Pam promises to share her recipes. Now don’t forget Pam!
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July 22, 2008 at 12:25 pm (Refections)
What Is My Daughter?
My daughter is
Goodness and light
She’s a breeze during a hot summer day
She’s the first snowflake on a winters morning
The sound of a bird on a beautiful spring day
A flower that seems to bloom overnight
My daughter is
Eyes wide with wonder and anticipation
With a heart full of giggles
And a lifetime of smiles
My daughter is
All that is loving and good
Bringing her own unique strengths to
Her family and friends
Her inner strength is her spirituality and her faith
With his guidance she’s found her place
She was God’s way of showing his love
And unending grace
By sending me my daughter
This very special gift
My daughter, my friend
I have watched you laugh and cry and grow
and now soon I will have to let you go.
You came from deep within my heart
It’s there you’ll always be though your own life will now start.
My daughter is a woman, no longer a child
soon to be a beautiful bride
She will find her place as his loving wife
As she continues to make us proud throughout her life
Wow, what a weekend. Tracy’s bridal shower was Saturday, given by her maid of honor( her sister Sara) and her matron of honor( John’s Aunt and Tracy’s friend Amy). It was truly a lovely day! So many of Tracy’s friends and family gathered and surronded her with love and best wishes as well as tons of lovely presents!
The tea was lovely and all the ladies enjoyed being together in such a lovely setting. As for my girl she never looked more beautiful! The smiles that graced her face all day truly came from her heart! I have never seen Tracy so happy! It is truly a mothers dream to have a daughter so happy and ready to start on the next part of her journey as a woman and wife. What more can we want for our childern but to go into this world as happy, independent and loved adults. We are so proud of the young woman you have become Tracy! Enjoy every moment of this very special time! We love you Tracy Liz!
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July 22, 2008 at 10:07 am (Refections)
Here are some pearls of wisdom that somone sent me with some additions added. Please post any additions you may have for these. It will be interesting to see what we all come up with. As for me today I am just trying to keep my head above the water, LOL.
ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don’t believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, ‘I love you,’ mean it.
FIVE. When you say, ‘I’m sorry,’ look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone’s dreams. People who don’t have dreams don’t have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it’s the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly.. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don’t judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN! .. When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile and ask, ‘Why do you want to know?’
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say ‘bless you’ when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN.. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.
TWENTY-TWO, Forgive yourself for your own mistakes.
Quotes I love…
Mitsugi Saotome:
If you were all alone in the universe with no one to talk to, no one with which to share the beauty of the stars, to laugh with, to touch, what would be your purpose in life? It is other life, it is love, which gives your life meaning. This is harmony. We must discover the joy of each other, the joy of challenge, the joy of growth.
Jane Howard:
Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family:
Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.
John P. Kretzmann and John L. McKnight:
Every single person has capabilities, abilities and gifts. Living a good life depends on whether those capabilities can be used, abilities expressed and gifts given. If they are, the person will be valued, feel powerful and well-connected to the people around them. And the community around the person will be more powerful because of the contribution the person is making.
Thomas Moore:
Family life is full of major and minor crises — the ups and downs of health, success and failure in career, marriage, and divorce — and all kinds of characters. It is tied to places and events and histories. With all of these felt details, life etches itself into memory and personality. It’s difficult to imagine anything more nourishing to the soul.
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July 13, 2008 at 12:35 am (Refections)
At least it seems that way! So much going on and pulled in 27 different directions. Between having problems with the changes in management at the wedding locations and working out what we were originally told and what we are being told now it’s enough to make a person crazy. Details, details, details! I will blog after the wedding to let others know what to expect as parents in our whole wedding experience. I am meeting with our friends at Top Hat Rentals this morning. Mike and Cookie’s daughter Michelle is getting married one month to the day after Tracy at the same location! They helped make my 50th birthday a beautiful event here at the farm.
We are headed to Dover again to meet with Sara’s new roommate and to get her set up for school in August, it will be here before you know it! She’s excited about being in her first apartment. We have been shoping for her apartment. We are loving all the company here at the farm, we have had a continous flow of visitors lately and have enjoyed their visits. Everyone seems to enjoy the peaceful setting here. Matt’s friend Mitch came down and took some beautiful pictures. Another busy week in store for us. We are looking forward to Tracy’s bridal shower on Saturday! So see everyone on Saturday, have a good week!
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July 7, 2008 at 7:23 am (Refections)
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June 30, 2008 at 8:10 am (Refections)
Good Morning,it was a busy, busy weekend always lots to do here. Celebrate with our friends, Bill and Pam their 29th wedding anniversary! It was a great party given by their two lovely daughters. We love Bill & Pam and wish them many more years of happiness! Enjoyed Bill and Pam’s family and friends as we always do!
Been working in the yards and fields here at the farm, mulching, weeding and cleaningup. Our barn is really shaping up too, with water and electric installed now. Good bye hoses and electriccords! Sara and Matt have been helping out here at the farm this weekend. We tease Sara about not liking to work on the farm, but she pitches right in and gets dirty and dusty like the rest of us! She went outside last night because our dog was barking like crazy, only to discover it was because our rooster was out there trying to crow! He’s a young guy and hadn’t started yet so he was practicing. It was pretty funny like a boy going through change of voice stage. So this morning he was out there with his faint little crow. Makes you feel like your living on a farm! Our mini donkey, Fancy still hasn’t delivered and I just know it will be while the vet is away here for the next week or so, that’s always the way isn’t it. Or she’ll have our baby during our 4th of July party! Fancy Face is a first time Mom and we are praying for an easy delivery for her. We are getting ready for our 4th of July cookout with a gathering of family and friends. Hope the weather gives us a break or it will be a cookin! Well I’m going out to work in the yard before that humidity gets up there. So stay cool and Happy Monday!
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June 26, 2008 at 9:56 pm (Refections)
That’s what I am! In 85 days, Tracy and John will be getting married! Before you know it the day will be here. Tracy and John have done a wonderful job so far planning, everything despite some changes at the wedding and reception venue. Tracy has inherited my party planning skills and wants everyone coming to the wedding to enjoy the day as much as she and John do. I am sure they will with all they have planned. We have lots of rooms already reserved for those spending the weekend on the shore. We have always loved the eastern shore of Maryland and the kids have some great memories of our house on Cox Creek. It may have been a little waterfront, but it was always filled with love and came with a wonderful set of extra grandparents next door. God love Miss Doris and Mr. George, they were wonderful. We have fun memories of crabbing and swimming off the pier. So now you know why Tracy loves the shore so much! We are still working on some last minute details for the wedding.. Tonight was the last night of Tracy’s summer classes, so she can have a much needed break and relax a little. I am looking forward to all of the rest of the plans for the wedding. I am so happy that Tracy found John. He is a wonderful young man and together they will have a wonderful future. They are truly a match made in heaven! Well that’s all for now it’s been a very long day for this MOB! Catch you later!
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June 26, 2008 at 12:59 pm (Refections)
And electric too at least by tonight it will be! Finally, it will make our lives so much easier. We’ve been using hoses and extension cords to the barn for awhile now and believe me it was no fun last winter. Progress here at the farm. Sometimes you take a few steps back and a few steps forward. Life has so many unexpected twists and turns. Take Tracy’s friends, Amy & Craig, absolutely sweet and wonderful young couple. They were expecting their first baby, Kira when Amy found out she had lymphoma. After delivering their beautiful baby girl ( and boy do I mean beautiful). Amy got her biopsy back two days later. I have to tell you my heart broke when I heard the news. Amy may look small and petite but only in size, she is a Tigger, no not tiger, Tigger! She is not just going to let this bring her down, she is keeping the posative TIGGER attitude. You Mom’s know what I mean, we have watched enough Winnie the Pooh to know that if you need a friend Tigger is the one to have for his strength and courage! I am keep Amy, Craig and Kira in my prayers. I have one of their newest pictures from Heather Owens website set as the background on my computer, so each time I look at it I say a prayer. To see Kira and the new family pictures, check out Heather’s site here http://photosbyheatherowens.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/kiras-here/ or stop by Amy’s blog! http://babybabst2008.wordpress.com/ Please keep their family in your prayers! I can’t wait to see Kira she is so sweet. Hang in there Amy, you know that a lot of people are praying and love you!
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June 7, 2008 at 7:34 pm (Refections)
ALright, it’s 6:30 pm here and the heat index is 106 degrees. My animals are saying, come on September! The fans are running in the barn and the llamas love being hosed off, they turn around in circle while I’m hosing them down! Believe it or not, hubby worked outside most of the day stacking timber and raking the pastures on his tractor. I worked on the yard then visited the Chesapeake Auction House for the tail end of their Saturday auction. It is one of our favorite place to go here in Calvert County! We enjoy the wonderful bargins and have gotten some really nice pieces of estate furniture for the farm. I’m currently collecting tea cups for my upcoming spinners tea! If you haven’t checked them out visit their website: http://www.chesapeakemarketplace.com/auction.htm Make sure you go hungry, because Nicole in the kitchen is a great cook and her cafe is always open offering great food! (I have been known to go off my diet for her fried shrimp and fries, just ask Sara! )The auction is owned by a lovely family and we always have a great time, so be sure and check them out! Our yard had never looked so good thanks to their nursery auction. We are kicking everything in to high gear getting ready for open house here at the farm and for Tracy’s wedding.
Matt comes back from the beach this week and Sara is still making plans for Wesley in August. So much to do and so little time! We meet with the folks at the River Plantation / Hunters Oak to go over wedding details this weekend, I can’t believe it’s only three months! Tracy is taking summer classes, working and working on their new home. It is a killer schedule for those two! Hang in there Tracy and John, the last months can be sooooooo stressful! You WILL make it through all these details! Well, stay cool for now…Darlene
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June 5, 2008 at 9:39 pm (Refections)
Today Sara and I went back to Dover, Delaware to Wesley to tour the campus and meet with her counselor. We were surprised when we got to the admissions office to see a welcome sign for Sara! We met with a nice young lady by the name of Aubrey, who was celebrating her 21st birthday today! We enjoyed our tour of the lovely Wesley campus. Sara loves the campus and the town! Then we spent some time driving around looking at houses and apartments. Off to Olive Garden for lunch and then we drove to Ocean City to celebrate! We walked on the boardwalk for awhile and enjoyed the ocean views. We hooked up with Matt and his girlfriend so they could give Sara some congratulatoryhugs! We didn’t spend much time in OC just enough to pick up our Thrashers fries, Fishers popcorn and Candy Kitchen Fudge, all the necessities for the ride home! We have a few more trips planned for later on this month to get things lined up for Sara for August. Dover is very well suited for Sara who has always been and ” old soul” and likes old houses and small town settings. Sara will do well at Wesley, they appear to be a small, friendly campus community and they pride themselves in knowing each student as more than a number. Once Sara saw the Target and Sonic she was sold, LOL It is a small town atmosphere with all the conveniences close by. We drove home at sunset over the Bay Bridge exhausted but happy! Thanks for driving home Wesley Girl!
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