April 1
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April 2001
April 1
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April 29
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| 134. Kurt you did a great
job on the web site (as usual) Keep up the good work. Its Monday
morning and all are off to school and work. Derek is on his way back
to the Marines and duty as a Marine recruiter. Good luck Derek. We
love you. For Barbra, its back to the waiting game. We've all done
that and its not any fun. But on the brighter side, it won't be long
now till school is over. A long hot summer is just over the horizon.
How can we keep the kids from getting tired of sleeping late, goofing
off and making their parents mad? Give them a book to read and ask
them to do a book report for you that is due at the end of summer.
Christy will miss the kids in her class, but, will love the rays at
the beach. This summer we will all be together. WOW!How can we stand
all this fun? Claude is on his count down to retire. Come on Claude we
are looking out the window for you. Nina is missing her sweetie. 2001-04-30 08:36:01, Dad |
| 135. Communications (both
oral and written) is he most difficult skill for us humans. And,it is
not only what we say but what we were perceived to have said that is
significant. Sometimes wars are started by the mis-translation of the
terms and the challenge. Some one once said, "I know that you did
not understand what I said, but do you know that what I said is not
what I meant?" For the youngsters in the family. Women have
always had the option to leave the house and go out to earn a living.
It is not a phenomenon that is new to the the present age. But, it is
true that most of the women we old timers knew, stayed at home and
performed the very difficult and often thankless job of wife and
mother. A host of us ancients are the products of those women. Most of
us did pretty good when our mom's and our wives stayed at home and
kept the home fires burning. When kids had problems, they could go to
their moms for the answer. When we soldiers needed dinner on a juffy
or our uniforms ironed, our wives were there to make it or to listen
to our problems. No problem. Those women were not denegrated by others
for doing what the stay at home mom's did. Today, unfortunately,
unless one has "a career", (That is, to go off to work every
morning and be the "joint bread winner") society often
perceives those who stay at home to be less than their "working
sisters." It is that feeling of which I speak. "Oh! you
don't work? just what do you do?" I consider that my wife, and
your mom, had a career just as demanding and vital to the war effort
as any job in the work force. And, the absence of the husband and
father had just as serious an impact on the woman as anyone in the
business world. Respect is what your Mom deserves and I am glad that
she gets it from one and all.That is my way of expanding on what I
said. No offense is given or taken. 2001-04-29 19:53:06, Dad |
| 136. What fun! Nina,Kurt
the kids and I met in the Shipley back yard on the patio and had
coffee and Sunday morning conversation. Then we all headed to AJ Henry
Park to tour the trails and let the dogs run. Darlin' was there along
with Racal, Sandy and my Buddy. We went down into the valley, across
the bridge beside the bamboo. And then we went up the hill out along
the unimproved trail to the fence that borders Interstate 10. Then we
descended back into the valley, crossed the stream and up the hill.
The conversation was good. Amber led the way and Hunter took up the
rear with his Nun-chucks. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday
morning. Life is great. Nina,Kurt, lets do it again. Poor Mama spent
her day in agony with her sciatic pain. She must get relief soon. If
you are able, pray for her recovery. We need all the help we can get
these days. Mama goes to the doctors on 2 May. On 9 May she will
celebrate her birthday. 2001-04-29 19:21:28, Dad |
| 137. Just checking in
with the crowd. My last and final formal military event last night
went off beautifully. GREAT to go out on top of ones form. They all
did a superb job and did even better with the skit on me. I wish it
had been taped as it was precious. Amazing with the mixed gender of
the crowd too; lots of good joking especially the one about Viagra
being dumped into the Grog Bowl. It is a different world now than the
one I entered 26 years ago. Then women were expected to support their
husbands and raise their family as the Daddy was often gone defending
our Nation from godless Commies. Now a days there are options to the
life a woman wishes to lead. Working in the home or out of the home,
single/married or some mix of all them is possible and nobody frowns
upon it. I know that those of an older Army sometimes don't understand
my conversation as I don't always stop to ensure that I am understood,
for that I am sorry. As there is no right or wrong as different eras
have different ways to approach life. The 10 Commandants are good
rules and when you violate one of them, then you have done wrong. I do
respect my Parents. Got to go. The email account at worked stacked up
while I was gone. Take care, 2001-04-28 12:50:54, Claude |
| 138. Kurt, thanks for
checking in. Hope you and Hunter had a good night and a good morning.
It will be fun to hear about Amber's and Christy night at the Camp for
all Seasons. Hope the bugs did not find you. 2001-04-27 10:09:59, Mama Bea |
| 139. Kurt do not forget
your son today. I will check my cell phone before bed, leave me a
message if you need anything. Amber and I are off to camp at "Camp for all Seasons". Wish us luck and no bugs. I hope everyone has a good day. 2001-04-26 08:06:20, Love Christy |
| 140. Nice Website Kurt!!
This is Qedrin from Team Toyota. Visit mine sometime http://www.geocities.com/qdinfl
... it needs updating badly.. LOL!! Bye! 2001-04-25 17:50:01, Qedrin |
| 141. PETA has banned
ACTNUTS for being anti bear. Shame on you Kurt! give us more flicks to
watch. But please, no more cruelty toward animal stuff. We talked to
Kurt last night. Well at least it sounded like Kurt. He sounded rested
and refreshed and actually sounded happy. See folks, those long hours
surrounded with good looking people makes a boy feel good.We hear that
Kurt got home by 6PM one night and Christy did not know who it was.
But life can be beautiful especially when they are making over a
hundred thousand a year. To some of us, that is a lotta money. Mama
and I don't have time to spend all our riches. Course our wealth is
all tied up in our family. Take that to Publix some day and see how
many groceries you get. Have a nice day and know we love you all. 2001-04-25 08:08:28, Dad |
| 142. Hi Kurt, It's me Stephanie. Just wanted to sign you guestbook....bye 2001-04-24 16:01:55, Stephanie Jerger, |
| 143. Kurt lives! Yes, it
is true. His parents saw him with his big son Hunter one evening. He
was driving a bright yellow Toyota Spyder. He is a real person. Not
just the robot you have been seing on the web cam. Should you make an
appointment with him? YES, by all means, if you want to see him in the
flesh. Christy! you do have a husband. He is there. Just when you
think he is at work. Chin up girl. We all went through hard times. The
Army expected us to spend at least 24 hours a day and then it was not
enough. The women? those with careers, and those with out. (Yes there
are still some male chavanistic pigs that think motherhood is not a
career)Well, what do they know? Read my poem entitled, Every woman is
a working woman. If motherhood is not a career, we'd all be in bad
shape. There, I've said it. Got it off my chest. Well anyway. Kurt, we
wish you well when you go for your physical. Ask for a finger wave. It
will make your day. (Might like it)Check out the doctors finger first
and be sure he doesn't have both hands on your shoulders. Come to see
us Kurt. We all miss you. Visit Christy first. Wives do need
attention. Claude, we miss you already.We hear you love your back
yard. I knew you would like your new home. Wouldn't it be great if
Claude and Kim met for work? Barbra and Nina? can you imagine them
eating lunch together? Nina dropped in last night for a chat. What a
wonderful life! 2001-04-24 09:47:01, Dad |
| 144. Thank you Nina and
Claude for the great dinner at your house. We always find somethngs to
laugh about. We did miss those that were not able to attend. Erik,
Grandpa and I will look forward to coming to see your new place. Thank
you Amber, Hunter Sarah and Adam for the hugs. Hope that all are
having a good week. Kurt is was great to read you on the webpage this
a.m. Your sound great and we are glad you are able. I hope you can
manage to have the time off to be with family more. They will love it
and us also. Good news with Dad from the doctor's appointment. All
parts seem to be improved and Dad is feeling good again and looking oh
so much better. Keep it up Joe. I guess it goes to prove that one
should not worry and just take one day at a time. Love to all. 2001-04-24 08:35:39, Mama Bea |
| 145. Thank you all for a
super week of being with the family. Sorry I didn't get to see more of
Kurt, but making money is not easy. Kim, thanks for your assistance
plus the lettuce and offer to work in your garden and plant other
veggies. Mom and Dad it was great seeing you last night and Barbra,
Derek and the kids plus Christy and her entourage. Heather keep the
pond clean as Nina is poking me on whether or not I'll keep ours clean
if you don't:>) Off to Fort Benning and then to Fort Lee by the end of the week to host my last Formal Dining-In ie party without spouses/friends----stag. Thanks for making this a great week. I expect my request for a month "drop" will be approved and then I'll be back in June. Bye--take care. 2001-04-23 07:54:01, Claude |
| 146. The first Shipley
party in their new home in the Gardens was an unqualified success.
Food was great. Conversation was lively. Kurt, we missed you. Nina and
Claude, you did a great job. Mama Buddy and I enjoyed it all and came
home filled with love and joy. Family! nothing compares to it. Claude,
we wish you God speed as you head north to Ft Benning. Return soon.
The rest of you, off to school and work. Mama and I return to our
quiet lives. Sarah! I loved talking with you. 2001-04-23 06:59:19, Dad |
| 147. Kurt. how nice to
start the day with you coming here and having morning coffee with us.
Hope all your family have a good day. We enjoyed having Nina, Claude
and Mark here with us last evening. Sorry about the bussel spouts. We
enjoyed the salmon and will have the left over for lunch today or
soon. Not sure what will be going on today with us but we will plan to
see everyone tomorrow at the Shipleys. 2001-04-21 08:58:46, Mama Bea |
| 148. The MRI went good.
Now waiting for the results and doctor advice. The first MRI I ever
had was awful and they had to pull me out quick a couple of times
until I could settle myself down. It is not for a claustrophobic
person but after several I know I can survive. Who could imagine such
a machine. We are hoping that Claude has good luck this week and will
be here all the time soon. Life is good. I am so glad that Joe does
better each day. Thanks Barbra and Derek for coming to dinner last
night. We enjoyed it. Have a great weekend. See everyone on Sunday.
Christy have fun at the wedding and we know you will look pretty.
Amber and Hunter also have a good weekend and enjoy your Grandparents
being with you. 2001-04-20 09:34:06, Mama Bea |
| 149. Dad and Mom thank
you so much for a wonderfull night.Mom you made a awesome dinner.It
was good to spend time together.See you all on Sunday. 2001-04-20 07:21:17, Love Barbra |
| 150. Great day today; my
visit to Kim's office was very beneficial. First, I got to meet his
team members who were very nice and respectful like in the
military-good crew. Second, I got a tour of the workplace. Nice place
with lots of high tech gear and superb potential for a very good
distance learning/educational medium. We also got to spend time
talking about his work and challenges. Lastly, I got to meet his boss
who is an Engineer like Kim, so they speak the same language. But she
is very nice and practical; no nonsense but a warm personality. She
was very helpful and straightforward. Bought shelving material for the laundry room and then spent time after supper putting up one of the two shelves. Lots of tedious work putting them up; will finish the other one tomorrow. 2001-04-19 22:29:32, Claude |
| 151. It was fun to have
dinner with Barbra and Derek. We don't get a chance to just chat one
on one often. We are so happy that Barbra has Derek. What a great
husband he will be. Lucky Barbra. Lucky Derek. Love makes the world go
round. A marriage of love and mutual respect. Derek is an officer and
a gentleman. 2001-04-19 19:57:28, Dad |
| 152. How great it is to
just sit in the sun and soak up the rays. Just Buddy and me. Fame?
fortune? success? position? Nothing is more important than enjoying
the birds and the flowers and smelling the breeze. All the things that
used to mean a lot mean little or nothing to me anymore. Simpliciy!
sitting with my pretty wife. Patting my dog. Walking along the lake
(no it is not Lake Kilkee) Watching the red shouldered hawks circling
in the sky. The sound of music far away and the wind in the pines.
Stop and smell the flowers. Take your spouse to Lake Ella and walk
around the lake and sit on a park bench. Drink a glass of wine and eat
some cheese. Hug your spouse when they are asleep and smell them close
to you. Listen to your children. Read them a story or tell them one.
Soon they will be grown and then its Cats in the Cradle all over
again. Those are the only things that count. No, none of that pays the
bills but what are material things? I discovered the good life early
on and have enjoyed it ever since. I recommend it to all of you. 2001-04-19 13:53:39, Dad |
| 153. Another beautiful
airconditioner free day. Now you know why you came to Dixie to live.
One day in Tallahasse is worth a thousand in the north east. Mama goes
for her MRI tonight. Send your prayers for her to get better.
Greenspan lowered the interest rate another half point. Is this the
time to buy? It is not a time for faint hearts. the market is on the
upward swing. Those who have faith in American are seeing that the
economy is pretty healthy. Life is great. 2001-04-18 13:39:58, Dad |
| 154. The nicest thing
happend to me today. Claude just came by to visit. It was the first
time ever and it was so nice to just sit on the porch and talk. Life
is so good! can it get any better? Doubt it. 2001-04-17 18:27:14, Dad |
| 155. These are the best
of times. Mama and I can't tell you all how much we enjoy having you
all close bye. As Christy once said, now we can all go home at the end
of the day and sleep in our own beds. Remember how you all used to
drive several hundred miles to Niceville and then have a slumber party
or atleast it looked like a sleep in. Those times were fun but this is
better. We hope that some day your kids are as close to you as our
kids are to us. 2001-04-17 12:37:28, Dad |
| 156. Dear Family, It was
great to have you all here yesterday. i must say that our living room
gets lots of action. Dad and I sure enjoy having you all about us.
Thank you all for all your help. I loved seeing Kim in the kitchen
cooking and the others that took over and did what needed to be done.
I am sure not what I use to be but no need to waste time and energy
hating that. It is not easy for me to accept this but hope I am not
showing that part.Thanks again for all your help and good food. Glad
we were able to celebrate Hunter's and Claude's birthday. Next in line
is Sarah Bea's and mine. Love you all. 2001-04-16 10:30:33, Mama Bea |
| 157. Good luck Claude on
your interview today. 2001-04-16 08:37:02, Dad |
| 158. Dear Mom and Dad;
thank you for a wonderful Easter Supper. It was all very fun and noisy
with the crowd all piled into the living room like a bunch of sardines
that have plenty of life left in them. I appreciate you thinking of
Hunter and my Birthdays. Though his has past and mine is still yet to
come, we both enjoyed the cakes and the presents. I already have my
Tigger hanging from the mirrow. The BAM cards will be used later in
the week for some new gardening books to go along with the ones you
gave me yesterday; superb illustrations that you don't see anymore in
the books they publish today. I enjoyed seeing the rest of you all there, too. Looks like all are healthy ie haven't missed a meal lately and Erik/Jen look buff; so do the rest of us maybe just a little less so:>) Look forward to seeing you all during the week and if not then, hopefully next Sunday at our new home for supper. Can't wait most of all for my final trip back down here in June for my final Army trip to our new home. 2001-04-16 07:38:34, Claude |
| 159. Thank you all for a
memorable Easter. You honor Mama and me with your visit and all the
good times. We are the luckiest parents in the world. 2001-04-15 21:33:21, Dad |
| 160. Just what is
ACTNUTS? It is different things to different people. I think it is a
form for members of our family to communicate their ideas. I am the
two thousand eight hundred sixty fouth visitor to the site. Actnuts
must be pretty important to warrant that many people voicing their
opinions. I doubt that there are many families who have so much
communication. What do we say? I have read every post and each is
different. Some are secret( to Kurt) others are announcements. Claude
arrived. Others are congratulations. Happy birthday Hunter. There is
good news and bad news. But most of all, the posts are just musings
and best of all, they are open to the family. It is not easy to
addreess so many people. Most communication in life is to individuals
who we are close to. At a party, most people sit in the same place and
talk to one or at best a few people. We often feel uncomfortable
talking to more than a few people. But, ACTNUTS adresses the entire
family. We are not shy. We say what we think. Some times, what we say
brings violent response. But most of all, our posts are friendly. Or
thoughtful. But some of you will never read these posts for you rarely
visit ACTUTS. You are too busy or you are unwilling to share your
thoughts with the rest of us. I guess that is OK for if you are not
willing, it is best to keep your thoughts to your self. But, I think
you are missing some of the fun in life. Others visit but say nothing.
Kurt knows who you are. When I read the posts of the grandchildren I
am thrilled beyong words. They are beginning to express themselves. It
is one of the most important skills in life and it fosters courage. So
when you can, encourage your children to enter this site and voice
their opinions. So, ACTNUTS is many things. But it is most importantly
a town meeting where we can express our thoughts and feelings. Kurt,
you started something that is precious. Some day in the distant
future, our decendants may read what we wrote and add their words. It
is the history of our family. Take advantage of it. 2001-04-15 12:47:16, Dad |
| 161. It is so good to see
Claude's post and to know that he is just a few blocks away. How lucky
we all are. Soon we will be all together at the family Easter
celebration. Bring your apetites. 2001-04-15 09:56:46, Dad |
| 162. Hello everybody!!!
Glad to be in Tally after a loong ride, but very much worth it. Got to
see Mom and Dad and Mark as they were home, but Nina wasn't. She was
busy helping Erik with his new apartment and ensuring he signed his
tax forms for the Tax Man. Sure was great seeing Dad after hearing
from a far his potential demise (once again he forfeited another cat
life) YAHOO!!! Kurt, Amber and Hunter found Nina and I over at the park walking Sandy. Thanks Kurt from stopping by and saying hello; great family life in Tally and I am beginning to understand there are no secrets, so best to get along with everybody as they know the real score. Can't wait to see the rest of the gang tomorrow at the folks for Easter suppper. 2001-04-14 20:15:37, Claude |
| 163. Isn't it a dirty
rotten shame that some juvenile snooper must take their chidish
frustrations out on their children at Easter time? Grow up snooper.
Get a life. Your despicable behavior is beneath contempt! 2001-04-14 17:57:01, An enemy |
| 164. Dearest Claude,On
behalf of the Bowmans, I welcome you to Tallahasse. At last you are
here. Just for a short time, this time, but soon you will be with us
for a long time. How lucky we all are to have each other. Mama and I
will never pass Gardenview again without thinking that Nina and MJ and
you are just up the road. You might have retired anywhere in the world
and so, we all consider it an honor that you decided to retire close
to us in Tallahassee. We all hope you find a job that is both
challenging and enjoyable.It is not the Army. Nothing ever will be.
But, doing what you like to do, close to the ones you love and who
love you, can be equally as rewarding. Welcome home. Love, Mama and
Dad 2001-04-14 17:03:42, Dad |
| 165. Thank you Barbra for
cleaning the porch. What great kids we have! Whenever we need you, you
are there. How lucky we are to have such a great family. There are
some families where the parents can't stand their kids and where the
kids are disrespectful to their parents. Some families do not even
talk together. Respect is one of the most important elements of a
family dynamic. But, respect goes both ways. Can you imagine a father
adressing his son as "Dude"? No wonder a child has no
respect for a father who does not act like an adult. Parents must set
the example and expect their children to do the right thing. But, if
parents show disrespect for their children in thought word and deed,
it will come back to haunt them some day. Tomorrow, is Easter Sunday.
It is one of the most importat times in the Christian world. It is a
time for families to gather. We look forward to meeting with you all.
Once again, thank you for all you have done to make life better. We
will never forget you. 2001-04-14 09:13:14, Mama and Dad |
| 166. Thanks Nina and Mark
for cutting the grass. We sure appreciate all the hard work you did
when we are unable to do it. Nina, you are wonderful and we will never
forget it. We look forward to seeing all of you on Easter Sunday
morning. Claude will be here also so come early and share the good
times. 2001-04-13 18:38:17, Dad |
| 167. Hi Mom and Dad, I
hope that the mountains are fun. It is really neat that you got to see
a bear. We will water your flowers on thursday afternoon and we sill
see you on Easter sunday for lunch. (Amber says) that she misses you
and that at your house you are all out of reeses eggs, so hurry up and
come home. I am looking forward to you and poppa taking me to my state
meet. (Hunter says) I found $20 at your house on the bench. Come home
soon and take me to baseball. 2001-04-11 20:34:47, Love, Christy, Amber &Hunter |
| 168. Hi Grandpa,I am glad
that you are out of the hospital. It was very wierd going to the
hospital to see you. I had a baseball game today and did really good.
I will see you this weekend. 2001-04-11 20:27:58, Love, Hunter |
| 169. Do you know what a
billion dollars is? Well, if you spent a thousand dollars a day since
Jesus was born until today, you would not have spent a billion
dollars. Three trillion dollars has been lost in the recent stock
market plunge. Some fo that is on the 401 K funds. Frightening.. 2001-04-11 19:18:07, Dad |
| 170. I'm back. The
reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. Thanks to your
prayers and good wishes and the skill of my doctors and nurses, I
survived once more. Thank you all again and again. We are looking
forward to Easter and our family get together. Life is good, despite
what you may have heard. Well, especially when compaired to the
alternative. I love you all. You are right, Kurt, Family is the most
important element in life. Pulling together we can accompish miracles. 2001-04-11 17:46:19, Dad |
| 171. Hi Kurt, I checked
on you at work today. You were working hard. I will see you tonight.
If you get off early we will be at Hunters baseball until about 7pm. 2001-04-11 15:34:38, Love, christy |
| 172. Nice job on Hunter's
B day pictures and Amber's sea world pictures kurt. 2001-04-10 12:33:22, Love, Christy |
| 173. Private message for
Kurt only 2001-04-06 21:24:07, |
| 174. Private message for
Kurt only 2001-04-06 18:08:21, Dad |
| 175. Kurt and Amber are
off to sea world. I bet they are having a blast!!! They should be back
around 11 pm tonight. Good luck, Kurt I will be thinking about you on
the bus for 5 hours with 40 children. 2001-04-06 09:32:35, Love Christy |
| 176. Hey Family. It has
been a busy time. I am so glad that Dad is doing so much better. It is
great to have him up and about again. I sure was scared for a few
days. I am also think about Easter. We will plan to have dinner at our
house and hope that all the family can be here. Let me know your
thoughts about Easter and if you are going to be able to attend. We
will also plan to celebrate Hunter's and Claude's birthday since
Claude will be here and does not plan to be here in May when his
birthday is. Get in contact with me for details. Love to you all. 2001-04-04 21:43:11, Mama Bea |
| 177. Happy Birthday
Hunter. I love you. And will have some things for you soon. 2001-04-04 21:38:54, Grandma Bea |
| 178. Happy Birthday
Hunter! Eight years old! Grandma and I can't believe that you are
growing up. We can remember when you were born and your first day of
school. We are so proud of you. You are so handsome and such a good
boy. Have many more years of good health and happiness. We love it
when you come to see us and you hug us and are so polite and loving. 2001-04-04 21:33:16, Grandma Bea and Grandpa Joe |
| 179. Private message for
Kurt only 2001-04-04 09:34:26, Love Christy |
