...Tidings of Great Joy

So I haven't updated here in a LONG time.. Facebook has sorta antiquated this blog. But happy news must always replace sad news. We welcomed Christian Samuel to our family on February 27th of this year and it's been a whirl ever since.

Merry Christmas!

George Herman Reid, Sr. 1921-2008

Grandpa George Reid passed away Sunday, November 23rd in Farmington, New Mexico. He was battling a bad case of pneumonia and other related complications.

In his 87 years, he weathered many things that would have felled lesser men: farming in NE Colorado, veteran of the 3rd Marines in the South Pacific, specifically the Bougainville/Solomon Islands campaign, a return to farming in NE and SW Colorado, raising a girl and four extraordinarily ornery boys, and later in life serious burns over a good part of him as a result of a natural gas explosion while on the job. I'm positive that I'm forgetting something.

A more detailed obituary (that completely glosses over the four wicked boys part) can be found here with a nice, color photo of Grandpa in happier times, namely fishing at Lake Navajo (likely).

While attending the funeral and visiting with cousins that made it, it became quite apparent that I knew him far less than the others, and by extension, was the least close to him of the group. I only got to see him once a year usually, as a kid living in Alaska, and then during college I usually saw him twice a year as I passed between Texas and home in Nevada.

In the times I did spend with him, it was clear he enjoyed the time spent with me. Sometimes it was tending to his garden, particularly the grape vines he was justly proud of. More often it was usually fishing, a Pearl Lite or a Coors (if he felt like spending a little more) in one hand or set on the floor, his fishing rod, and a slowly trolling motor steered with his other. He could be short fused, but never directly with me. But he kept things simple and delighted in the uncomplicated pleasure of fishing, fresh air, a beer buzz, and quiet nights away from town.

He made it to Alaska at least a couple of times, probably cursing the travel time involved, but enjoying the fishing and the outdoors. We were lucky enough to meet him on the island of Maui when I was a kid. I think he had a good time, from what I remember, but I just wonder what the trip meant to him given the South Pacific tour in WWII that he very rarely talked about.

When I get to know people, I make an effort of understanding where they're coming from and how their experience shapes their pleasant or not-so-pleasant characteristics. I'm usually successful, but with Grandpa, I was never successful and I attribute that to the unimaginable trauma of his WWII experience such that he wouldn't speak of it. As a kid I couldn't fathom that and I still don't think I could. But I always got the sense something else was on his mind. He was always a little distracted.

And in this day and age of medication, counseling, and post traumatic stress disorder, who knows what terrible memory or burden he lived with like a millstone around his neck. I certainly don't judge him for keeping all of that to himself. But it always seemed to keep him just beyond arm's length of personal connection. He learned to live with it the best way he knew how, and in the end it was a long life lived on his terms.

Grandpa, while you were a bit of an enigma, you were strong, a generous fishing buddy and you could have a wicked sense of humor. You will certainly be missed by me and everyone who knew you - well, except of course the trout at Groundhog. May you rest in peace with Grandma and the other WWII heroes that share your final resting place.

Disneyland photos added

The last of the photos needing to be added, or at least decent enough to add, can be found here.

Judy Goes to Washington

Judy Korynasz, Nana to one individual, flew to Washington D.C. at the invitation of Oregon's junior Senator, Gordon Smith (R). He's the ranking member on the Senate Special Subcommittee on Aging.

On May 22nd, Judy provided testimony about the difficulties of Medicare for modest-income seniors, including her mother Charlotte (Great Gramma), as well as difficulties that she and John (Papa) have.

Here's a link to the Senate website with information about the hearing.
Here's the link to her written testimony (.pdf).

As soon as the hearing itself is posted in video format, I'll post it here!

In Like a Lion...

Wow, it's already March of 2008!

What a dereliction of duties. I finally managed to sit down, as the scrolling Flickr! photos to the right indicate, and have added some new photos to view. Click the photo to the right or the Family Photos link (or that one right here) further down at the right to view.

Nothing too crazy has been happening, so we're just waiting out the winter for Spring to arrive. A few bits, though:

Mandy - we've added a dog to our household, so the urban farm continues to take shape. A bit too rambunctious for John & Judy, she now lives with us. Gabriel loves it, but even he gets a bit run over by her every now and then.

Gabriel Activities - He's been enjoying painting/art classes and now a toddler tumbling/bouncing class over at the Hillsboro SHARC. He's also a regular in the Turtles Sunday School class at Summit View Covenant Church.. see below.

SVCC.org - We've become regular attendees at Summit View Covenant Church in Beaverton.. located ever so temptingly near Monteaux's and Popeye's Fried Chicken. I don't know how to describe it other than to say that it's what you would get if a moderate Baptist church, an espresso/cafe, and a maternity ward were plopped into a blender. Once nice feature is that their sermons are in podcasts.. take a peak if you care to. Kurt Carlson is a good teacher.

Happy Belated Birthday (Post) Jill!

Jill celebrated her birthday a couple of weeks ago and I've been rather remiss by not posting anything. Truth be told, it's been kinda difficult to grab the digital camera memory chip during all the holiday festivities this month. Excuses, excuses.

I hope you had a happy birthday, Jill. It was sort of a two-day celebration with the company dinner at Andina on your birthday and then a family get together the next night. But I know you had a good time and managed a nice pair of new earrings as well! Gabriel clearly had a blast, too.


Happy Birthday, Sweetie! I love you!

Happy Thanksgiving

At least there's going to be nice weather in Hillsboro for the rest of the week. We'll be spending Thanksgiving with Gramma and Grampa, the Sacramento Reids and four of the Gallup Proffitts. Gabriel's had a hoot playing with cousins. There is a Wachdorf gathering in Seattle this weekend that Jill and Gabriel might make for a day or two, but looks like he's beginning to feel kinda yucky.

So a Happy Turkey Day to everyone and their families. Oh, and on a related note, if you've lately been wondering how Rick is doing, there's actually a video of him to watch.

Cheers!

New Website Additions

You'll notice that in the right-hand margin, there are a couple of additions to the page. First, the obvious one is the new Flickr slideshow of our family photos. They change automatically, but you can pause on one you like, move forward or backward, or just click the photo and you'll be taken to the larger version at the Flickr website.

Second, I've added a link under Family Links, to the Wachdorf geneology website, Wachdorf Connect. You can learn all about the Wachdorf, Pfleger, Hardison, and Plaehn families over there at your leisure. It's well done, with lots of photos, family letters, and other information scanned and meticulously organized.

Happy surfing!

Happy Birthday Gramma!

Today is Gabriel's Gramma's birthday. She's celebrating in Colorado with Grandpa, so she's not in Oregon to share a happy birthday carrot cake with Gabriel.

We hope you're having a great day!

(Grandma) Betty Jean Reid

Grandma Reid passed away early Monday morning in Farmington, New Mexico, where she lived for as long as I can remember. Her health took its course as it does with folks who live to be over 85 years old. She had been receiving care in and out of her own home as her health declined.



We last saw her in person a couple of years ago when we were able to take Gabriel and enjoy a visit in her own home. Before that, and before I came to Oregon, I usually tried to drive through Farmington when I headed home from college in Texas, usually right before Christmas time. Slick roads, cold air, and herds of sheep between Cuba and Farmington made their home on La Plata drive a welcome destination. Grandma (and Grandpa) were always happy to see me, even as I greeted them with the same corny joke about whether or not they knew a certain blue spruce was growing in their front yard. Pizza (Little Caesar's - "Here's $20.. don't forget the green chile!"), sometimes cards, and always a lot of conversation were guaranteed from her shortly after my arrival.

She will be missed. I have posted the entirety of her obituary below, courtesy of the Farmington Daily Times newspaper website.

Betty Jean Reid
Staff Writer
Article Launched: 09/18/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT

FARMINGTON

Betty Jean Reid

April 26, 1922 - Sept. 17, 2007

Betty Jean Reid, 85, of Farmington, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, Sept. 17, 2007. She was born Betty Jean Tunison on April 26, 1922, in Sterling, Colo., to Edgar D. and Julia M. Tunison.

Betty was the oldest of three children raised on their family's homestead between Sterling and Akron, Colo. She graduated from high school in Atwood, Colo. She met her future husband, George H. Reid Sr., on a train from Denver, Colo., to Sterling, Colo., in 1945, as he was returning from his deployment in the South Pacific at the end of WWII. Betty spent her time caring for her family and friends, quilting, camping and fishing.

Betty was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother, Edgar Dennis Tunison of Palm Springs, Calif.

She is survived by her husband, George H. Reid Sr., of Farmington; her sister, Kathleen Michael of Palm Harbor, Fla.; son, James Reid and his wife, Yvonne, of Fort Morgan, Colo.; son, Steve Reid and wife, Ellen, of Casper, Wyo.; son, David Reid and his wife, Dianne, of Hillsboro, Ore.; daughter, Betty Rice of Farmers Branch, Texas; son, George Reid Jr. of Farmington; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Betty will be 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20, at Memory Gardens of Farmington, with Father Tim Farrell.

Betty is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home; (505) 325-8688.

May you finally enjoy rest and peace.

Happy Birthday Aunt Kate!

We hope Kate is having a wonderful time celebrating the first anniversary of her 29th birthday. Here's to many, many more anniversaries!

Kate recently updated her blog related to her birthday and Baby Hayes' progress. Go check it out at itsareid.blogspot.com. With recent Hayes photos!

Happy Birthday To Us!

Blowing Out Candles, originally uploaded by korynasz.

Gabriel turned 3 and I turned 35 yesterday, capping a three-day birthday celebration for the both of us. Here we are blowing out the birthday candles on our family party birthday cake.

Gabriel is growing up to be a sweet, curious, determined, and very funny little boy and I couldn't be any happier or more proud. Happy birthday, little man.

Gabriel had a Saturday morning party at a local park for his friends Ian, Nolan, Vanessa, Zane, and Bryce. Sunday, we had a great family birthday party (I cooked my famous Hawaiian ribs and smoked salmon - eat your heart out, Tom). We were joined by Gramma, Grampa (photo?), Me-ma, Nana, Papa, and Aunty Sandy Nemeth who drove down from Mill Creek north of Seattle.

Thank you, everybody, for coming and for your generous birthday gifts. We hope you had good food and a good time. We sure did!

I have also updated our flickr.com photo page with MANY, many photos that have been taken since the last update. That includes our trip to Canada, our birthday parties, final play dates with Davon & Kaya, Toni & Teryn's visit, chickens, Thomas the Tank Engine in Hood River, Tom, Kate & Hayes' visit, and various other fun.

New Video for Gabriel

"Upside Down" by North Shore Oahu's Jack Johnson - Hawaii, swimming, and Curious George. What's not to like?!



There's much to update about, but I won't do that until I get all of the photos put online. Until then, it was great visiting with Uncle Tom, Aunt Kate, Baby Hayes and Grampa while they were in town.

Check out Baby Hayes photos and updates over at ItsaReid! when you get a chance.

Me-Ma Resting Up

Her stay at Tuality Hospital has been comfortable while recovering from a slight bit of pneumonia. Gabriel certainly enjoyed visiting. He climbed up into the hospital bed while Me-ma was eating dinner and, well, the rest of the visit was
up
down
up
down
up
down
up
down
up
down
up
down.

Me-ma should be out soon.

Another Kiss for Baby Hayes

Another Kiss for Baby Hayes, originally uploaded by korynasz.

It can't be said Gabriel didn't love on Baby Hayes. There's a fresh bunch of new photos, including more from the Sacramento trip, at our flickr.com site.

Much To Blog, Little Time

We returned from Sacramento yesterday after our visit with Tom, Kate and Baby Hayes. It was a great visit, Hayes was remarkably mellow and content, Gabriel couldn't kiss him enough, and we visited what must be one of the best choo-choo museums in the world.

Lots of photos, lots of info I hope to get to soon. Check back regularly.

Healthy Baby & Mom

Jill and I had the chance to visit with Kate & Tom on the phone yesterday. All are doing well and Kate should be home today (Friday).

Tom sent out a great photo of Hayes yesterday; he looked very healthy and content. I'll let them post photos of him over at Its A Reid! if and when they choose to.

Hayes Tyler Reid

The world welcomed Hayes Tyler Reid at 8:10pm, April 18, 2007 in Folsom, California.

Congratulations Kate & Tom!

We look forward to heading down to Sacramento ASAP, but Gabriel's nose started running last night. We'll have to monitor him - we don't want to drag a sick little boy down to expose the baby and recovering mommy.

The official first announcement at Kate's website It's A Reid!, posted by her friend Madeline, can be read here.

Jesus Party with Uncle Jap

Hopefully everyone had a great Easter. Ours was quite nice, if not a little unusual.

We're quite proud of Gabriel as he figured out the meaning of Easter. We told him that after he woke up from his nap, we were having a party - we barely hosted Easter dinner for the family.

On his own, he said it would be a Jesus Party. And that's basically right!

Jack Nemeth, Jill's uncle, drove down from Seattle where he's been the past four weeks assuming his new job as Marketing Director for the Seattle Times newspaper. He's been put up in a hotel downtown all this time, so I'm betting a friendly home-cooked meal was a nice change of pace from all of those terrible gourmet meals he's been having near the Seattle waterfront.

Sandy, Judy's sister, is getting things finished up with the sale of their home in Connecticut. She should be joining him full-time in Seattle sometime later this Spring after the home sells.

Gabriel did not immediately take to Jack. He wouldn't share his Joe's O's with Jack in church. But by the end of the evening, Gabriel was talking to "Uncle Jap" and chattering away. And, he gave Jack a good-bye kiss on his way out the door.

In all, we had the pleasure of Easter dinner with Gabriel's Memo, Grandma, Nana, Papa, Uncle Jack, Mom and Dad.

Dinner was very nice: smoked salmon - salmon fillets provided by Grandma & Memo - with some nice sides, including a yam recipe Jill improvised that turned out nicely, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Not bad at all!