Yes Virginia, There IS a Cissy Apple!

"How do you know this gal?"
My wife, oddly, is afraid of people. Getting her to meet others is like pulling molars. And just as oddly, she's outgoing and fits in so easily once the ice is broken, she always admits her fears were a waste of time when we say our goodbyes and get on the road. Such was the case on Sunday as we drove away from Cissy and Leroy's house.

No, I'm not ashamed to admit I invited myself. Cissy mentioned something about making a great cheesecake and I couldn't avoid saying "Prove it!" We took advantage of the fact that Loogootee is not far off the route we normally take home from Echo's and pulled into Cissy's drive about 3 P.M.
Cissy's smiling face was the first we saw, followed by Rudy the Miniature Pinscher. Leroy wasn't far behind.

There's a normal period meeting anyone where it's a little uncomfortable finding out if you really like them. With Cissy and Leroy that period lasted about 15.5 seconds...
Big smiles, lovely home, and typical VK hospitality. Cissy DOES in fact make a mean cheesecake. On top of that, Leroy is a winemaker, proud of his fine product, and willing to share it. Let me emphasize that... Leroy likes to give out samples of wines he's made! I tasted none I didn't like and a couple so good I was ready to grab the bottle. (Leroy offered and I gladly accepted one we particularly liked.)

Cissy knocked us out with some of the beautiful Rosaries she is making and Sara Jean was impressed with several, finally selecting one as a gift for her Catholic niece. Cissy initially refused payment for it. We forced her to at least take money to cover her costs. (I looked at it again today Cissy... gorgeous!)

Greybeard and wife needed to be home before dark, so we cut our visit shorter than I would have liked. In the car, Sara Jean said "That was TWO HOURS?"
I responded "Yeah, and as usual your fears were unfounded!"

"I know. Just shut up, okay?!"

IndyEcho's Annual Fall Mini

This year's Fall Mini - put on every year by Indy Echo and Shifty - was a great success. As always, it became apparent early that we would have lots to talk about. Some of us do not see each other during the year, but the conversations are always easy. Echo had her home sparkling and Shifty had prepared for the bonfire by gathering fallen tree limbs and smaller branches through out the summer. Just as he was heading down to light the fire, though, it started to rain. A few scattered drops at first, it appeared that we may still be able to sit around the fire and tell tall tales. Well, the rain picked up and it soon dashed any hope for a bonfire. No matter.... The food was delicious and the desserts were just waiting to be 'sampled'. Yep, you guessed it - I must have sampled every one of them and they were all winners - and it is beginning to show... IE and Shifty's home is large enough for every one to find space to enjoy the wonderful food and talk with others at the same time. A few of us went to the patio (before the rain), others at a table set up in the family room and the rest were able to sit around the kitchen table. After dinner, those of us on the patio came in from the rain and found places in the family room. Everyone seemed to have a great time. My count was 17 - help me out if I have missed anyone. A good group, but, the numbers were down a little this year. We missed those that were not able to make it this year. Thank You, Indy Echo and Shifty for your enduring and endearing efforts to put this on year after year.

Next year - 2010 - will be our 45th year. Any suggestions regarding (our 'every 5th year reunion' ) the how, what, when and where will be helpful for planning purposes. Some earlier suggestions was to have it in conjunction with the Alumni Banquet. This is always on a Saturday night - think about a possible late afternoon Reception before the banquet - somewhere not far from the school and then moving to the school. Last year, the banquet was held in the old gym. This was a great venue for it and brought back some great memories.

Edinburgh Bound?

Added to comments in the post below:

Hello All,

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow Sept. 26.

I sent directions to those who requested them. If any of you need directions or get lost just call 317-729-2440. Shifty will put up signs again to guide you in.

Didn't hear from a lot of you on what you planned to bring so Shifty and I are gonna start cooking tonight. Rest assured there will be plenty. If we have doubles of anything we will all just have to eat more.

This weather is not working to our benefit. (IF) weather permits we still plan on the fire. So bring chairs and jackets. Never know what to expect. If to wet and muddy we will just have to suffer and swap stories around the kitchen table instead of the fire.

Look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow.

Shifty & Karen

PS> If anyone needs a place to roost bring an extra blanket there is plenty of room.

Campers welcome. Can park by the barn and there is electric you can hook up to.

If you're coming, we'll catch up on all your news there. If not, please tell us what's goin' on in your life in comments here.
I left my camera at work, so someone please bring theirs and get photos to share.
...News of Echo's mini coming here ASAP.

Greenwood

Ever wonder why towns started where they do? I know many form because of access to resources... water mainly. Some form because the railroad needed water... steam engines had to stop frequently to fill their boilers. Certainly some towns form because of mining... coal, silver, gold, or because they sit on an oil field.

Greenwood seems to have started on an East-West oxen trail. Among the very first settlers was a family named "Smock", who lent their name to the first settlement there... "Smocktown".
The Smocks apparently owned an Inn on the trail. The area was heavily wooded, so a sawmill was another of the first businesses in what is now Greenwood.

The town took another name after it was Smocktown, but that name didn't last long because there was already an Indiana town carrying that name. I think you may be surprised to learn the name residents had to discard. I certainly was.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I mentioned we spent a few days in Destin last week...
Cinders and TwoDogs established a beachhead there on Tuesday. Sara Jean and I left home on Wednesday, then stopped off in Pensacola to pick Nellie up, arriving Destin 2 A.M. Thursday morning. We all had coffee while watching for dolphins on the fine morning that dawned.
Shrimp Creole, Blackened grouper, Red Beans and rice, gumbo, and Shrimp St. Charles met their demise over the next few nights as we frequented "Kenny D's" every evening we were there. (A few Margarita's gave their lives in service to our bunch too.)
Harry and Carol arrived Friday to help me avoid a catastrophe by trying to install a porcelain-covered cast iron sink on my own. (Thanks Harry. After you left I realized how over my head I'd have been without your work!)
I think all are agreed-
We're all better friends now than we were 40+ years ago!


In just a week many of us (Harry and Carol too), will once again gather near Edinburgh for Echo's annual mini there. If you've been before you know what an enjoyable, relaxing time this is. Echo and Shifty have a lovely home with enough room for most to spread out and visit in case of inclement weather, but in years past we have been blessed with clear, cool, crisp weather... perfect for gathering around the large bonfire Shifty builds for the occasion. If you intend to attend, please let Echo know by calling her at 317 729-2440, or toll free 800 974-2441, and coordinate the dish you will be bringing for the pitch-in.
Lawn chairs are necessary. Weiners/buns, marshmallows, and roasting sticks are optional.

I know Hawk and his wife will be travelling so we'll miss them next week. Cissy, Rita, C&C and family will be camping at Loogootee, so once again we'll not be meeting them. (Sara Jean and I hope to stop by Cissy and Leroy's to try Cissy's cheesecake.)

So once again it's open forum time.
I know I seldom get responses to my plea, but I'll continue trying until you guys get it right...
You've got news to share...
We want to hear it.
So share!

A Friday For Comtemplation

Odd.
A small contingent of VK's find themselves in paradise, eating spicy foods and consuming pleasant beverages. It's hard to imagine the anger and confusion we all felt just eight years ago. We're watching Fox News coverage of the memorials in New York and are suprised to see reporters there in heavy jackets, bracing against an uncomfortable wind, while we here deal with sunny skies, 85 degree temps, and the milk green water dashing against the shore. Sara Jean, Cinders, and TwoDogs have already staked out a spot on the beach while I'm here at Kenny D's taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi. H&C are probably on their way to Destin as I type this. We'll all dine at Kenny D's this evening.
Life is tough.

It's hard to be angry under these circumstances but unfortunately we must keep a small fire stoked, lest we forget there are plenty of evil people out there that don't like our freedoms... don't like the way we live.
Three thousand of our brethren died eight years ago today.
Never, never forget!

Now, take a deep breath, reflect on those fighting for your freedom of speech, and speak!

Echo's Annual Mini-

It's that time of year again...
Well, almost. Echo has moved the date of her mini up just a little in hopes of making it easier for more to attend.
The date is 26 September at 2 P.M. (Eastern).
Since it's a pitch-in dinner, in order to insure everyone doesn't bring Aunt Betty's green bean casserole with Durkee's onions,
if you plan to attend she'd like you to RSVP at 317 729-2440, or toll free- 800 974-2441 and let her know what dish you'll be bringing to the table.
(Cheesecake Cissy!)

This event is open to everyone...
Those that attended Center Grove, and those that just wish they had!

In the past we have eaten and visited until dusk, then moved the gathering outside where Shifty always has a big pile of brush and logs for a bon fire. Bring lawn chairs, marshmallows, and a cooler full of whatever beverage tickles your taste buds 'cause visitors around the bon fire have been known to chat into the wee hours. (I'm gonna hide the shovel this year!)

Karen and Shifty's place is just outside Edinburgh folks, and it's not hard to find...
Watch for directions and more information here as the date approaches.

I hope to see ya there!

Fulmer's Orchard

Football practice started in August.
Full gear... NEVER take off your helmet unless directed by Coach Colegrove.
Two laps around the track before practice even started...
Wind sprints...
HOT, HOT, HOT!
It wasn't uncommon to lose nine pounds during a full-contact practice.

Practice over, I'd hit the showers and get back into street clothes.
It was a short walk across the street to Fulmer's Orchard where Mrs. Vera Fulmer would always meet me with a shy smile and offer up a cup of apple cider, no charge.
Dehydrated, that stuff tasted like nectar of the Gods!
Then I'd put a nickel on the counter and she'd hand over a beautiful, red delicious apple about 3/4's the size of a softball.
And the world was wonderful.

What's happened to ya since we last talked?
Give it up.