Spring 2019

Hikes

Snow

New Jersey in March New Jersey in May Grandkids

We were surprised to lose this oak tree. It had been growing in the corner of our property, and fell towards the steps.

One large chunk impaled the ground.

It apparently had shattered on impact. The pieces broke as if the tree were very brittle, and ended up in a wide zone.

The roots snapped, rather than pulling out of the ground. Very odd and very surprising to us. We didn't even realize the tree was dead.

Alan was called for jury duty during Spring Break (postponed from mid-February). He came very close to actually serving on a jury, but a mistrial was declared and he got to go home.

Lisa and Robyn decided to dress up and make a fun occasion going to the show that Robyn had given Lisa tickets for as a Christmas gift.

Easter dinner at the Blatniks.

In attendance: Laurie & Rudy; Jen & Joe, Gianna, Sammy; Steph & Jason, Ben; Beth & John; and Anne & Glen.

Ben was hidden by the table during dinner.

Our redbud tree is making a nice show this year. It replaced the pink dogwood out front when that tree succumbed to drought or a pest.

A walk around the Kent campus included Solar Totem #1, the steel sculpture that still bears a bullet hole from a National Guard rifle fired on May 4th, 1970. It's on the lower left, where the chalk arrow points.

Yes, apparently chipmunks climb trees.

A resident garter snake, coming out of the wall. Yes, the hole has now been plugged with foam.

Looks like I have a new ornamental animal.

Carol and Kelsey, their good friends Michelle and Jon Natt, and Sam & Parker made a quick trip to Ohio, primarily to surprise Kelly Brown (very close family friend) at her 40th birthday party. But we were also the beneficiaries since they made time to hang out with us at a family gathering on May 27th.