A meeting place for the Walker cousins

Happy Birthday Dad!

2012-02-09T09:48:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday today!

Steve & Nan

Tom's Birthday, February 1, 2012

2012-02-05T17:50:00.000-05:00

Tom definitely had a birthday this year John and even had a party. You probably already know he wasn't at home when his cousins helped him celebrate. Click on the collage to see more detail.

2012-01-31T23:37:00.001-05:00

We have a birthday in the family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM. FEB 1st

Prayer Request

2012-01-29T22:23:00.003-05:00

Hello All,

I have a special prayer request. Our oldest son Josh has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. He has a large tumor at the base of his esophagus where it enters the stomach. It has begun to spread into his lymphatic system and the prognosis is terminal.

He started chemo-therapy last week via a pump system hooked to a pic line in his chest. He is going to U of M next week for further tests and a surgical review with his oncologist in Ionia.

There is hope, but at the same time we are being realistic as a family that time is probably short. We lost his Dad three years ago and this is a hard reminder that life is short and we need to cherish each day God gives us together and live life to its fullest.

Josh was diagnosed just a few weeks ago after having difficult symtoms since early last summer. His local doc has not been very responsive and he is getting fantastic help in Ionia with close coordination with U of M.

We covet your thoughts and prayers.
Nan & Steve

Tom's Fluffer Nutter Sandwitch Makes Him Smile

2012-01-29T20:29:00.000-05:00

Fluffer Nutter

2012-01-12T23:21:00.002-05:00

So, Hostess is filling for Bankrupcy and this made National news. That includes not just Twinkies but also Wonder Bread. So the reporter said: "If Hostess goes away, we won't have Wonder Bread for our fluffer nutter".

Well, living in the midwest and being from California, I had never heard of fluffer nutter. It turns out to be a big deal in the northeast, particularly MA. Nevertheless, I managed to find Fluff here in Florida, so I will make my first fluffer nutter. However, if I don't use Wonder Bread, will it be an "official" fluffer nutter???

Inquiring minds need to know!! And if I don't like my fluffer nutter, what will I do with the extra Fluff??? So, to hedge my bets, I bought some Rice Crispies, except that they are not name brand, so perhaps I cannot make Rice Crispy Bars. What would they be?? Rice bars???

Maybe Florida is having a strange affect on me. But at least I'm not getting cabin fever from that white stuff. It will brutally cold on Friday: only 61 in Daytona. Burrrrr.

Tom

Engagement Michelle And Matthew

2012-01-05T14:17:00.003-05:00

Well he proposed to me on New Year's Eve. We don't have a date yet. Matt and his father are on a snowmobile trip this week and when they get back we should have one set to let everyone know.

A little about Matt and I history is that we met 2 years ago because Danielle told me about him and we hit it off from there and we moved in together in 2010 and have been work our little tails off we work an average of 40 to 60 hours a week plus he attends IUPUI to get his Business Management Degree. Which after he finishes a few more classes he can be put into the the IU Kelly School of Business. Then for me we are hoping to start me at IUPUI also and my degree will be for American sign language and that will be also a IU degree.

Love Michelle R Walker and Matthew P Andretti

2012 Reunion

2012-01-05T10:20:00.001-05:00

We want to be at Tom's this year if possible. Is there a date?

Out and about and full from the buffet.

2011-12-26T14:54:00.000-05:00


Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada 12- 5- 2011

Thomas the Train Smoker's brother

2011-12-17T10:40:00.006-05:00

I am in the process of making a new BBQ Grill which will be a brother to Thomas the Train Smoker which I brought to the Walker Reunion a couple years ago now. This grill will have charcoal boxes at each end so I can cook inderictly with the food in the middle between the fire. I am going to have my 2 grandsons name this cooker like they named the first cooker. This is the new grill in the 2 pictures on the left with Thomas on the right. I might need to use the trailer if I bring both to the reunion this year.

Anybody know anything?

2011-12-04T23:02:00.002-05:00

We had several people stop in the shop yesterday and say that Middleville had dropped out of our local parade because their band director had a heart attack.

Their director is Ray Rickert. Just wondering if anyone had heard anything???

Steve

Denny The Photographer.....

2011-12-01T01:15:00.000-05:00

Verde Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon 2011

2011-11-30T12:12:00.000-05:00

Doris, Robin and Deb.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:40:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is well on this day of Thanksgiving

'Holy Rollers' keep sweet tradition Church women have been baking, selling holiday cookies since '63.

2011-11-14T07:58:00.001-05:00

MISHAWAKA -- "You've gotta have the touch," pastor Dennis Ingle of Albright United Methodist Church said as he carefully helped mix the sticky green dough that would eventually become a Christmas tree-shaped cookie.
For nearly 50 years, a group of about 25 women has been meeting at the church Monday and Tuesday mornings in the fall to bake batches upon batches of Christmas cookies to sell to the community.
The women establish an assembly line of sorts, as different groups are responsible for mixing, rolling and pressing the dough into different shapes. The eight different varieties of cookies are then frosted and put into boxes for the lucky customers to bring home to their families.
They call themselves the "Holy Rollers," a small group of women with an important job: rolling cookie dough into a thin, bakeable layer.
"I baked when I was young, but I'm not young anymore," Virginia Craig said.
Fellow Holy Roller Betty Reaker added, "The fellowship is great."
Some are in charge of making buckeyes, delicious peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate; others are responsible for the Mexican wedding cakes.
The group spends several hours each Monday and Tuesday morning for six weeks in the fall preparing cookies for purchase. Chairwoman Judy Mark says the group can pack up to 40 boxes of these delectable treats a day.
The tradition began in 1963 when a women's group at the church started meeting to bake cookies and pack them together for the community.
"We started doing it at the church because we were getting more orders," said Iris Walker, one of the original bakers.
The cookies' popularity was fueled by the presence of such large manufacturing companies as Uniroyal and Dodge nearby.
"Of course, those companies have closed so our base is not as large as it used to be," Walker said.
At the peak of their production in 1989, the women at Albright United Methodist baked 4,539 cans of cookies in just six weeks. Walker said this measured out to 2,700 pounds of flour, 780 pounds of granulated sugar, 1,710 pounds of block margarine and 210 dozen eggs.
That's a lot of cookies.
"We need to build orders back up," Mark said.
The cookies have another purpose besides satisfying that sugar craving.
"We make money for things around the church, the food pantry and other things to help people in the community," Mark said.
People can purchase two pounds of cookies for $10 and 20 buckeyes for $18. A pound of peanut brittle can also be purchased for $6. Those looking to place an order can call the church office at 574-259-1975.

By MADELINE STONE South Bend Tribune November 13, 2011

Health update for Bob Rickert

2011-11-05T21:26:00.003-04:00

Bob Rickert is now at Brookhaven in-patient rehabilitation, Brookville, Ohio.<

Health report for Bob Rickert

2011-10-27T14:29:00.002-04:00

Bob had a stroke Monday evening, Oct.25 which has affected his left side. He is in Good Sam Hospital in Dayton. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Thank you.

RICHARD H. "DICK" ALLSPAW

2011-10-24T20:21:00.000-04:00

RICHARD H. "DICK" ALLSPAW, 78, of Monroe, Ind., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at home. Born June 28, 1933, in Berne, he was the son of Robert and Harriet (Hum phries) Allspaw. He married Sharon (Walker) on June 8, 1969. He graduated from Berne-French High School; Taylor University; and earned a master's degree from Ball State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. His teaching career began at Geneva High School (in 1957-1958), and contiued at Adams Central High School (from 1958 to 1995) he taught physics and chemistry. He worked as timekeeper at Adams Central for various sports for over 40 years. As a lifelong active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, he served on many boards and committees, and acted as church treasurer for the past 28 years. He was a charter member of the Edelweiss Men's Chorus and loved every minute of his 17 years with them. He was also on the Board of the South Adams Senior Center. Surviving are his wife, Sharon; daughter, Leanna (John) Ginocchio of Marshall, Minn.; son, Gregory (Elizabeth) Allspaw of Brownsburg, Ind.; sister, Ruth Ann (Ted) Hopkins of Corydon, Iowa; brother, David (Fran) Allspaw of Sidney, Ohio; and three grandchildren, Kayli and Jacob Ginocchio and Ethan Allspaw. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1217 West Clark St., Berne, with visitation one hour prior. The Rev. Barry Humble and the Rev. Anita Rediger officiating. Visitation also from 2 to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 25, 2011, at Yager-Kirchofer Funeral Home, 365 West Main St., Berne. Burial in M.R.E. Cemetery. Memorials to Trinity United Methodist Church, Family Life Care, Edelweiss Men's Chorus, or South Adams Senior Center.

Published in Fort Wayne Newspapers from
October 24 to October 25, 2011

Richard Allspaw 1933- 2011

2011-10-22T18:52:00.001-04:00

Calling Tuesday, October 25 from 2-8 PM

Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home
365 W. Main Street (Hwy 218)
Berne, IN 46711

Funeral Wednesday, October 26 10:30 AM
Trinity United Methodist Church
1217 W. Clark Street ,Berne, IN 46711
(two blocks north of Hwy 218 west end of town)

Burial at the MRE Cemetery on Hwy 218 west of Berne. Dinner back at the church after Burial. The family would like to have an approximate number staying for dinner if possible. Just e-mail Sharon at dsallspaw@embarqmail.com

Please pass this on to the rest of the family.

Look What Jumped Out Of The Filing Cabinet Tonight!

2011-10-21T20:18:00.000-04:00

Seems like just yesterday...

2011-10-11T21:05:00.000-04:00

Norwegian Sun Cruise

2011-10-08T20:48:00.003-04:00

Well, here we are at dinner just in time for the sunset!! What fun! The photographer noted the great sunset in the background and we got lucky. Note where my shirt came from. It cost me about 2500 Kr. Behind Robin & I stand cousin Elaine (right) and her friend Connie.

We are all home now safe and sound. And of course planning our next Carnival cruise in Oct. 2012 to Italy. And of course we also made a deposit for our next Norwegian cruise while we were on the ship. We visited Amsterdam, Belgium, Lisbon and the Azores in the Atlantic. WOW.

We were met in Florida by Shirley Lehr and we had lunch with her and Linda before heading to the airport for our flight home. Shirley was telling us about her adventure on a ship 50 years ago which took her to see Chuck in Germany.

To complete our trip, we leave next week to go to visit Iowa and then retrieve our car from cousin Ellen Miller who is caring for it in MN for over a month. What a trip we have had!

New Address

2011-09-29T22:48:00.003-04:00

My new address is

945 Cloudy Wing Drive Apt 207
Indianapolis In. 46227

This is my address for at least the next 6 months...
And meet our new addition his name is Booger Stud-Muffin (Peke A Pom) well because he is one and he is a little white spot on his noes that looks like a booger all the time...

Dani d.Coleen Walker gd, John Walker

Traveling to San Francisco

2011-09-27T08:32:00.002-04:00

Kathy and I will be in the Bay area next week for Oracle Openworld/Java One. We have a day or so at the end of the week to see San Francisco and the greater Bay area. Any must see sites or restaurants we need to put on our list?

Tom & Robin in Copenhagen

2011-09-17T14:11:00.004-04:00

Robin and I are in Copenhagen at a B&B tonight and Bob & Marleen are back in California. During the last week we have been at a condo on the north coast. We rented a Peugeot 508 diesel 5-speed and we drove it 820 miles. The car got 46 mpg average for the entire trip. We were very pleased with that. Fuel costs about $8 per gallon, but with the fuel mileage about double of our car back home, the fuel cost about averages out to normal. The car held the 4 of us and luggage very well!!

The top picture was taken in Sweden just outside the ferry building. Yes, Bob survived the trip just fine. We went over to Sweden to shop and headed back in the afternoon. So, we went from Denmark to Sweden to eat at a restaurant owned by people from Turkey and they served us middle eastern food by an Indian waiter and Marleen ordered Italian pizza. Talk about Food Fusion!! Oh, yes, they had the traditional Ligonberry juice and salads on a buffet.

The bottom picture was taken outside the boyhood home of Hans Christian Anderson in Odensa, Denmark. We had a Danish buffet there at The Ugly Duckling. Some of the food we didn't recognize, while other stuff looked like what we might eat.

And we saw 2 palaces, although we did not tour inside. At one, we ate at a small cafe. I had a meatball sandwich with chili sauce. It wasn't anything like what you'd expect.

On Tuesday we get on the Norwegian Sun for a trip to Florida. We will meet Elaine on the ship with Connie. This will be our 3rd trip with them!! They fly into CPH very late on Monday night. I hope you all enjoy the updates.

New Arrivial

2011-09-16T22:22:00.003-04:00

Dylan Michael Cox

Proud parents Jerod and Brenda Cox

Grandparents Dennis and Sue Cox

Dylan Weighed in at 7 Pounds 15 ounces on August 25, 2011

Congratulations are in order.

Thank you Tom

2011-09-12T23:11:00.009-04:00

While Tom is on his travels, he is still lending a hand back home... I gave him a call about a week or two ago when the motor in my Grand Prix started knocking... It is now on its last legs... However, I have the ability to fix it, but not the means as I cant work on vehicles here... I decided to hold off till spring as I would prefer the car not see any salt... I hate rust... I also cant have a dead car where I am living now and needed to remove it from the property (they actually watch to make sure vehicles get driven)... Tom offered to let me store the car in his barn for the winter time and I will make some time to clean up the yards a bit around his place on a weekend or two... There was a large car meet in Dayton this past weekend and one of my canadian friends happened to be bringing a trailer down to pick up a car he had shipped to me from California... He also hates rust... Since he was going to the same place I was, I had asked to use his trailer and he said that would be fine... We had to get creative in loading the car as it has a lowered suspension, but we managed just fine... I trailered it down to the event on Friday and headed out to Toms Saturday morning (only 25-30 minute drive)... I brought 3 guys with me to help move things around which when moving the mower, all 4 of us were needed... By the way Tom, your barn is much cleaner now even though I had just cleaned it out earlier this year...

A couple pictures of the events:
Loaded it up, we parked the car on the grass which was on an incline, we also had to use some boards to keep it from scraping

Unloading we had to do the same thing, Tom, please dont mind the tire tracks on your fence posts, I dont know where they came from

The garage door on the side of the barn doesnt open so we had to clear the whole path to get it to the spot I wanted it

I placed tarps and a blanket under it to absorb any moisture that may want to sit under there, and to catch the couple of fluids it likes to seep... I also have a car cover and a tarp over that to protect it... The battery was pulled and left at the house with a set of keys in case it desperately needs moved as it still runs and drives, but not for much longer

I have quite a few plans for the car... I am buying a parts car and rebuilding my car almost from the ground up including bigger sway bars, performance struts, headers, bigger brakes and a few limited edition parts... Thanks for this offer Tom, I dont know what I would have done without it

Tom & Robin in Denmark

2011-09-12T06:56:00.003-04:00

We are in Denmark. We arrived safe and sound on Saturday. This is a picture of our car in front of a church in the countryside. We have a Peugeot 508 diesel 5 speed. It is a beautiful car, large and very comfortable. All of the luggage for 4 of us fit into the trunk.

Marleen & Bob arrived on time, but very tired. Their flight from SFO to Frankfort was cancelled and they had to reroute through Chicago. They didn't sleep for 2 days. They are off to Copenhagen today to shop and see Tivoli. On Wed. we will take the ferry to Sweden for the day. Our condo is right on the North Sea. The weather so far is perfect!

Coke is about $5 for a 1.5L bottle. Things are very expensive. Yesterday we had canned onion soup. We can't read the cans very well and sometimes we have to guess. We are off to the grocery today to buy food for tonight. What shall we get? The stores are so small and not much selection. And did I mention the prices??? Ouch! Let alone restaurants! But we are having a good time and enjoy exploring new places and things.

We love driving in the countryside. It is not crowded and the traffic is light. We have waves on the North Sea today.

In the last month, Marleen has been to Sydney, China, Hawaii (twice) and now to Germany and Denmark. I think her clock must be really messed up.

Tom

Tom & Robin in Iceland

2011-09-09T06:00:00.003-04:00

Well, we made it. It looks like moonscape here. We did the Gold Circle tour by car yesterday and saw a lot of volcanic rocks. And geysers and a waterfall. And a few sheep. Oh, and did I mention the rocks? The temp was about 45 with a 40mph wind. Brrrrr. We ate at Hotel Geysir at a buffet with food we didn't recognize. OK, I could identify the pickeled herring. We thought we saw a tree, but we were mistaken. Oh, yes, and the rocks. Yes, we saw fire and ice too. How about a glacier in the background of an erupting geyser. And surrounded by volcanos. Prices here are very very high. But we've always wanted to come here. I'm not sure now I can figure out why.

Shirley update Thursday August 25 2011

2011-08-26T07:53:00.003-04:00

To our faithful Update Group:

I wanted to send a last update to convey the appreciation of our family for each expression of help, care, concern, and love during Shirley's illness and subsequent passing. Each of you, in your own unique way, supported and stood by us and we are very grateful. A "Thank You" seems inadequate to recognize what each expression means to us. And yet, we know that a simple thank you is all you expect. And so: Thank You.

Love to you all,

Ray

Crazy Month of August

2011-08-25T23:11:00.003-04:00

Soooo this has been a crazy month. Bought a new car, and just signed a lease on a new house. Send me an email if you're interested in the new address (and would like to send a housewarming gift...cash donation always welcome...)

syst3m@lemoorenet.com

Shirley Rickert Obituary

2011-08-16T22:56:00.004-04:00

August 18, 2011

TERRE HAUTE — Shirley Ann (Cooksey) Rickert was promoted to Glory on August 16th, 2011. She departed as a result of an aggravated respiratory condition. Shirley will be remembered as one who lovingly served her family in the home and faithfully served the Saints in the House of God.

Shirley was a coal miner’s daughter and was born in 1939 to Raymond Cooksey and Hallie (Bercaw) Cooksey of Sullivan, Indiana. She spent her teen years in Sullivan and was a member of the Golden Arrows’ Class of 1958. In 1955, a year after the tragic death of her mother, Shirley was encouraged by a classmate to begin attending the First Baptist Church. She received Christ as her Savior, was baptized, and became active in youth group and choir. She developed a close relationship with the church’s youth leaders, Vard and Jessie Boles, and later adopted them as foster parents. Her love for Vard and Jessie never waned and even provided care for them in their elderly years. Shirley’s spiritual experience as a teen drove her passion as an adult where she served enthusiastically as a youth leader at Memorial United Methodist Church and at Faith Outreach Fellowship in Terre Haute. She was determined that no young person should be without the hope of Christ. During the high school years of her two sons, she became an ardent supporter of Wabash Valley Youth for Christ.

As a young woman, Shirley was employed as a pharmacy technician at AP&S Clinic in Terre Haute. Through a co-worker, she met the love of her life, Raymond E. Rickert. The two were married in 1962 at the First Baptist Church in Sullivan. Their marriage remained strong for 49 years and was blessed with two children, Raymond M. and Patrick E. Rickert. While her sons were young, Shirley gave up her working career and chose to be identified as a homemaker and helpmate. In this role, she was able to nurture her children, support her husband in his corporate position, and be available for others outside the home. As a community servant, Shirley became an unwavering advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and assisted with the founding of the Wabash Valley MADD chapter. She coordinated the annual MADD Dash road run and walk.

Shirley was grateful for the companionship given by her daughters-in-law, Tricia and Kristina Rickert. She looked forward to the daily phone calls and video chats. Shirley’s grandchildren, Matthew, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Annabelle, Emilia, Flora, and Patton Rickert, will forever remember their grandmother’s Christmas celebrations that included gift treasure hunts and scrumptious spare ribs cooked to perfection.

The family would like to thank the physicians and nurses at Indianapolis Methodist hospital for the overwhelming kindness and professional care given to Shirley during her illness.

A visitation will be on Friday evening, August 19th, at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th St., from 5 to 8 p.m. A visitation will also be on Saturday, August 20th, at World Gospel Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A celebration service will immediately follow the visitation at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s honor to the youth ministry at World Gospel Church or IU Health Hospice, c/o Methodist Health Foundation, 1800 N. Capitol Avenue, P.O. Box 7168, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7168.

2 Teenagers!

2011-08-12T22:40:00.005-04:00

The kids turned 13 in June and are now both taller than me. Not fair! They do have a ways to go before they overtake Phil though!

Shirley's update frpm Ray

2011-08-09T14:03:00.000-04:00

Hello Walker clan:

I have refrained from saying this before even though signs have indicated it all along...........there have been no malignancies or signs of cancer detected, either in the lungs or in the strange growth on Shirley's spinal cord. As a result, steroid dosage is being reduced. A diverse menu of IV antibiotics continues in order to cover all possibilities of infection.

That's the good news. The discouraging news is that we still don't have a diagnosis altho the Hematology doc is leaning toward one of the demyelinating (nervous system tissue destruction) diseases. But he isn't being specific.

Shirley continues to be bed-fast and immobile. Her vital signs are mostly within desirable ranges or very close to that. She communicates mostly with smiles and yes or no head movements altho when she really wants something, she says it very clearly and distinctly.

Family members visited over the weekend. Thanks to all.

August Out West

2011-08-06T00:05:00.002-04:00

Well, this is not Ohio in August! But it is out west. Who can tell where and who? Yes, it is a real picture and not a backdrop. Pretty dramatic, don't you think? It looks inviting given the hot weather we've had here. Ummmm, I think it is time to hit the road again.

Robin and I will hit the road again at the end of the month. We will be in Iowa, MN, Iceland, Denmark and then take a ship to Port Canaveral. We will see 3 cousins along the way. Should be fun!!

Shirley Update --- Friday

2011-07-29T21:25:00.000-04:00

One thing we've come to expect here at Methodist is change. And that's what happened to the bronchoscopy. It got changed--------canceled in favor a of an MRI, which is currently being done as I write. This MRI will include the entire spine instead of just the cervical part. The medical team would like to know if there are clues in the thoracic and lumbar areas that will help them identify the masked bandit that has stolen Shirley's ability to function.

Meanwhile, the existing pathology has been studied by a premier radiologist from Texas who is in Indy to lecture. He's stumped too. A senior radiologist here at Methodist has returned from vacation and will also be studying the pathology work.

For the most part, Shirley rests rather comfortably. . She is given medication for pain regularly but also asks for booster doses periodically. It's hard for me to judge just how much pain she's really in. Most times when she's asked, she says it's a "7 or 8" (on a 1 to 10 scale) regardless if she's just had medication or if she's due for it. By and large, this is the same pain she came in the hospital with. (I'd guess that most of the neck pain as a result of surgery has subsided.) Of course, it's being treated with much stronger drugs than we were at home.

From nearly 3 weeks in bed, she's become weaker and mostly immobile. She needs help eating and changing positions. (But she smiles big or interjects a comment at appropriate times!) Physical therapists have been in a couple times for evaluation but I need to ask the Doc if a specific plan is in place.

The weekend approaches and both Doctors will be gone. So any action that may be indicated from today's MRI is not likely til at least Monday. Likewise, I don't expect anything to need updating until Monday or Tuesday.

Your interest and concern for her condition is appreciated; your prayers for her health are coveted. Love to you all.

Ray

Update on Shirley From Ray

2011-07-24T15:58:00.000-04:00

Good morning.

Shirley has been transferred to ICU. The doctors are not satisfied with her progress and want her to have more individual attention. She is having more tests as I write.
Because of her ICU location, visitation is restricted, but possible.
Your concern and prayers are coveted and mean a great deal to us. Thank you.

Shirley's Update From Kristina

2011-07-20T10:43:00.000-04:00

No news from Pathology. Prayers are requested.

Happy Birthday !

2011-07-19T21:42:00.000-04:00

July 19, 2011

Shirley Update From Kristina

2011-07-19T21:24:00.000-04:00

Dr. just came in and said he did not have any results from Pathology yet.

Mom is in some pain but her nurse is looking to get her on a longer lasting pain med soon.

Tuesday Update on Shirley from Kristina

2011-07-19T12:29:00.000-04:00

Mom is still in the surgery recovery area this morning waiting for a bed on the Neurology Critical Care floor. Dad, Raymond and Patrick were able to visit with her last night.

This morning Dad and I went back to recovery and were able to greet Mom. She seemed comfortable and even laughed a little when I told her that Liz had raided her chocolate stash when we went to their home last night. It seems to me that she is relieved to be awake and not have paralysis. She was very nervous before the surgery. Not certain any details of the surgery have been shared with her.

When we know more, we'll be quick to update everyone. Please feel free to share this information with family and friends of Shirley & Ray who may not be included on this e-mail. Thank you!

Update on Shirley from Kristina

2011-07-18T21:01:00.000-04:00

The Dr. just came out of surgery and let us know that the operation itself went well. However, he was unable to remove the tumor and the initial Pathology results could not tell him what type of tumor it is.

It may be 2-3 days before Pathology will have any idea as to what type of cancer she has. There is very little known at this time as to what type of treatment will be needed. The Dr. was doubtful that the surgery improved anything for Mom. She will probably be here for a while.

Right now I think we are all trying to absorb the news. We wish we could give you all answers and tell you Mom is on the road of treatment and recovery.

2011-07-18T14:58:00.000-04:00

Enjoying a little snuggle time with her youngest grandson. Good medicine indeed!

Update on Shirley Rickert From Kristina

2011-07-18T13:02:00.000-04:00

Mom's surgery is still scheduled for today at 5:00 PM. She received a visit from Dr. Payner's assistant, Elliott Levine, PA. He just wanted to check on her and said that he would leave the explanation of the surgery - length and process - and recovery time up to Dr. Payner. He said he didn't want to talk out of turn. He asked Mom if she could lift her right arm. Mom said "No" but lifted her arm above her head at the same time. :) Levine said that if everything stayed on schedule, we would hear from Dr. Payner by 4:00 PM or earlier. Dr. Payner had only one other surgery at St. Vincent that was to take place earlier today. He said that the availability of the surgery staff and the operating room at Methodist itself is the main concern and possible cause for surgery cancellation.

We asked about where Mom would be taken after the surgery. He said that it is typical with "longer surgeries" (those longer than an hour) for the patient to go to the ICU overnight. It is likely that the breathing tube used during surgery would be removed in the ICU. Mom would stay there until she was awake and moving around.

Dr. Ryan Overman of IU Health Neurology also stopped by and said he would be standing by to assist after the surgery.

- 12:20 PM - Mom received a visit from Rev. Ted Murphy and his wife, Joanne. Rev. Murphy has known Mom & Dad Rickert since their days at Memorial Methodist years ago. They traveled up for a brief visit and prayed with us before leaving. The Rickert family has only good things to say about Rev. Murphy and were very appreciative of his visit.

Mom had a good night's sleep. Her blood pressure was very good this morning. She is not allowed any water or food - so of course, she is more thirsty and hungry than when she was allowed those items. Her meds are still oral so she does get a sweet sip of water with each pill. Still no IV but that may have helped her sleep without the beeping associated with the IV machine. The Patient Advocate personnel contacted me to discuss my complaint from Saturday about the apparent lack of staffing on the Pic Team. (Mom was told she would get a pic line on Saturday morning and this has yet to occur).

She did say that she is scared. We told her that that was understandable and reassured her that the surgeons in charge are some of the best in the nation.

We would continue to ask for your prayers for Mom - her health and her emotional state and for the skills of the surgeons.

Family and friends will notice that our distribution list has greatly expanded since the updates last week. Mom and Dad are comforted in the fact that they have so many concerned friends and family. Thank you!

First Cousin Photos From David A. Walker

2011-07-18T09:29:00.000-04:00

Fort Wayne 2011

Tom's 2011

Shirley Rickert - Background Update

2011-07-17T19:19:00.001-04:00

I am posting this e-mail that was written by Christina Rickert.

---------------------------

Hi, I'm Ray and Shirley Rickert's daughter-in-law. Ray asked me to contact you all to let you know that Shirley is in the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and scheduled for surgery tomorrow evening.
Here's a summary of the past to bring you up to speed:

Over the past several months there has been a noticeable decrease in Mom Rickert's health. She began having balance issues as well as some cognitive problems. Until this week doctors believed that it might be something similar to Parkinson's. Then in the last few weeks, her balance worsened to the point that she started falling. Last weekend she fell 4 times in a 48 hours. She also began to complain more about pain in her neck. Last Sunday the pain got to the point that Mom called her doctor and asked to be admitted to Regional. Thankfully several MRI's were ordered in an effort to find the source of the pain. Tuesday's test results showed that there was a tumor in the spine of her neck. Wednesday she was transported to Indianapolis. Additional tests were run and the physicians found another mass (1.5 cm x 1 cm) in her left lung. The two spots may or may not be related. The surgeons will not know until they get in and send samples to the lab. Although the lung is of concern, the physicians all agree that the tumor in her spine is of top priority.

Mom knows what is going on and has been informed of the risks involved. She is understandably nervous and has stated she doesn't want any complications. None of us do, of course. We feel very confident in the abilities of the neurosurgeons here. We've been told that they are one of the best in the nation and have even been featured on CNN and Oprah.

If you would like to visit, call or send a card, here is her contact information:

Shirley Rickert, Room 5101

The Methodist Hospital

1701 Senate Boulevard

Indianapolis, IN 46202

The direct number to her room is 317-962-7121.

Above all, your prayers would be so appreciated during this time. If you feel there are other family or friends that would desire to stay informed, please feel free to forward this information on to them. Thank you!

Anthony Parrott and "Groceries"

2011-06-28T07:47:00.005-04:00

Our son Anthony, who is the worship leader at Good News Community Church in Iowa had an opportunity to preach these last 2 weeks. If you know Anthony at all you know he always gives it his best and this is a fine example. This is not the "traditional" sermon and I think that once you start watching you won't want to stop until it's over.

Anthony Parrott and "Groceries"

Just a Note from Me

2011-06-27T13:14:00.006-04:00

I thought I would let you know why I will not be coming to the reunion this year. I have come down with an inter ear thing called "Acute Labyrinthitis" which makes me dizzy. Driving and working is out doctors orders until this goes away. Riding in a car is not a good idea due to motion sickness. This they say this can lasts for 4 to 6 weeks and this is only my 1st week.
Other then the dizziness I feel great. They did all kinds of tests on me and all they could find is this inter ear problem. I am doing exercises which the doctor told me will help speedup the healing process.
Jim

Lacrosse Tournament - Kalamazoo

2011-06-22T15:19:00.003-04:00

For all the Michiganders in the family, we'll be in Kalamazoo the weekend after July 4th for a Girl's Lacrosse Tournament. Carol is playing on a travel select team before she goes to college in the Fall. Let us know if you want details.

Craig Walker

New Grandson Owen Michael Walker 6/20/11

2011-06-21T12:20:00.003-04:00

There's is a new Walker to carry on the name...

Owen Michael Walker born 9:21am 6/20/11 He was 7# 1oz and 20.5" long. He is the son of Michael John and Mandy Lynn Walker.
Twin sisters Alexis Lee-Ann and Emily Elizabeth are holding him They turn 7 on 8/27/11

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18th Annual Walker Campout & Reunion

2011-06-15T22:08:00.011-04:00

It's just about that time when we all converge at Tom and Robin's for our annual 3 day smorgasbord. Hope to see you all there! Click on the text below to make it bigger.

Congratulations to Nancy & Stephen (Wisler) Elliott

2011-05-31T19:52:00.000-04:00

Shenandoah National Park Area

2011-05-16T22:58:00.008-04:00

Natural Chimneys

Civil War New Market Hall of Valor Museum

We are having a good time in spite of the rain.

Wednesday we celebrate 55th wedding anniversary

John and Pat

The Photos say it all....

2011-05-09T09:19:00.000-04:00

Got the job new apartment and promoted

2011-05-05T12:16:00.002-04:00

Well I got the job at Brightpoint and promoted to a new costumer with in my department. Then we got our second apartment I love it is so much bigger than our first one. Matt just finished his second class and did very well in it he also got a job offer with Brightpoint to be a team lead but if he took the offer we would have to work at different times and that would not be good.

Well that is all that is new with us
Michelle R Walker & Matthew P Andretti

New Music Store in town!

2011-04-10T00:18:00.005-04:00

Walker Music & Textiles is open for business. We've had a good first week. I'd thought I'd share some of the progress we've made in the past two weeks.

MN Photo

2011-03-17T23:03:00.005-04:00

Winter in Minnesota

2011-03-17T22:36:00.001-04:00

Hi all! I just wanted to share with you what we do with all our snow here in MN; decorate with it! Elaine came to visit-yes, in the middle of winter the day after our second 17 inch snow storm. She came to help me celebrate my 50th birthday so we decorated the snow with candles for the party Phil threw for me. It was actually quite fun and festive and also an awesome party!

Two great things this week !

2011-03-16T01:20:00.003-04:00

One, Well this week I will be turning in my application at my place of employment to work for them. Instead of the staffing company that I work for right now . Two, My supervisor came up to me tonight at work and told me that he is going to ask his boss to change the time of a tour of the company that I work on their product, so I can show them how we do what i do with there product to get it back out to the customers. He told me the reason he wants me too show them is, because he only trust me one of the two that work on testing the product. The other person is on our first shift and he doesn't think they do a very good job with this product.
Well that all that is new from Indianapolis Michelle R Walker and Matthew P Andretti

Visiting Cousins In California

2011-03-11T16:25:00.001-05:00

June Mierau, Dale Parrott, Carol Allen, Mary Henkler

Bill and Carol Allen

March in CA

2011-03-08T18:23:00.003-05:00

Mary Henkler and Debi Parrott soaking up the sun !

New Endeavor

2011-03-08T04:55:00.002-05:00

Another new Walker placard will be posted soon: Walker Music & Textiles in Hastings MI. Nancy and I are working to open a retail store for musical instrument sales and service and spinning wheels and looms sales and service. Our store address is 140 W State Street in downtown Hastings.

Another Engagement!

2011-02-28T11:59:00.003-05:00

Not to overshadow Dani's news, but I wanted to let you know that I'm engaged as well! Our wedding is Oct. 1st, 2011 in Elkhart. Right now we're working on save the dates & invitations, so if you all could send me your addresses, that would be a great help! He's looking forward to meeting everyone this summer at the reunion!

Martha Smith

2011-02-21T16:08:00.002-05:00

Martha Alice (Weatherford) Smith, 87, of Mishawaka, IN passed away Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11:20 AM at the (Elkhart) Center for Hospice Care after a brief illness.

Some knew her as “Martha,” but she was better known as “Smitty,” “Marthalice,” “Marshy” or most of all “Mama Smith,” not only by her family but by many others as well.

Martha was born in Newport, Arkansas to the late Dorse and Effie Weatherford on August 15, 1923. At the age of 16, she met the love of her life, Ralph R. Smith, who was four years older. On April 26, 1941 when Martha was 17, they secretly eloped. She and Ralph did not reveal the marriage to their families until the postman shared the news with Martha’s mom! In 1952 Ralph and Martha moved to Mishawaka, IN.

Ralph and “Marshy” (as he called her) cherished one another and had a blissful marriage for 64 years. Often seen holding hands, their love and respect for each other will forever be etched in the minds of all who knew them. Ralph and Marshy have left a wonderful legacy behind of what a Godly marriage looks like.

As Ralph’s health deteriorated, Marshy lovingly cared for and comforted him. After a lengthy illness, her beloved Ralph passed away on December 31, 2005, leaving Marshy and the family heartbroken. As usual, Marshy kept busy doing what needed to be done with the strength and stability she had come to be known for.

Ralph and Martha had four children, Doris A. (Dennis) Drake of South Bend who survives, and three deceased children, Mary Alice Smith, infant Joan Leslie Smith and Ralph J. whom Martha cared for daily after a 1999 motorcycle accident left him unable to care for himself. He passed away in 2010. Also preceding Martha in death were sisters Dorothy, Johnie and Jewel.

Family members left to cherish Mama Smith’s memory are daughter Doris and husband Dennis; sister, Claudean Clayton of Memphis, TN; three very special grandchildren, Leslie A. Mick of Mishawaka, Debi Sue (Morris) Boroff of Norwalk, OH and Joel (Melissa) Smith of Florida, and several treasured great-grandchildren including Makenzie Ann and Morgan Elaine Mick of Mishawaka and Josh and Sean Boroff of Norwalk, OH.

Martha was known as a very hard worker. “Smitty” worked at the former St. Joseph Hospital of Mishawaka for over 23 years as an Orthopedic Tech in the Emergency Room. She became well known and loved among hospital staff, physicians and patients. At the age of 70, after she and Ralph retired, they both went to work at Gustafon R B Company, where she worked for 14 years until being laid off at the age of 84! After the loss of her husband and son, she then returned to work at the Meijer store on Grape Rd., passing out free samples of food products. She worked there for a year until the time of her death.

Martha was also known as “the walker”. Up until very recently, she walked 10-15 miles each and every day, weather permitting. She was very well known for her cooking, baking and giving of her delicious foods to friends and family. She was especially known for her Carrot Cake recipe.

To know “Mama Smith” was to love her and be loved. Once you knew her, you were family. She knew no stranger. She loved unconditionally. There was no limit to what she would do for others, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mama Smith loved her family beyond words and each day of her life was not complete without talking with or spending time with any number of them. Her legacy will continue because she has taught each of us well through her love and daily example.

Martha attended Hillside Missionary Church, South Bend where she actively participated in and greatly enjoyed her ABF group. Martha held sacred her relationship with the Lord, her assurance of an eternity in Heaven and her desire to see her family and friends share in this hope. Rev. Ken Fetter, Martha’s dear friend, spiritual advisor and pastor, worded it well by saying, “Martha will be remembered as a woman with a servant’s heart.” Two favorite passages of scripture for Martha were Psalm 23 and Hebrews 13:5b-6a, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” She was not fearful, but relied upon this promise. Martha…Smitty….Mama Smith….whatever name you knew her by, has left a wonderful legacy for all of us to cherish.

Mama Smith’s family is deeply moved and appreciative of everyone who cared for her. They especially want to thank the nurses and care givers working in PCU at SJRMC and at the Center for Hospice Care of Elkhart. The care, love and support shown to Mama Smith and the family were so needed and appreciated beyond words.

Visitation will be held at the Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Martha’s memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday February 24, 2011 at Hillside Missionary Church, 21567 W. Ireland Rd., South Bend with Rev. Kenneth Fetter officiating. There will be a private graveside service prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hillside Missionary Church, South Bend or to Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.
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Click on the ling below to sign the Memorial Gardens guest book
Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens

the turtles

2011-02-20T20:32:00.003-05:00

Dale, will you give the turtle different colors? Then I can give them names. But know I get them mixed and call them the same name.

Goodbye...

2011-02-20T08:40:00.003-05:00

Doris's mom Martha Smith passed into eternity yesterday morning around 11:20 after a two week struggle. We'll post more when we know the funeral details. Anyone wanting to contribute to a flower/memorial fund, give us a call asap at 574-533-4557.

Wedding Bells!!!!

2011-02-14T13:49:00.004-05:00

This is the official announcement Danielle Nicole (Dani) Diehl is officially engaged to John Derrick (J.D.) Farmer!!! Today we have been together for Year and Half and its Valentines Day!!!

Please don't post to facebook until I have changed my status I want people to have the most chance finding out before I post it there!

Congrats can be sent to:

539 Imus Dr. Mishawaka Indiana 46545

or you can call at 574-855-8506

~Dani

D. Coleen Walker G.D. John R. Walker GGD. H.Ray Walker

The Walker Cousins At The Eessenhaus

2011-02-13T19:21:00.006-05:00

Sadness for Denny and Doris.......

2011-02-09T23:42:00.004-05:00

Doris's mom (Martha) took a bad turn today and isn't expected to be with us much longer. Prayers for this family are greatly appreciated. It's only been 7 months since Doris lost her only sibling.

Update on Doris's mom.....

2011-02-08T10:30:00.002-05:00

Martha's cognitive abilities are great and her feisty personality is coming through, but she is struggling with paralysis on the left side along with speech issues. She can't swallow so she has a feeding tube, and she still has quite a lot of pain in her head. If you'd like to send a card, you can send it to Drake's house at 16901 Jackson Rd., South Bend, In 46614 and send it to Martha Smith c/o Denny or Doris Drake.

Doris Drake's Mom.......

2011-02-05T13:26:00.003-05:00

Doris's mom had a stroke today, and is now in the hospital. This is a lady that walks 10 miles a day, and asks to clean house for Doris just so she'll have something to do.

Diane Walker appointed at Notre Dame

2011-02-03T16:50:00.003-05:00

The University of Notre Dame announced today the appointment of Diane Walker as Head of Libraries at ND. In addition, Paul will be working in the Master's of Sacred Music program at the university. They will be relocating from Virginia to South Bend this summer.

http://newsinfo.nd.edu/news/18345/

Unasembled snowmen for sale, CHEAP!

2011-02-01T20:33:00.006-05:00

And so it begins.......
These photos were taken from our garage looking out at our driveway at around 7:00 p.m. this evening. This was the first, smaller portion of the storm. They said on the news that the storm would take a bit of a rest and then really let loose. This was during the "rest". Hmmm.......

2011-02-01T10:28:00.002-05:00

For those of who didn't catch it, the young people in the Florida "Cousins" photo is our oldest son Matthew, his wife Autumn, and their 4 children. We would have loved to be there!

Florida reunion 2011

2011-01-21T22:09:00.005-05:00

Enjoy the pictures. Shirley fell and banged up her face. 8 cousins present out of the 10 cousins in Florida at the time. Every one had a good time. And the food was wonderfull.

I am not going to wake Tom.

2011-01-18T21:07:00.001-05:00

Winter Wonderland At The Drakes In South Bend

2011-01-09T08:31:00.003-05:00

Fishing In The Cold

2011-01-01T19:36:00.000-05:00

My son Justin and I had an unusual opportunity to go fishing in Michigan on New Years day. The fishing was slow but we had a good time.

Missing Cousin

2011-01-01T15:59:00.003-05:00

OK, so here is the missing picture from the graduation in 1983. Did anyone guess who went on that trip? It was a spectacular week! My first visit to DC.

Well, Robin & I are off to Florida this coming week. We'll be back in February.

Tom

New twig on the family tree!!

2010-12-22T09:22:00.006-05:00

Ethan Christopher Allspaw was born at 10:22 AM on Monday, December 20, 2010 to Greg and Elizabeth Allspaw of Brownsburg, IN. He weighed 8 lb 14 oz and was 22" long. He is beautiful and healthy and has a great set of lungs!! Mom, Dad, Baby and Grandparents are all doing fine.

e christmas card

2010-12-19T21:37:00.002-05:00

To all of the Walker clan on the blog:

I'm sending out Christmas greetings this year electronically. I wish for you all a very Merry Christmas and happy new year. May you have health and happiness in the coming year.

I don't have much to report for a Christmas letter. Mom and I spent a long weekend in St. Louis over Labor Day to watch Carol play field hockey, and see a few sites and visit. At work we have a new mayor since the old one resigned, but so far there have been no changes in my status. So all is good there.

Jack, Casey, and Bella

WEDDING BELLS

2010-12-18T23:46:00.002-05:00

Steve and Nancy were married this afternoon at Peace United Methodist Church in Hastings, Michigan.

Congratulations to the happy couple.

Trip East 1983

2010-12-18T18:13:00.004-05:00

As many of you know, we've been travelling extensively for years. One of our trips was in 1983 back east from New Mexico. We were in our 1981 Isuzu Diesel pickup with a topper. We had a third passenger in the back who listened to the Greatful Dead most of the way. Here are some memorial pictures from that trip. Who (besides the obvious) knows who all made it east for this event?

On the Road Again

2010-12-07T22:03:00.002-05:00

Well, big surprise!! Robin and I are headed west again. We are in Springfield, Mo tonight and will be in Santa Fe on Thursday to link up with cousin Alden and old friends in NM. Today we passed right by the Arch in St. Louis. Tonight we ate at Lamberts where they are known for "Throwed Rolls". Yes, they throw them across the room to you. Last time I was there, I ordered pork jowls. I didn't make that mistake this time; I ordered pork chops.

We are driving out in our 2003 Mountaineer. This was our retirement car which we bought brand new a month before Robin retired. We drove it out to California via part of old Route 66. Now the vehicle has 100K miles on it and we are retracing the same route. The Mountaineer is like an old friend to us and has taken us to the 4 corners of the US and much of Canada. We will pass through Las Vegas and will arrive in Pacific Grove, CA on Sunday night.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

Card Shower for Fern Walker

2010-11-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

Fern Walker will be celebrating her 90th birthday on December 4th and her family would appreciate it if the Walker relatives would send her a birthday card. Her address is 1114 Park Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45891. Linda will will taking her to New Mexico for the winter on December 7th.

Ahh.....memories!!!

2010-11-19T09:37:00.001-05:00

I can dress them up, but I just can't take them anywhere!

From the Archives...

2010-11-17T20:43:00.000-05:00

Travels with Tom

2010-11-13T20:09:00.000-05:00

John and I traveled to Wisconsin with Tom last week for a week of sight seeing. When not out and about this is what occupied our time...

2010-11-11T10:16:00.002-05:00

Here is another cousin mini reunion in California. Yes, Suzanne and Denny made it out to California to see their California cousins. This picture was taken at Marleen's house in Lemoore, CA. The picture is a bit dated, but my official excuse is that I'm way behind as I'm too busy travelling. I'm taking pictures faster than I can process them. I drafted John for help this week in Wisconsin.

I will be back to California for 3 weeks in December. My last trip to see family was last Christmas. There were a lot of cousins who drove west this year. I think John and I started a trend. I still have cousin pictures to post from my 2 month trip. All in good time.

Charles and Shirley Weaver, Elkhart Truth Nov. 7,2010

2010-11-07T09:03:00.000-05:00

NAPPANEE -- Charles and Shirley (Wisler) Weaver will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this month.

They were married Nov. 14, 1960.

An open house honoring the couple will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at First Church of God, 72306 C.R. 7, Nappanee.

Mr. and Mrs. Weaver retired from Nappanee Wood Products in Nappanee.

Their children are Jean Wells, deceased, Tracy Pennington of Nappanee and Rex Weaver of Nappanee. They have six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Today's the Day!

2010-11-02T11:28:00.000-04:00

If you haven't already done so, please vote!

Carol Walker's Team: Wisconsin State Field Hockey Champions

2010-10-24T18:52:00.004-04:00

Carol's high school, University School of Milwaukee, won the Wisconsin State Field Hockey championship yesterday. As you can see from the article from the Milwaukee paper, Carol scored 1 1/2 minutes into the game. Carol is also one of the team captains.

This team hasn't lost to a Wisconsin opponent since the state title game in 2008. We are very proud of the hard work by Carol and the entire team to achieve such success and maintain a winning tradition for their school.

Iowa Reunion

2010-10-20T10:57:00.004-04:00

This is a picture of the Walker gathering in Iowa this week. A big thanks to Anthony for providing the know-how to use the camera's self timer. It is interesting that this photo only represents 2 generations. We went to Anthony and Emily's church on Sunday and this photo was taken in our condo right before before we sat down for our Turkey dinner. Monday we went to Sioux City to see a wood carving of the Last Supper and stopped off in LeMars to visit with my college roommate and his family. Tuesday Anthony and Emily showed us around the area, except I stayed back to fix turkey noodles for the travellers.

I will get home early next week after being gone nearly 2 months. When I get settled, I will try to post pictures from other mini reunions from my trip. Attached also is a picture of a bear encounter in South Dakota. Boy, did Robin ever get that window up fast!!! We got snowed on in SD and Colorado.

Sermon

2010-10-19T18:37:00.002-04:00

I have another new sermon on-line. This one is called house arrest! What does it mean to show God's love every day! www.firehouseinfo.com then go to the media tab to check it out!

Jefferson Davis and Friends

2010-10-18T17:10:00.003-04:00

While we were at the civil war reenactment . We got a change to have our picture taken with Jefferson Davis. How lucky was that?

DALE'S 1960 PICTURE

2010-10-13T13:52:00.002-04:00

Hello All!

It's been a long time since I posted, but I have been keeping track on the blog.

The tall girl in the picture is indeed Susie, my sister. She was in a baton

twirling Group that put on different shows and met in competitions, and this

is one of her costumes! The baby is,,,,,,,,,little Stevie!

Uncle Johnnie,,,You win!! The homely, chubby one in the middle is,

(alas,,,ME)! Did anyone ever notice how much the Garfield family liked to

eat? HAAAA!! The picture was taken in the front yard of Grandma

Grace & Grandpa H. Ray's house on Northside Blvd in South Bend.

Oh, I also forgot to mention,,missing from the picture

because they had not arrived on the scene yet,,,

are Colleen, David, Bruce, Greg and Brian.

Look who I found!

2010-10-11T00:38:00.002-04:00

Where did I find them, and who's been here?

New contact information for me, again

2010-10-10T09:47:00.002-04:00

I graduated college in May and moved back to Toledo in June to look for work with my new degree... However I felt the hard times of the economy and did not find work as expected... Until now... I am working at Greve Chrysler (no I am not converting to a Chrysler guy) in Van Wert and have moved in with dad so I wouldnt have to drive an hour and 45 minutes to work every day... I now drive a minute and a half to work... I am what they call a vehicle analyzer and what I do is I look over each vehicle that they get from auction or trade in and I decide what they invest into it to make it lot worthy... Usually a set of tires and brakes and a few dents taken out and its ok but thats not always the case... I spend about 2 hours driving and inspecting the vehicles up and down and make sure that everything is noted and fixed so the new owner of the car or truck isnt coming back unhappy... Hope everyone is doing well...

Alex Walker
731 Prospect Ave
Van Wert Ohio 45891
419-376-4073
bigalwalker08@yahoo.com

Hartford City Civil War Reenactment

2010-10-08T19:40:00.005-04:00

Here is a picture of David Walker. I found this picture in the Hartford City Civil War Reenactment page. Will post more pictures after this weekend is over.

Jack's department makes the South Bend Tribune

2010-10-04T21:15:00.004-04:00

Click hereOne of my coworkers cooked up this contest which is open to anyone anywhere. Here is the link to the story. The results will help us with economic development and other projects. I will be one of the judges of the entries.

Click Here
http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20101004/News01/10040323/1052/News01