Family Reunion

Sent you all an email about the reunion....Let me know what you think....We can talk about food and stuff later....

Shoes.....

Awww Phyl they aren't that bad...$79-89 .... But look Roge aren't they the coolest thing you ever saw...They look like metal for the velcro, doesn't it??? And the bottom ones...you can put you little piggy toes in them too!!! Enjoy!!

Aren't they beautiful?

Of course, they are. They take after me. Seriously, though, do you think I'm getting any better or should I pack it in?

Just to let you all know, if you haven't heard yet. Rose and I made the decision to separate on a permanent basis. The papers have been filed at the county clerk's office and she has taken the stuff that she wanted and left. She will be leaving on Saturday the 19th (I think, she was not really forthcoming with details - some things that she told me she later said were not correct) for Nebraska. I fully expect that in a year I will file for divorce and that she will make her home in that part of the country. We have to wait a year to satisfy NY State's requirements unless adultery or cruel and unusual treatment is claimed. Not gonna do that.
I am Ok, trying to look at life positively and assess the future. The kids are doing alright, too. Not that we like it, but we had no choice in the matter, so we are dealing with it. Anyhoo, wanted to let you all know.
Love, Bob

Family Reunion

Gary and I were looking at campgrounds this past weekend for the family reunion... Wondered if anyone had any preference for dates... Would kinda like to do in August so that swimming would still be available for those that might want to swim....Let me know what you think...love ya.

Pencil sketch

This is a sketch I did of Brianna and Gabriel. It's pretty close. Took about half an hour to do the rough and three or four sessions to fine-tune. Probably not going to do much more with it before I start painting. What I find amazing is that I can adjust one small line just a tiny bit and it changes the whole picture.

When I get it finished, I'll post it.

Warning!! Be careful when opening!

As always, Cindy looks better than I do. Didn't have any problem painting her, but myself, whoeeeee, and still didn't get it anywhere near right. But ya gotta quit sometime, so it is what it is.

As Requested--hope you can see it

If you need a bigger picture, guess I'll have to email it to you. But you can probably capture it from here.

Been awhile for me too!

We have indoor plumbing.

This is the view of the kitchen from the loft.

Looking at the kitchen from the seating area of the great room. Lousy photo so you really can't see but the cabinets are knotty beech. Doors are off too but that's the point that we are at today.
View of the loft, fan, and skylights.

We had someone else build the steps and Wade built the railing.

We've been really busy at the house. Took some pictures today to show you. They are full of dust so not the best photos but you can get an idea how it's shaping up.

Goodness it's been a long time.......

I know, I know...I haven't done very good at updating you all about our move and all...It has been sooo hectic. And now we are actually starting to feel like we are settled here and can relax a little. We actually settled on our house on April 9th. It is in Sabinsville and we love it....It's kinda in town but we still love it. We ride bike around town a couple times a week. And it is only 3 miles from my work!!! It has 2 bedrooms upstairs and is about 1500 sq feet. It's an older house--not sure when built but well taken care of... We have a huge lawn (almost an acre ) and we really feel at home here. We just brought some Pergo laminate flooring for the dining area this week and will probably do some of that this weekend. It doesn't really need much except carpet and flooring--has lanoleium in from probably 70's...And eventually we'll do the kitchen and bath..

Our move went really smooth. There were SOOO many things that we see that we are "meant" to live up here..Not sure why or what purpose but.... Here we are and LOVING IT!!

My job is going GREAT!! Except for my boss----Haha!! Actually I love working with Berty and I LOVE my job..There are people all around all day and I talk to them all and love it...Of course in between I do a lot of paperwork and also answer the phone and take care of other stuff. I love talking with the residents that we have there and just "fooling" with them.

Gary also got a job right away. He's driving dump truck for a guy out of Ulysses. His boss is kinda a workaholic and likes to work 12 hrs a day, 7 days a week but Gary has decided that he's not going to work that hard and I think they respect each other for that. Even already his boss is impressed with how hard Gary does work, how he knows things, surprised?? I wasn't. His first job was to fly to Missouri and drive his truck home with 2 other guys--Enjoyed it but was glad to get home. They either are hauling stones for the natural gas wells going in up here or they are hauling salt/lime from Rochester NY to York PA.

The "boys" are doing good. Brad stayed in Lancaster County to finish up the school yr. He was in a competition that was in April so he wanted to stay for that. Not sure what he's going to do next yr--kinda would like to move up here but he also has a chance to go to Vo tech school to study how to fix computer and such....so not sure yet. He and a friend drove up here the other weekend. Gary and I were worried but he said "Harrisburg was a cinch, Mom., what were you worried about?" Who said being parents was easy.

Scott and Allison are doing good. They have recently moved out of their apartment complex and moved into a smaller apartment in the basement of Allison's mother's house. It's a split level so its not really underground so .... They seem to really like living there and are still trying to get settled. Scott got laid off in like February and hasn't found any work yet. They seem to be okay with him home and Allison's company got sold but she still thinks she'll have a job there...

Oh well, like always I talk toooooo much, right Roge??? but anyhow....even though haven't been on here...thought about it and love ya all...

Happy Birthday to you!

Well, the cycle starts again now that Helen is another year older. Guess I'm going to have to dig out the "Book" and send it to you so that you can know what to expect.

Have a happy, li'l Sis.

This is what my master (mistress) bed and bath now looks like after extensive rebuilding. The first picture shows an original closet with wallpaper I put on. There are two of them. Sometime this summer I will probably be opening these up, installing 4' or 5' bifold doors and finishing them to match the room. I want to put tongue and grooved knotty pine boards on the ceiling, but that will have to wait a while.

Originally there was a dividing wall between the bedroom and bathroom, with only a 48" wide by 80" high opening. Now it seems like the room is larger, even though it's the same size.

I insisted on the wallpaper design. It's the same print that I put into the bathroom a few years back and is one of the most peaceful prints I have ever seen. I can get into my tub, relax, and fall asleep. (Notice that I didn't include any picture of that!)

Anyhoo, I have been able to slow down the last couple of days. What a relief! Seven days a week, night and day, for close to two months is exhausting.

my crazy, crazy life......

Hi everybody. Been a LONG time since I've written, but I keep checking to see who else writes what. Seems like we all got in a slump for awhile. Nobody doing anything. Actually, my life has been EXTREMELY busy--more so than normal, but maybe it's going to slow down a little now. Had state inspection at work last week and passed with flying colors. That made me real happy because a lot of effort went into it. Plus, for the past month or so, I've had some place to go or something extra to do each weekend. This past weekend, I spent in Ocean City, NJ helping with a referent weekend for my company. This next weekend, Ed and I are going to Edinboro to watch Michelle graduate and help her move into a new apartment. The next weekend, I pick up Makayla, and so on and so on.....I'll be glad when I have a weekend at home to work in flower beds and clean my house! In between all of my work and weekends, I've been wallpapering at the new house. Living room, dining room, and kitchen are almost done. (I ran out of paper and need to order another roll.....Ugh!) I've started the bathroom and should be able to finish that tomorrow night, I hope. Our house is starting to "come together" and should be finished and ready to move into by August 1st. Ed's been working on the house....well, actually he's been "supervising" the boys....but it gives him something to think about and gets him out of the house. He went down to "watch" me wallpaper tonight, but actually used the tractor and graveled and graded the driveway a little. It'll be exciting to move into a new house, and I know that I'm not going to miss the steps or our driveway here, but I will miss the quiet and solitude. But, I think it's the best thing for him, and probably me too. Well, I can't think of anything else to tell you all--most of you know all of this anyway, so I'll write more later.

Seems like it never ends.

Don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't have anything to do. Like to try it for a few minutes, though.

Finished the website class--just in time to start tearing out Cindy's shower. I've known for some time that there was a leak, but kept putting it off until I had to do it. Stripped it out down to the floor joists. Put in new pressure treated plywood subfloor and studs all around. Found a leak from outside, so I had to fix that. Installed a pan liner and roughed in the plumbing yesterday. When it's finished, she'll have a walk-in shower/toilet with tile floor and walls. Much better than before, but it's taking all my time and digging quite heavily into my savings.

Don't think the Montana thing is going to happen anytime soon. Just ain't enough in the piggy bank for that and I'm not going to move with nothing--unless I have to. Looks like I'll be here for a while. Good news is that the trailer will be paid off in only eight more years and by that time I will have it rebuilt. Hate to throw that away. I have to start thinking about where I'm going to live and what I will do when I can't pound nails anymore, which isn't terribly far away.

I'm not terribly concerned, though, because tonight I didn't do anything except clean up a little. Just didn't feel like working, so I didn't. And this weekend, we're going to spend at Little Talbot Island, Lot #39, which I am looking forward to. I never regret the time I spend there. Since we couldn't get Friday night, I had to settle for going in Saturday afternoon and leaving Monday morning. This means, of course, that I won't be able to work Monday and will have to pull a vacation day. Disaster!! Like I said, I'm looking forward to it.

Hi all. Just got a call from Aunt Grace. She said that Uncle Herb passed away this past week. They found his body yesterday and thought that probably he had been dead for maybe three days. He was 81, and living in Jamestown. She was not certain about the services at this point. If I find out anything, I will post it.
Grace said that she is living in Caneadea, NY, close to where Grandma used to live. She doesn't get out much, but would desire company if any of you get a chance. Her phone number is (585) 207 -4016.
Thanks, I will post more soon.

Update on Leighann

For those of you who I didn't send this to on facebook, Shawn Stutzman (Val's sister) just sent me this update and I thought I would pass it along...

Nate and Amanda,
Leigh Ann is in ICU at Robert Packer Hospital. She had surgery last night thru most of the night. Has a pin in leg, the other arm she shattered the elbow and ripped tendions. The other arm she broke above the elbow but their is nerve damage and it will effect her hand, she might not have full use of it. Time will tell. She is going to need a lot of physical therapy and rehab but is in stable condition right now. Keep praying. I am sure she has some other cuts and bruises as well.She isn't awake or at least wasn't as of an hour or two ago, from the antehsisa. Some of that is expected and I am sure they are probabley giving her pain medicine too which may keep her droggie. But we are thankful she is alive. Val and Lee were still at the hospital but this is the latest I know. Please share this with your other family members as I don't have everyone's email address and to be honest I am about dead myself as I haven't slept all night myself. I know God is able to do what we can't and I am just putting her into his care and hope you will do the same as well. Val's sister, Shawn

Recovering--Again

Had a little more reconstructive surgery last week and am recovering well. Went back to work today and saw the doctor to get the drain out and the bandages off. Nowhere near as bad as the last surgery.

We listed the house in Chinchilla with a new realtor and have had quite a few "lookers". No offers yet but we're trusting that God will bring one at the proper time. Wade is working on the new house everyday and it's coming along nicely.

Hot Dog, I'm back!!

Been a while since I've put in my two cents. I've got a good excuse.

I've been taking this class with Cindy on Web Design. Not a good teacher and except for her and I, everyone else is a kid who doesn't know much. I get the general idea in class, but homework is where I really learn the stuff. It seems that I learn best by making a change, one change at a time, and then checking to see what the effect is.

Let me tell you something. HTML is a challenge and I am stretching myself to learn it. Unfortunately, this doesn't leave a lot of time for painting, but I'm not concerned about it. There'll be time enough for that later.

The creative side of me is really coming out of the closet. Nothing would please me more than to be able to make a decent living at my computer or easel (if I had one) and be able to get out of the construction business, which has served me well, but is getting old.

Time will tell. For now, I'm going to learn everything I can in these areas and trust that God will make it happen.

Love you all.

p.s. By the way, it seems that the posting has slowed to a crawl. Where are we at with this?

Nathan Mitchell Family Update!

Hello, wanted to let everyone know we are doing fine. The kids sure are growing fast Gabi will be 4 in June and Azi will be 2 in April. We just recently took a trip to Vermont and had lots of fun! It was great for the kids we stopped in Springfield, MA so the kids could see the Dr. Seuss memorial park then we drove all the way up to Stowe, Vermont were we spent the night. We found a great restaurant were the kids could eat and be as loud as they wanted which was great for them after riding a a car for about 5 hours. The next day we went to the Ben & Jerry's factory and took the tour which is where the picture was taken and also went to the Vermont Teddy bear factory and also took their tour. The kids each got a teddy bear and so did mommy. Its the neatest teddy bear its made of about 6 different colors. They called him a kaleidoscope, Gabi got a dog of course she always does and Azi picked a red teddy bear! Any ways it was lots of fun.
Nate went to the doctor today about his back finally. He got a referral to see someone so hopefully they figure out if he can do something different so that he doesn't have so much pain all the time. I Started selling Avon Friday from home.I'm really excited and if anyone is interested I'll post the link for my web page! Its great because my friends and family that are not close by can order right from my web page and have it directly delivered to your house 24hours 7 days a week. I also love how Avon has a satisfaction guarantee. I can return anything for your not happy with. and If there is any product your not sure about. I may be able to send you a sample. Please pass it on if you know anyone who might be interested in checking out my website.http://www.youravon.com/amitchell7673

New house, new job

Well been at my new job (actually working for Berty) for a week now. I really like it and I think she does too..It's going really good. Learning more and more. Lots of paperwork and some phones and other stuff but a very nice variety and so makes the day go fast. It's a lot more of up and down, rather than just sitting at a desk all day processing dental claims. Very interesting....

Gary and Brad are still in Lancaster County..Getting our house ready to sell. Takes time and then you have to wait til the inspector, mold specialist, the appraisal person and all come out. Had to have some plumbing done, also thought there was mold in attic--the tester comes out tomorrow so hopefully that will pass.., also had to have electric work done... So...still waiting on the septic system..Hopefully they will either retest and pass ...or we'll reduce our price to sell it...

Was looking at houses up here over the weekend...Saw 3 and have more that I want to see..Property values and prices have went up up here because now they are drilling for natural gas soo....We'll see... what all that turns out to be...

Oh well, talk to you soon.. Staying with Bert and Ed right now..will let you know more when I know it..Love ya..