New Year's Resolution

Since Craig set this blog in motion (much to my surprise) he has (or feels that he has) the right and responsibility to keep me in the know. He informed me recently that "real bloggers" work at introducing their readers to other bloggers or points of interest. He says I should consider myself a part of a network and begin communicating with others and passing along the information I receive as well as doing research on my own. Yikes! What a responsibility. I started out thinking no one was reading this but him and Jason, and they pretty much know everything I know. It sounds like I had better get on the ball or call it quits!

My New Year's Resolution is to follow my son's advice (isn't that what wedo when we reach 65???) and make this more interesting. It would help if you, the reader, would send your blog address via email (marthabrammer@hotmail.com). I would enjoy reading it as well as passing it along.

I have two I enjoy reading about and will be delighted to pass along to you now.

*One is Ward Jenkins, a buddy of Craig's whom we have known for a long time. They were friends at Cincinnati Christian University where they attended a short time. (However, Ward was there long enough to marry the coach's daughter!) When he came home with Craig, we enjoyed watching him sketch cartoons at the kitchen table. Jason still has the one he did of him. I always told him he was a good artist, but little did we know he would go this far. To see Ward's work, go to www.Ward-O-Matic.com.

*The second one is Bill Venrick who was an elder when Howard preached in Lancaster, OH several years ago. Bill did a great favor for me at a time when we needed it. The church was young and the preacher's pay was low, so I needed to find a job to help out. When Bill heard about it, he took me to Merrill Publishing Co. (Columbus, OH) where he worked in the art department. I was hired to work along side of him that same day. It was a favor I will always remember.

Bill is a good writer and his points of interest are unlimited. You will enjoy reading his essays at www.thewordwright.org. 

Okay....how's that for a start? Let me hear from you.

Happy Birthday Craig

In 1969 Craig came into the world with a splash....being the first baby of the year! I thought the world should be reminded of the event, so I made this sign and nailed it to their front porch. (Sawyer is watching for his buddy's parent who is taking them sledding.)

Later: Howard just informed me that Craig is 39.....not 38.....Woops!

Skateboarding...A Family Tradition

Taylor received a painting from his uncle Jason (and aunt Erin) entitled "Static Youth". It is a self portrait of the artist soaring high on his skateboard in days gone by. It was an appropriate subject to hang on Taylor's wall since he shares the same love for the sport.

Nothing Like A Visit From Friends

Myron and Sheri El blessed the last day of our year with an overnight stay. We had a delightful time visiting, eating and touring Cincinnati as well as Northern Ky. (We visited Devue Park in Ky where Howard put a diamond ring on my finger forty years ago! We were surprised to find no bronze marker to indicate the spot!!) Myron and Sheri are dear friends. He teaches music in the Indpls. Public School system and sings beautifully at the Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis. Sheri is on the staff at TPCC and she sings as well. They sang a duet at Howard's retirement party. Their visit made our day!

A View From The Hill

When guests come to visit and we begin our city tour, the Cincinnati Christian University is at the top of the list. Howard is showing Sheri El some downtown points of interest from the edge of the campus.

The Artist And His Manager

Erin left her position as project manager with Morningstar Investments (Chicago) and began managing her artist husband, Jason. They make an awesome pair. They are seen here relaxing after hanging a show which opened last night.

Brutopia Offers More Than Coffee

Four couples went together and opened a coffee shop on Ludlow a year or so ago. Craig and Carol are part of that group. Jason was invited to bring his art from Chicago and hang it for the month of January. Last night was opening night. The place was hoppin!

Howard Enjoying Retirement....

Howard laid carpet squares on the basement floor which turned the area into a cozy space. My studio is now set up along with an area for sewing and scrapbooking. There is also a laundry area. I will be spending a lot of time down there. Fortunately, there is a lot of natural light with nine deep windows.

Madeline's Birthday Dinner

Carol is fixing Madeline's birthday dinner while Craig puts the finishing touches on the cake. The mobile hanging from the light fixture has nothing to do with the party even through Madeline's nickname is "Bug".

Make A Wish

Madeline has been begging....and begging for a cell phone. The older kids have one, and now that she has joined the ranks of a teenager, why can't she have one?????? We all know what she is wishing for!

Yeah! Wishes Really Do Come True!!!!

Madeline does not (and never has) hidden her emotions. She danced and squealed when she found this cell phone in the pocket of her new birthday jacket. She settled down for the photo.

Bon Voyage

This is the ship that took us on our cruise. As you can see, it was HUGE.

Early Morning Sunrise

Seeing the sun rise and set at sea was a beautiful experience. I'm not sure where we were at this point, but the sky against the sea gives you an idea as to what we saw each day.

Navagator Of The Seas

Our ship's name was Navagator of the Seas. It was beautifully decorated in Art Nuvo style.

Elegant Dining Room

The four of us shared a table with four younger gals. Nancy Milby is on the left with Kay Nay and Barbara Harris in the foreground. We had an assigned table. The eight of us ate together each evening.

Nancy Milby Enjoying Her Morning Coffee

Nancy Milby has been a long-time friend. She and her husband Mike live near Lancaster, Ohio where Howard preached before going to Indianapolis. This was her first cruise as well as mine. We enjoyed having coffee delivered to our cabin door and then going down for breakfast later on.

View From Our Room

We had an exterior room which offered a large patio-size door and a deck. This was a wonderful place to view the night skies as well as get lots of sunshine during the day. The stars appeared large and bright against the ink-blue sky. I have never seen the big dipper tip it's handle so close to my head.

At Your Service

The Royal Caribbean offered wonderful service. There were 1,200 employees serving their guests which amounted to 3,750 in all. The ship never seemed crowded except when it was time to embark.

Docking At Cozimel

Our ship docked for a day at Cozimel. This is a small island off Mexico. We were advised to stay on the main street. We thought it was for our safety; however, I soon realized it was because of the jewelry merchants who were waiting for us on that street. They stood outside their stores begging and pleading for us to come in. There were a couple of small restaurants. The rest of the street was filled with jewelry stores.....one after another!

Our Last Meal On The Ship

As you can see, this was a "Girlfriends' Outing". Kay Nay (on the left), Barbara Harris, Nancy Milby and I had a great time eating as we sailed the seas!