Taiko Drummer

My oldest granddaughter, Ashton, has started playing a taiko drum. She seemed really excited about playing it. Being the good grandma (and librarian) I thought it would be a good idea to look up some information about taiko drums. I found a really good Taiko drum web site with some great info. I can't wait to hear her play the drum. Go Ashton!

Curly Hair

Our oldest son always had the prettiest curly red hair. I used to always tell him that his hair was so cute and would look good on a little girl. (hope I haven't demented him, sorry Al!) Well he did eventually have children of his own, 6 of them if fact. Now some of them have the ol’ curly hair but much to my dismay none have red hair. Maybe God planned it that way; maybe He thought I might like that one a little bit more. On the phone the other day I was talking to 3rd from the oldest grandchild, Tristyn, who happens to have her father’s curly hair. I guess she was having a nice party and someone started to cut her hair. My guess is that they were probably playing beauty shop. Oh well! Anyway mom had to finish the cut. Now Tristyn has wonderful shorter curly hair. She said she really liked it. One thing about curly hair it will most always bounce back. Well have a good day!

Good day sunshine!

So far it has been a sunny day in Kansas. Someone once told me that people in Kansas always talk about the weather. I have noticed that the topic of weather always comes up in conversations. Now, is this just a Kansas thing or does this happen in other parts of the world?
So far this Monday has been good. I went on a walk out by the lake for about an hour with my friend. We had a good talk and we saw only one snake and lots of butterflies.
Speaking of snakes, the other day I was sitting in my backyard on a swing just thinking, contemplating, praying; just simply having a good time by myself. When I went to leave I got off the swing and took a step and a stick moved. I looked down and there were 3, yes count them, 3 snakes looking at me. I guess they were enjoying the day also. One of them was about 2 1/2 foot long and the other 2 were about a foot long. I do believe they were nice friendly garden snakes. Needless to say I very quietly returned to the house. I know that snakes have a good purpose, such as eat mice, etc. So I suppose I will share my yard with them. They just tend to startle a person! More fun in Kansas!

Jury Duty:)

I received a letter of notification that I would have jury duty for the month of April. OH NO! Not jury duty. This was my first time and I was really apprehensive. I had to call the evening before to find out when to report. I was told that I had to report on the following Tuesday morning. Most of the morning was spent deciding on the final 12. I had a funny feeling I would be picked because I didn't say much. But as an American citizen I was ready to serve. In the afternoon the lawyers called the witnesses and questioned them. As I heard the testimony my mind went back and forth, guilty, not-guilty. I was not looking forward to having to make a decision.
The next day we had to report at 9:00 am. I was ready to listen and try to make a wise decision. More witnesses were called and more testimony. ACCCKKK!! What to do? What to do? During the morning break the bailiff came in and told us there was deliberation going on and we had to just sit and wait. We were called back in the courtroom and the judge notified us that the trial was over because of lack of evidence and we were free to go home. I was a little disappointed that the 12 of us would not sit in a room and decide the verdict. I am glad that I was able to have this experience but I am not too sure that I would like to do it again. The funny part was that during the trial a juror is not allowed to talk about the case. This was hard for me. It was a civil case about hail damage. The funny part is on the Tuesday evening we had a storm and it hailed. I really wanted to blab but I was good and kept my mouth shut. I kept thinking that this is a test and I passed. I am very proud I didn’t talk my lips were sealed. As I reflect on my experience I can honestly say I am happy that I was a part of the judicial system.
Whatever!

Conference and Jury Duty

This has been an eventful week. I had jury duty on Tuesday and Wednesday and went to a 1 day conference on Thursday. The experience of jury duty I will post separately. At the conference there were 4 sessions. One of the sessions was about how blogs are being used in distance education. The presenter made some good points in how blogs were being used in the online class. The instructor has the students locate blogs that deal with mental problems and self help groups. I found it interesting that someone in the audience was very skeptical and didn't think that blogs should be used in an academic setting. They pointed out that possibly the blogger would fabricate, but the presenter said that this could also happen face to face. Touche'

In the beginning....

We started a garden, not the Garden of Eden, but the garden in my Kansas backyard. Over the weekend we planted a few veggies. We wanted some onions, so at the grocery store were a bunch of green onions, bought them. Husband thought we needed more so went to another store and bought some white, yellow and red onions. Ummm... lets see we planted about 360 onions, good breath for the summer! Also in the ground went some radish, carrot, brocoli seeds along with 8 cayenne pepper plants. Hot! Hot! Hot!
Speaking of hot, it was a hot and windy day in Kansas. Now we just need some rain for the ol' garden.
Oh by the way I had rice and fish for supper(not fish heads but frozen salmon). Yummy!

And this too shall pass......

Al is packing & I am thinking of ways to busy myself once he is gone. As usual we will likely spend all of our time with Kim & her kids. I am terribly thankful to have her as she gets me through the tough times. Looking forward to planning some fun things for the summer. Al & I have been discussing a trip back to Thailand. It will be the first time we have gone TOGETHER. Would be nice to experience the good kingdom WITH him! :) With any luck we will head back "Kansas" way in the fall (for a bit). Hoping that Alex will be able to join us. I miss everyone, but honestly, it isn't that much fun without him. I'm outtie. Gonna make my man some enchiladas before he is once again munching on nothin' but fish heads & rice!

Dodge ball and big toys!

Today, we went to the Dodge Ball game in Wichita, there were 2 teams from Pioneer Balloon. The machine shop lost both of the games, but the press room team won the first and then lost the second. The machine shop got out pretty fast, I think they need to practice for next year. Then after that we went to the Big toys for big boys show at Century II. They had a lot of old cars, and cool men stuff!! Also chocolate at the booths, I think this was for the girls! They also had lots of military vehicles there. We saw a big helicopter, can't think of the name, I am sure Dad/Al will know. Ok the question of the day, What is the name of the big helicopter?

Is everyone wearing big rubberbands there in Okinawa? I have a purple one that says READ. I saw some at the store and they are $1.99 each. I thought that was quite a bit for just a big rubberband!

Well post soon,
Love, Ronda/Mom/Grandma:)

First Posting

Hello,
This is the first posting of the Holt family blog. This blog will be a great way to communicate and share memories. Part of my family is in Okinawa and since they have such interesting lives there and of course I have an interesting life here in Kansas, so this should be an interesting blog. Ok probably only interesting to us!! Well I know this is short and sweet but I do not want to bore you too long.
Take care, Ronda