Revisiting, Renewing and Relishing

For the past six days we've been renewing relationships and reminiscing with Jerry's Begley clan, his maternal cousins who came to Indianapolis from California, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Texas. Four of the five aunts and the one uncle's families are represented by these jovial and attractive people pictured here. It's been a blast listening, laughing and just being there! After the first few minutes of handshakes, reintroductions and hugs, the stories started flowing. Do you wonder what tales are being told by these three guys? They seem to have onlookers from the painting listening and questioning their full truthfulness, don't they?






Due to the generosity of Cousin Jeff we had a very nice place where the fifteen cousins and spouses could gather to share memories, tell favorite jokes and have fabulously-hosted meals. I got Jeff to stop hosting for just a second to pose with cousin Jacque, who also was a great organizer and shared many of the cherished old photos of Begley grandparents, etc.



For example, here's William F. Begley, everyone's grandfather,
who with Emma Lillian Hollingsworth Begley, is responsible for this group of very interesting cousins.

Some of the remembrances made us all laugh out loud and others brought a slight bit of silence to the group. Whether it was about how Aunt Mildred's wonderful "hunky peppers" made her brother and sisters cry as they begged for more; Aunt Mary Eleanor's deathbed comment to her son Bob, "Don't you think you're old enough now not to be so rotten;" Aunt Dorothy's helping hand to her nieces and nephews, or each person's contrasting recall of their grandparents' personalities; this memory-sharing escapade surely had to be thought-provoking in some way for each relative present. Some of us assembled a family history book for the group and others searched their photo archives for snapshots of the past that jogged more memories.

And then to top it all off we created the "Begley Caravan" as we followed each other in our cars visiting the former Indianapolis homes of grandparents and cousins, the high schools of parents and cousins,
and the firehouse that ties together a cousin and two uncles' histories. It seems to me that, through their open minds and hearts, this group that gathered from near and far to the former home of all in Indiana created another festive memory to add to the annals of their family scrapbooks.

9/11 A Day We Will Always Remember

Just a few thoughts on this day for remembrances: No matter where we were on this day six years ago, all Americans will always remember how we felt when the planes hit the towers, went into the Pentagon and went down in that field in Pennsylvania. There are many viewpoints about the resulting actions of our leaders, but I believe we do all agree that our lives changed that day directly due to the evil actions of these murderers. And, also, we will never forget those who perished. Our lives go on but their's were ceased unfairly. For Jerry and I Sept. 11 was a day we wished we could instantly travel thousands of miles to be near our family. We were traveling in Ireland. However, our experiences in that country are a lasting memory that we will always feel thankful for. The Irish people reached out to us to offer condolences and give us support. It was quite a week we spent before it was clear to fly back to the U.S. It was great to be back home. So I guess this brings me back around to being appreciative of the life we are living.

On another note, plans are underway for us to get back on the road in good ole Ferd soon. After Jerry's cousins reunion this week, we'll be rolling along to points south and west. The list of possible stops for the next six or eight months is getting longer, first Nacogdoches, Texas, the Hill Country in Texas, then maybe Tulsa or Bartlesville, OK, and who knows..... Roswell, Socorro, Ruidoso, NM.... Congress, Goodyear, Quartzsite, AZ.... Anze Borrego, CA.......Ely, Carson City, NV...... and places beyond. For now we are still enjoying our vantage point here in Fishers, Indiana. Today especially, it's an absolutely beautiful day, sunny and 70s.

Labor Day Update

Hope everyone is enjoying the last big blast of the summer on this Labor Day Weekend. Jerry celebrated his 65th yesterday, not something he especially was thrilled to record.

Here he is a few years back. Could you tell what his future occupation might be??





It was a good day with good people and we are so thankful for all of them.
His wonderful grandaughter, Caroline, told him she couldn't believe he was 65 because he did so many things and acted much younger.

Aren't grandchildren wonderful!




What better to do for your birthday than reminisce about some of the old days and laugh at our newest stories. There was a lot of that going on. And, of course, we had a cookout with lots of great food, including delicious German potato salad that my daughter Krissy made especially for Jer's birthday.




We also had a great time last week attending the Mount Comfort Air Show, east of Indianapolis. Watching these dare devils twist, turn and dive in ways that tempts fate is a real thrill.




And there's really a special description deserved for the performance of the Blue Angels. The skill and power of it all is very exciting.
Wow! What a roar in the belly!



Some of us took in the many interesting aircraft exhibits. Here Jerry enjoyed touring with grandson Ben, daughter Jenny and friend Lance.

A highlight of the airshow was that we had a perfect vantage point at our friend Tim's hangar. He was a great host, serving up various grilled delicacies and liquid refreshment all day long. Here is Tim on the right, with old friends, Tim Hurley in the middle and Dave Shinn on the left. These guys have a lot of history and epitomize what the term "good friends" means!