Life around here

First drawing in over two years...

2011-07-14T22:11:00.002-04:00

It has been so long since I had even the slightest inclination to do anything "arty" but I am on vacation and rather than work on emptying out boxes from our move in Oct. 2010, I seized the opportunity to "productively procrastinate"! I know this drawing has many flaws, but I thought I would publish it so that I wouldn't be tempted to 'mess with it' any more. Every time I did 'fix' something I wrecked something else so I said 'time to quit'. I really would like to get back to making art everyday. It felt really good to work on this project.

I saw Lady GaGa in concert

2011-04-18T19:14:00.002-04:00

OMG, I went to the Lady GaGa Monster Ball concert in the Amway Arena in Orlando. I was accompanied by my daughter Karen and we had the best time. We stayed at the Crown Plaza Hotel in downtown Orlando. We had a lovely room but on my way out to the concert, I fell coming out of the hotel. Nothing like making a 'grand exit', lol. Fellow monsters, put your paws up!

Time to reactivate this blog

2010-09-01T13:22:00.002-04:00

It has been quite a while since I updated this. So much has happened. I started college, took some courses and was in the middle of two online courses when I had to have a total hip replacement. I was in quite a bit of pain prior to the surgery and quite honestly, it was an impediment to studying and learning. I had to withdraw, but I will resume as soon as I have healed sufficiently. I will have to have the other hip done too. I am on medical leave from my job and I miss working very much.
I have also renewed my membership in "Everyday Matters" and in Drawspace and I plan on getting creative very soon.
I am so happy to be back to a degree of normalcy. Gotta go for now, must do my physical therapy exercises.

The weekend from Hell

2010-03-01T18:42:00.002-05:00

Last Friday, I had the "inurnment" of my husband's ashes at the National Cemetery. My sister, Marianne, and brother in law, Jim, and my daughter, Karen, were all in attendance. I was bitterly disappointed, as the funeral director did not arrange for an Honor Guard. I thought this had been discussed, but apparently not! Karen and I will have to arrange for this as my husband was so proud of his military service during WWII and Korea and he truly deserves this honor.
Things went even further south from there. Saturday it was necessary to bring my 12 yr old toy poodle to the emergency vet where he had to be put to sleep. Thank God, Karen was with me, and although it was hard on her as well, she helped me get through this ordeal. She is a very wise soul and distracted me for the rest of the weekend by taking me to the movies.

Long time no blog

2010-01-13T20:36:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I have posted here. Several reasons, I have been hanging out on Facebook and other social networking sites, and I have started school. At the ripe age of 60, soon to be 61, I have gotten an opportunity to go to college, I am studying to be a mental health therapist. It is a little intimidating to go back to school. I haven't been in a classroom in 42 years!

Monday was the first day of classes and I misread my schedule and showed up 3 hrs early. It gave me an opportunity to get my student I.D. card (now I can opt for a senior citizen discount or student discount, LOL), and to explore the library.

I realize I have at least 6 years of study ahead of me, and even if I don't get to practice as a therapist, I am looking forward to this journey. Wish me luck, the future looks bright.

The St. Peter's Glee Club Seton Chorale Reunion is now a memory

2009-10-16T18:42:00.003-04:00

I am still on a high from the reunion which took place on Oct. 10th, in the gymnasium of St. Peter's High School for Boys. It was wonderful to see my classmates and friends. The guys all looked distinguished with their grey/white hair, while we ladies surely are keeping Clairol in business! Despite all the years that past since we saw each other, we all picked up like it was only yesterday. I have pictures of the evening on my Facebook page, and there are youtube videos of us all singing. The evening was a once in a lifetime event and I am so grateful to my sister and brother in law for making it possible for me to attend. The smile has not left my face yet.

I Believe/Ave Maria
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0570J3DjzE

Boys Alma Mater
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGNpEvnpiOs

Girls Alma Mater
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akLcloEs2pM

Pics from the reunion
http://www.facebook.com/patricia.m.owen?ref=nf

more pics of reunion
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=193827&id=1268682910&ref=nf

Pat the WiseWoman

2009-10-01T11:45:00.002-04:00

Sent to me by a dear High School friend Louise. What was I thinking with that blouse?

Artist's Block

2009-09-23T23:22:00.002-04:00

As most of you know, I lost the love of my life, my best friend/husband at the end of March of this year. It was understandable when I had artist's block then. Through the encouragement of my online friends from Drawspace.com, and Yahoo group EveryDay Matters, I eventually got back to drawing and painting. But it is back....ARTIST'S BLOCK! What do I do now? Has this ever happened to anyone here? You know that feeling, "I had it once, but I lost it" ?

EDM weekly challenge #239 Draw something that scares you

2009-09-04T19:47:00.000-04:00

This says it all.

EDM weekly challenge #237 Draw what's under your bed

2009-09-03T01:28:00.003-04:00

I am woefully behind in these challenges, but I was sitting in the chair in my bedroom staring at this mess and decided to have a go at the challenge. I left the dust bunnies out of the picture, but they are there, hiding behind this stuff

Oops, left one out

2009-08-31T18:19:00.001-04:00

'60s ATC swap, I left one off

'60s ATC swap on Drawspace.com

2009-08-29T18:10:00.002-04:00

These are the ATCs I created for the '60s swap on Drawspace.com These are fun to participate in. I love getting cards from all over the world, each one of a kind, hand drawn or painted. I have gotten cards from literally all over the world, South Africa, Canada, Australia, UK, USA, Bulgaria, India, just to name a few.

EDM Weekly Challenge #236

2009-08-17T13:33:00.000-04:00

I couldn't sleep last night so I thought I would do something productive. Here is EDM Weekly Challenge #236 Draw your left palm (non-dominant hand)

As promised, some zentangles

2009-08-15T18:52:00.000-04:00

I have found this artform to be relaxing and freeing. Since they are basically doodles there is no expectations or disappointments. Some are basic forms that I did while learning this, others are more free flowing.

Latest calamity

2009-08-14T18:57:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since I posted here. As usual I have many excuses why. I recently had dinner with friends and while "horsing around" with their 5 yr old son, I tripped and fell full force on my right knee. I eventually went to the emergency room where they x-rayed and a did an ultra sound to check for blood clots and thankfully they all turned out fine, no evidence of fracture, or blood clots. I am thinking about posting some zentangles I have done. If I ever get out of the recliner, I will get those up on the blog soon.

Birds, Birds, Birds! ATC swap on Drawspace

2009-07-14T18:23:00.001-04:00

Here are the Artist Trading Cards I did for Birds, Birds, Birds! on Drawspace.com

These will be sent to the other artists who are participating in this swap, they are from all around the world, Scotland, England, Canada, Australia, as well as the USA.
I had been looking forward to this theme as I really enjoy birds.

Drawspace Weekly Challenge 5/24-5/30/09

2009-05-26T22:10:00.000-04:00

I can see I have been away from drawing a bit too long. I need practice.

Drawspace Weekly challenge 5/16 -5/23/09

2009-05-24T00:23:00.000-04:00

This is the first drawing I have done in a while. Gosh, I am out of practice but, nevertheless here is my offering.

Lonely days

2009-05-07T12:06:00.002-04:00

It is so unreal living day to day without Merle. I am in the process of trying to decide what I am going to do with what is left of my life. Merle told me to go on after he was gone, but that is easily said and not very easily done. I have joined some bereavement groups and they are of some help. I have met some other widows, so they really know where I am, and what I am going through. I am learning new things everyday, and as Merle used to say, it is never a wasted day if you learn something new. I am trying to get all of the paperwork squared away, this is necessary and keeps my mind occupied. I will try to keep this blog updated. At my therapist's and other people's urging, I am going to try to make some art and will post here when I have. I close this with the caveat to all who read this, appreciate what you have. Tell those around you how much you love them everyday. You never know when you will no longer have them.

Booklet from Merle's funeral

2009-04-08T18:36:00.003-04:00

Celebrating the life of
Merlin P. Owen

November 12, 1926 - March 27, 2009
Spring Hill, Florida
Merlin P. Owen, son of Mable B. Owen McCabe and Merlin P. Owen Sr., passed away on March 27, 2009. He was 82 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia (Trish) Koehler Owen, a much loved daughter Karen Nelsen of Gainesville FL, two grand-daughters, Jodi Owen of the town of Newburgh, Christine Owen of the town of New Windsor, two great grand sons and several nieces and nephews in NY and FL. He is predeceased by his son John Owen (Johnny O) of Newburgh, NY, a brother Robert Owen of St Augustine, FL, and a sister Gladys Signarino of Richmond VA. Mr. Owen was an electrician for the DuPont Co. of Newburgh for 17 years. He was also employed by IBM at the East Fishkill facility for 21 years, until he retired from the Facilities Engineering Department. Mr. Owen was a veteran of WW II. He served as a radioman aboard the USS LST 821 for 2 years in the Pacific Ocean theater of operations. In 1951, he was recalled for the Korean war. He served with the Tactical Air Control Squadrons 4 & 6 as a Forward Observer. Mr. Owen, a Master Mason, was a 50 plus year member of Wallkill Lodge #627 F&AM, a charter member of the Winona Lake Fire Co., a member of the ARRL with a general class license, call letters of KC4LPG, a life member in the VFW and the DAV. Burial will be at the Bushnell National cemetery in Bushnell, FL with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Merlin Owen at 12132 Norvell Road, Spring Hill FL 34609.

Sub note…Strange feeling to write your own obit, lol. Love ya baby, I’ll be your special angel, or the head fireman in hell. MWAH!!!!! Get on with your life my babies. Don’t mourn me too long please. Thank you both for all the happiness you gave me.

Merle was a man of faith. He believed in the cause for Blessed Stanislaus Papczynski. In Merle’s memory please join us in continuing to further his cause toward sanctification.

Prayer
Our Lord and God, grant us this grace… through the intercession of Blessed Stanislaus that I may be marked by unwavering trust in You, especially when You lead me upon a thorny path toward the glorious promises of Your love. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Thank You
The pain of loss can never be removed but it can be lessened by the love and support of my family and friends.

Thanks to all who have helped me through this unbelievable time of shock, loss and pain. Thank you so much for your support and love.

I could not have gotten all the planning necessary for this day without Karen and the help of my family and dear friends. I am grateful for your outpouring of love.

How can I begin to thank my dearest friend and light of my life, Merle, for 21 years of love and the love of adventure. He was my anchor and rock of stability, bringing peace to my often chaotic world.

As expressed in our special song we shared, “One love, ageless and evergreen.”
I love you all,
Trish

Sad News

2009-04-08T18:22:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted here because on March 27th, Merle, my best friend, husband and soulmate, passed away. I am in shock, and have been going through the days on auto-pilot. Thankfully, Merle passed away in his sleep, with me lying beside him, sharing his pillow. My daughter, too, is having a rough time dealing with this loss. Her natural dad passed away when she was 8 years old. Now, for the second time she is experiencing the pain of loss of her poppy. They had an incredibly strong bond.
I have tried to keep busy with the paperwork and other business matters which need to be taken care of. I am not sure when I will resume making art, I have found it therapeutic in the past, but lately, it is just too hard to draw/sketch with tears in my eyes.

Drawspace Weekly challenge

2009-03-17T20:40:00.000-04:00

I participate in the Weekly Drawing Challenge on Drawspace.com, where I am a member. I have not been drawing much and I thought this might be a good way to get back into the routine of drawing every day.

EDM challenge #201 Draw a Stapler

2009-02-25T20:20:00.001-05:00

Coffee bar in Doctor's waiting room

Last month when my sweetie was in the hospital with pneumonia

ATCs

2009-02-12T19:15:00.007-05:00

I have gotten many nice compliments on my Flower ATCs. Thank you all for your kindness. I have gotten the question, what are ATCs? ATC=Artist Trading Cards. You can find more information about ATCs on www.strathmoreartist.com/atc

Rose and rosebud ATC

2009-02-03T02:06:00.000-05:00

Poppy ATC

2009-02-03T02:03:00.000-05:00

Petunia ATC

2009-02-03T02:00:00.000-05:00

Narcissus ATC

2009-02-03T01:56:00.000-05:00

Lily of the Valley ATC

2009-02-03T01:53:00.000-05:00

Lily ATC

2009-02-03T01:49:00.000-05:00

Hollyhocks ATC

2009-02-03T01:46:00.000-05:00

Hibiscus ATC

2009-02-03T01:44:00.000-05:00

Geraniums ATC

2009-02-03T01:41:00.000-05:00

Forget-Me-Nots ATC

2009-02-03T01:39:00.000-05:00

Delphiniums ATC

2009-02-03T01:33:00.000-05:00

Daisies ATC

2009-02-03T01:31:00.000-05:00

Carnation ATC

2009-02-03T01:22:00.000-05:00

ATC Flowers and Plants Trade on Drawspace

2009-02-03T01:16:00.001-05:00

Bleeding Hearts

Sketches for ATC trade on Drawspace, Flowers and Plants

2009-02-03T01:08:00.001-05:00

Done in various media, colored pencil, w/c, Derwent Inktense pencils in Large Moleskine sketchbook

The big 6 OH! and EDM challenge 153

2009-01-21T23:00:00.001-05:00

Uh oh! It's the big 6-oh! and EDM #153 Draw something in a plastic wrapper

Not quite the perfect ending...

Catching up and updates, EDM 200

2009-01-21T22:47:00.001-05:00

EDM challenge 200

Sketching in public

Graphite Sketches in Large Moleskine

2008-12-07T00:11:00.000-05:00

I wanted to preserve this sketchbook for pen, but as you will see it isn't working out that way.

Waiting room sketch...decorations

Tribal masks in graphite, unfinished

Another waiting room sketch seasonal decorations Halloween, Autumn

Waiting room sketches & EDM challenge 199

2008-12-06T22:18:00.002-05:00

I know I must seem obsessed with Madonna since I went to the concert. I thought I was jaded, after all, I had been to big concerts before, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, and, back in the day, Barbra Streisand in Central Park. So I was somewhat surprised that the concert has had such an effect on me. I really enjoyed it, I could have done without the pelvic thrusts and simulations of sex, but all in all, it was a great experience.

I was just settling into a nice sketching session when I was called in for my examination. This was not what I had planned, but I finished it when I got home.
EDM #199 was fun, but again, I am struggling with pen drawing. I hope I start to see some improvement soon.

This is a little local restaurant, we usually don't have to wait to be seated, but our timing was off and we were at the dinner rush. This was done looking through the window while we waited outside for a table. Finished at home with w/c
A little story about this restaurant. The owner had advertised in the local churches, supermarkets and had a sign on his door for several days that he was giving Thanksgiving dinners away for free all day Thanksgiving. He cooked 43 turkeys, and all of the fixings....he had a handful of people come in to take advantage of the opportunity. This poor guy froze as much as he could, I don't know what he did with the rest of the leftover food. You wouldn't think in these tough economic times that you would have trouble giving away a Thanksgiving dinner. It is so ironic.

This sketch represents decorations in the waiting room of a facility where my husband was having a PET scan done. I experimented with stippling for shading, and cross hatching. I put the w/c in at home, and used water soluble graphite pencils for the shadows. I am struggling with pen, but I keep at it hoping to see some improvement.

Sketching in public

2008-12-03T01:00:00.002-05:00

The sketchbook postings below were started in the stadium waiting for Madonna to take the stage. While waiting, I attempted to sketch the stage, and the polarized scoreboard icons of Madonna. The young lady seated next to me, asked me if I was writing a book when she saw my moleskine. I told her no, just trying to sketch what I was seeing. Thank goodness she was not more curious to see just exactly what I had done so far.
I never considered myself a big Madonna fan, but I have to tell you, when she finally arrived (2 hrs late) she performed non-stop. No intermission, no real costume changes, she was on the stage for the whole 2 hours, and was either dancing, jumping, jumping rope, alone and double dutch, working out like a boxer, playing electric guitar, all the while singing live. No lip synch, this was the real thing. Her body is incredibly toned and shaped. Her arms, legs and hands are sinewy. There is not one ounce of fat on her (I could hate her for that alone)! This woman is 50, and performs like a teenager as far as energy. She amazed me. I wasn't all that familiar with some of her songs, but she managed to work in some of her old hits, and the whole show was thoroughly entertaining. I may just have to download the new album "Hard Candy".

What I did the day before Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T00:58:00.001-05:00

EveryDayMatters Challenges #198&194

2008-11-23T18:24:00.001-05:00

i just wanted to add, I have been trying to learn to draw in graphite for the last couple of years, so posting in my journal with Pen and watercolor is very new to me.

I jumped in ...finally

2008-11-14T20:32:00.001-05:00

I finally did it. I posted some of my drawings from my journal. I hope this is the beginning of something that occurs on a regular basis, if not daily.

Recent days journals and EDM challenges

2008-11-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

ATC I made for "under the sea" trade

2008-10-31T18:56:00.005-04:00

ATC I made for "under the sea" trade

2008-10-31T18:53:00.003-04:00

ATC I made for "under the sea" trade

2008-10-31T18:45:00.001-04:00

tropical fish

moray eel

shark

Weedy sea dragon

ATC I made for "under the sea" trade

2008-10-31T18:34:00.002-04:00

Dropped in to see what happened

2008-10-31T18:18:00.004-04:00

Well here it is Halloween, just got back from the dog groomer with Peppi, he looks mahvelous! I noticed kids were out trick or treating and here we sit with nothing to give out! If we are lucky, no one will come. I have been visiting several different blogs lately and it has given me the incentive to blog more regularly.
Lately I have been doing a lot of drawing. I just participated in my first ATC trade, the theme was "under the sea" so it was fun to do and very interesting to see people's different takes on the subject. The cards I made are posted here. Other than that, I participate in the weekly drawing challenges on Drawspace but usually finish too late to post in the forum so I just add them to my gallery. I will try to add some of those here as well.
I am looking forward to our daughter coming home this weekend, she just seems to brighten up the house. We have plans to go to Epcot for the Food and Wine festival. I am looking forward to it and will bring my camera and hopefully take lots of pictures.

2008-09-27T21:17:00.003-04:00

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2008-09-27T20:47:00.001-04:00

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What has been keeping me busy lately

2008-05-06T18:30:00.011-04:00

It seems I still have to get into a routine to regularly post to this blog, here goes.
I have recently joined some on line art instruction groups, and posted some of my paintings and drawings. I am a decorative artist (tole/folk art) and have been trying to learn to draw from various books. These pictures are of my work done over the past two-three years.

New computer

2007-08-11T00:20:00.000-04:00

OK, so I am not the most faithful blogger on the planet. I thought I would be more into this but I guess it takes more commitment than I put into it. I hope my new computer will light a fire to blog more and be in communication with my friends better than I have in the past.
Our Japanese Chin dog, Mieko, will be 2 years old this month. I can't believe it! Time goes by so fast. Peppi, our toy Poodle is getting old, he will be 10 this October. I don't know how I got onto the subject of dogs, maybe because my last post was about my sister's dog.
Well, I will resume this later, with more detailed news. I have to go get a bite to eat.

Sad news

2006-12-11T18:27:00.000-05:00

For those of you who knew "Charlie", my sister's standard French poodle, he is very sick, the diagnosis is lymphatic cancer. He was scheduled to be euthanized this morning. I have not called to confirm that, as my sister is in no condition to talk about it. He was 13 last Thursday. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Trying to get some posts

2006-12-11T18:23:00.000-05:00

It is pretty sad when the only posts you get are from total strangers. So, in an attempt to get some of my family to post to this blog, I have sent out the address again.

Happy New Year

2006-01-01T21:56:00.000-05:00

Gosh, I can't believe I posted and signed off without wishing all a Happy New Year. I wish you all health, wealth and happiness.

Freshening up for the New Year

2006-01-01T21:42:00.000-05:00

Well folks, I admit it, I am a procrastinator. I had every good intention of posting regularly to this blog but what is it they say about the road to hell? Anyway, I hope this year will be better. My thanks to everyone who posted to my blog.
We had a wonderful holiday season, my sister and brother in law came down from NY and we all spent Christmas and New Year's together. My brother in law, worked very hard while here, doing all the "honey-do" things that my husband is not able to do any longer. As usual, I enjoyed my sister's company. Our daughter was able to join us over the holidays. She was a great help to us. She did a lot of the heavy lifting and assorted other "gopher" tasks.
I owe a special thanks to our friends, Helene and John who hosted the Christmas festivities. They are very generous and they spoiled us all with wonderful goodies to eat and lovely gifts.
New Year's eve we went to different parties, my sister and brother in law headed out of town to spend time at a friend's home and we spent the evening with our good friends, Barbara and Terry.

Me in my matron of honor gown

2005-11-12T18:49:00.000-05:00

My husband and I at a recent wedding

2005-11-12T18:27:00.000-05:00

I got two comments on my last post, Hooray!

2005-11-12T18:21:00.001-05:00

I read in the tech news how popular blogging is, but I think it must be younger folks who are participating the most or politically active people. Since I am not in the former group I definitely am in the latter group.
As I mentioned in my post "its been a year!", many things have happened. I won't bore you with all of the details but instead tell you the latest happy news. We travelled to Hot Springs Arkansas and bought a male Japanese Chin puppy. He is adorable. I originally was going to get a female but with an eye to the future, I was not crazy about her markings. I chose a sable and white male, which I named "Mieko" which means "Bright" in Japanese. The name really fits him. He has caught on to going outside to do his business, and when we do not pick up on his hints that he has to go outside, he uses the "wee wee pads" which are a housebreaking aid. I had forgotten how much fun it is to have a puppy in the house. He is full of energy, and so far, our toy poodle Peppi is just tolerating him. I am sure in a little bit of time they will be best buddies.
Today is my husband's birthday, he is 79 today. Our daughter came home this weekend to celebrate his birthday with him. We were all supposed to go out to see "Finian's Rainbow" which is being put on by the local community theater, but the day before yesterday, my hubbie fell and he is still pretty sore.
I will close for now, I want to save some news for another post.

it's been a year!

2005-10-09T19:06:00.000-04:00

Well friends, I have sent invitations to this blog, and sob, no one showed up! This is the story of my life. Lots of things have happened, as they say in lab reports, "too numerous to count". I guess this will have to be a public journal. Anywho, if anybody is reading, I sure would like to hear from you.

As promised news

2004-09-24T16:13:00.000-04:00

Just to let you know, Karen has started her new job on Wednesday. She called on her morning break and on her one hour lunch hour. She is very enthused and so far, likes the job. She is shadowing a girl who is teaching her the job. Yesterday, the girl left her to do some work on her own, Karen was very excited about that, she actually got to process stuff on her own.
Wednesday night we went up to visit her, we gave her one of those Italian expansion bracelets that you add links/charms to. We hoped it would bring her good luck in her new position. We went out to dinner, to a place she had eaten at previously, and everything that could, did go wrong. She and Merle ordered Salmon, and as Karen described it, it was "fish stick" sized. They both ordered baked potatoes all the way, and they were not cooked, hard as a rock. When they brought this to the server's attention she offered them a replacement of garlic mashed potatoes. They arrived, and they were cold. Karen was mortified, she kept apologizing to us, but of course, it wasn't her fault. We had a talk with the manager and she adjusted the bill by 20%, but I don't think we will be eating there again any time soon.
Karen called us last night, she is doing really well in school and scored a 94 in Anatomy. She had a math test last night, which she thinks she did ok in.
As for Merle and I, I have been busy painting, and I finished a project I started a while ago at my sister's home, a cute napkin holder, a bird house scene with potted African violets on either side. Merle, my greatest source of encouragement, says it looks great.
Merle has been tuning up his computer, it has been running a bit slow, so he did some maintenance on it. In between his usual court programs on TV, he has been doing some word puzzles and crosswords, keeping those brain cells alive and functioning.
Well, tomorrow, we are going to "Stop and Play" to celebrate my Godson, Mikey's sixth birthday. I can't believe he is going to be six! The time has flown by, and he is in regular school now.
I will stop here. Best to leave more for another posting.

Where is everyone?

2004-09-24T16:04:00.000-04:00

Ok, I sent out the invitations to post here and so far no response, but that's alright. I can understand your timidity. It really is easy to do, follow the prompts and you too can post to this blog. C'mon people, you share with me, I'll share with you. Give it a shot, you might like it.
Watch this space for news.

Welcome!

2004-09-21T09:50:00.000-04:00

As stated in the description, this is a simple device for keeping up with my family and friends. I hope this proves useful. Please feel free to contribute pictures, recipes, jokes but most of all news of you and your family.