Happy 2009 !!

Well...another year gone and we hope 2009 proves to be a blessed year for everyone. There are a lot of BIG things happening this year. We are expecting our 2nd GRANDCHILD! (way cool!) Several Graduations, One BIG 50th Wedding Anniversary and many, many special Birthdays.

Those celebrating Birthday this month are Maya Ende on the 3rd, Allison Taylor on the 6th, Kinzie Schwab on the 16th and his Daughter Katrina on the 19th, Karen Ghaster on the 29th and Brent Saunders on the 30th. God Bless each and everyone of you as you celebrate another year and here's to many, many more.

* In remembrance of Harvey Ghaster who would have been 94 this month! We miss you very much and you continue to be in our hearts forever.

Happy New Year!

Here's wishing everyone a very happy, safe and blessed NEW YEAR!

Randy & Karen


Here are some pics of Zach opening Christmas gifts.
http://s255.photobucket.com/albums/hh131/rbennett1018/Christmas%202008/?albumview=slideshow

News Flash!

Amy and Russell found out that their new bundle of joy will be a................GIRL! Everyone is very excited about it. May God bless and keep Amy and the baby healthy throughout the remaining pregnancy. We can't wait until April.

December has Arrived

Where has the year gone? As we get older the years seem to go by faster. We hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones. Erin has us over and fixed a fabulous Turkey Dinner. Kudos to her on her very first time. The Thanksgiving weekend was great for high school football. The girls Alma Mater (Sylvania Southview) won the Ohio High School Division II State Championship Friday Night at Massillion's Paul Brown Stadium. It was a great game but very cold. The Southview Band Drum Line played a very important role in the victory. (that's for you Chris!)
Those celebrating birthdays this month are Sue Ghaster on the 1st, Charlie Longmire on the 12th and Christie Ghaster on the 26th. Happy Birthday everyone!

Thought for the Month: Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.

Ohio State / Michigan Game

What a game! 42 - 7.......5 straight wins over the Wolverines and a big welcome to Rich Rod to the Big 10. The new Head Coach recently told UM fans to "Get a life". I guess the Michigan fans are now looking for some comfort in the fact the not only did they lose to their arch rivals, Ohio State but this is the worse season ever with no chance at a bowl. I say "Keep Rich Around".

Even though the game time temperatures were frigid, our group stayed nice and warm in the confines of the RV. I posted a few pics of the tailgating extravaganza. Later...and GO BUCKS!

Suprise!!

A few months back we (Amy,Erin & I) decided to surprise Karen and fly Amy and Zach home for a week long visit. Erin called telling her Mom that she needed her help at her new home and to bring Dad (I guess to supervise). Amy and Zach were waiting in the dining room and when Karen stepped in the front door out jumped the two of them and it was fun to see the look on her face. She truly was surprised. The surprising part was keeping it a secret for so long. We went to Carabba's to celebrate Amy's 30th birthday. We had a great time. Amy & Zach head home to Florida on Thursday. We won't see them again until April, at which time our new Grandchild will be here.

November Happenings

Hello everyone. Well due to the current state of the economy my place of employment is closing their doors at the end of the year. I have worked there nearly 30 years and Karen and I are trying to figure our next move. We really don't want to move but the Toledo area job scene is dismal at best. Any leads anyone? I still have a few good years left. I'm trying to stay positive and pray that things will somehow find a way of working out. On a brighter note Erin and Doug have a beautiful new (to them) home(insert). Karen and I have been busy helping them with odds and ends to get it ready to move in. Erin had to be out of her apartment at the end of October. Amy went to the doctor this past week and they got to hear the baby's heartbeat. Soon they will know weather it is a boy or a girl.http://s255.photobucket.com/albums/hh131/rbennett1018/Halloween%202008/

Those celebrating this month are Amy Bennett and Troy Saunders having the same birthday on the 2nd. Amy is turning the BIG 30 and Troy 29. Happy Birthday to Kaylee Schwab on the 7th, Waylan Cook on the 17th and Stephanie Meyer becomes and teenager on the 20th. God bless you all.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

Autumn...My favorite time of year.

Well my Bucks failed to get the job done against the USC Trojans. I am in such denial. Will they rebound or will they continue done the path of self destruction? Being the devout fan I am, I must believe they will redeem themselves. GO BUCKS!
Our trip to Hershey was a flop. The campground we stayed at was next to a railroad track. I mean within 20 feet.We knew that going in but thought nothing of it until we just fell asleep the first (and only) night and here it comes the loudest sound, it felt it was coming right through the motorhome. Okay one train no problem. There must have been 5 or 6 throughout the night. We were to stay 2 nights (ha!). One night was more than enough. So on to Delaware and Deb and Mike's. No trains within miles!! Karen's Dad and Shirlene stayed in the Motorhome (in the driveway) and we stayed in the house. We had a great visit and went to a casino near their house. We met up with Jodi there and we all ate at the buffet. Thanks Deb and Mike for that.
Dad and Shirlene stayed back at the house. On the way home we crossed over the Bay Bridge in Maryland and it was absolutely beautiful! Then we met up with Jodi again to pick up another pas sager... Miley...she was very quite and never spoke a word the rest of the way. Miley is a 2 month old Boston Tarrier coming to here new home at Tom and Sue's house.
While in Dover (Deb and Mike youngest son Matt is stationed at Dover Air Force Base) we got to take a tour of a C-5 cargo plan. It was something else. Thank You Matt!
There are only a few celebrating birthdays this month. Happy Birthday wishes go out to Jack Ghaster on the 4th, Christopher Meyer on the 31st (boo!) and Sybil Saunders on the 3rd. The 12th is a special day to celebrate what would be the 72nd anniversary of my parents Harvey and Margaret Ghaster. You are dearly missed and thought of each and every day.
Ephesians 6:1-4

September's Here.. Summer fades..

Its my favorite time of the year. College Football...The one, the only, Thee Ohio State University Buckeyes. You've got to like our chances of winning it all and a possible Heisman Trophy winner in Chris "Beanie" Wells. How awesome another Heisman winner along with a National Championship. Go Bucks!
We will be heading for Hershey, PA. to stay a few days to enjoy what is said to be "The nations largest RV show." Then on to Delaware to visit Karen's sister (Deb) and brother-in-law (Mike).
Those celebrating Birthdays this month are Dave Saunders on the 4th, Emily Taylor on the 7th, Emily Gene Schwab-Cook on the9th, Pat Ghaster on the 18th and last but not least is my brother Tom (doesn't look his age) on the 26th. Heres hoping each and every one of you have a Happy Birthday and many, many more to come. You know... statistics show people who have the most birthdays live the longest.
There are also 3 couples celebrating (I took the liberty to use the term "celebrating") Anniversaries this month and they are...Tom and Sue Ghaster on the 1st, Gene and Shirlene Goodwin on the 10th and Brian and Liz Taylor (I still have the buckeyes from the wedding) on the 5th. God Bless all of you with many more Anniversaries to come.


Thought for the Month: If silence is golden, not many people can be arrested for hoarding.

August Happenings

Well it finally happened.....Erin moved out into an apartment by herself. Its very nice and still close to home. Empty nesters once and for all.....well at least for a week. That's right Karen's Dad and Step mom will be taking up residence with us until either I go totally insane or something else comes up. Just kidding I'm looking forward to them moving in (Karen's standing right behind me).
Happy Birthday wishes go out this month to Mike Ende on the 1st, Lydia Ghaster on the 5th, Matt Ende on the 6th and last but not least Billie Taylor on the 7th (wait till next year).
Happy Anniversary to Bonnie and Dave Saunders, celebrating on the 19th. Love goes out to each and every one of you.
Special Alert: Today (8/15/08) it became official...Zachary is going to be a big brother. Amy is due April 9th.

Two thing are bad for the heart - running up stairs and running down people.

July is here!

Thanks to everyone that helped in celebrating Zachary's Birthday. He wanted me to let everyone know how much he loved seeing you all and the great gifts too. His Mom and Dad somehow found a way to fit everything into the suitcases.

Looking forward to getting together with friends and family for the fourth. Can't wait to see Zachary ( Amy & Russell too ) and celebrate Zach's Third Birthday on the 4th. Only getting to see him a few times a years is way too hard and Nana & Papa just love to spoil him whenever we can. There are lots of others celebrating Birthdays this Month too, so Happy Birthday to.......
Zach Bennett (4th), Justin Schwab (12th), Alex Ende (19th), Tim Young (26th). Happy Anniversary wishes go out to.... Janice & Robert Bartels (13th), Jodi & Tim Longmire (14th), Rebecca & Matthew Ende (19th). Again I apologize if anyone was missed, but I'm only as good as my sources (the good ol' Date/Telephone/Christmas Card/Emergency Number(s)/Directions/Birthday/Anniversary.......(breath)........Book. If anyone has anything we can add to the Date/Tel...........(you know) book, please e-mail us. I apologize to Jim & Teresa Taylor for missing to post an Anniversary Wish to them in May. Please forgive us. We hope you have a very Happy 24th. God Bless us all as we celebrate Birthdays, Anniversaries and the Freedoms we have living in these United States of America.

Thought for the Month: Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.

Storms

Severe Thunderstorms mover through our area Friday night leaving us without power until Sunday mid morning. We saved all the food by getting the motor home and stocking up the fridge and freezer in it until Sunday. We were without water too (yes we have a well). So without electric to run the pump....walla.. no water. Never dawned on me to fire up the generator in the motor home and plug in the water pump to it. Oh well (ha, ha) next time. Hopefully there is no next time. We are experiencing unusually warm weather so early in June. Its been in the high 80's to low 90's for several days now. Take care all and God Bless.

June is here!

It's June and the weather has finally cooperated and its actually warm. This months Birthday's are Karen's Dad on the 5th, Tom Taylor on the 14th (Flag Day), Doug Saunders on the 24th, Russell Bennett on the 28th (THE BIG 30) and Gianna Ende on the 30th. Happy Birthday one and all! Happy Anniversary to Deb and Mike on the 12th. Hopefully no one was missed.
We are looking forward to July 1st when Amy, Russell and Zachary fly home for a week and some type of celebration for Zachary's 3rd Birthday on the Fourth of July.
Amy is returning to school to get her Bachelors in Business. Best of Luck Amy. Erin and Doug are still house hunting.
God Bless you all.

Inspirational Wisdom for the Month..... "Swallowing angry words before you say them is better than having to eat them afterwards"

May Happenings

Happy May to all. Don't forget Mothers Day is the 11th. There are several birthday wishes for this month. The 1st of May is Sarah Taylor (Happy 12th). 12th -Marissa, 25th (or the twentysmith) is Brian Taylor, 31st is Michael (little Mike) Ende. There are 3 Happy Anniversary Wishes to pass along. Tom & Billie Taylor on the 16th (I'm not sure how many but I know their close to 50) WOW!
Tim & Marissa Young celebrate on the 24th.
And last but not least is Amy Jo & Russell Bennett are celebrating their 5th on the 10th of May.
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversay to all celebrating this month.
Congratulations go out to my Great-Nephew, Steve Taylor. He received his Bachelor Degree(Cum Laude)in Business from the University of Toledo and is moving to Texas! Best of luck Steve. We Love You!
God Bless.

Ohio Stadium WebCam and TBDBITL video link.

Click on this link to view Ohio Stadium
http://www.dispatch.com/live/contentbe/sites/buckeyextra/EPIC_shim.php?story=dispatch/osu-webcams/stadium.html
Click on this link to view TBDBITL doing Script Ohio.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-907383282065158408

Car chases Zachary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=360HaG3SbSY

Check this out for a good laugh. Just click on the link. This was taken April of last year when we were visiting in Florida. We were in Orlando at an Outlet Mall when this remote controlled car raises Zachary's curiosity..........just watch. Doug took it with his cell phone. That's Doug and Amy in the backround laughing. Erin, Karen and I were off somewhere else while all this was going on.

April happenings.

On the 10th of the month we celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. Plus a number of Birthdays. Happy Birthday to Jodi, Becky, Steve,and Hallie.This month also is the month I lost both of my parents. My Dad passed on the 19th in 2001 and my Mom on the 30th in 1996. We all miss them both very much.
It looks like spring finally has arrived. Baseball season is here and Basketball season is ending. Time to get the Motorhome home for a bath and some tender loving care before taking our first road trip. We can only pray that gas prices will cooperate. No fun camping at the storage place.
We are looking forward to a trip this September to Hershey, Pa and "The worlds largest RV show" and then onto Delaware to visit Karen's sister Deb. Well take care and God Bless.

Erins Vacation

click on photos to make larger

Erin and Doug recently went to Hawaii for 13 days. They had a wonderful time. It was Erin's first time but Doug has been several times with his family. Erin sure got some beautiful pictures and I thought I would share just a few with you. Her new HD camera got a real workout. The funny thing was how much Erin talked about the flea market and the deals. I think its kinda weird to be in Hawaii a go to a flea market instead of seeing the sights. But I did get a cool t-shirt (I guess its from the flea market).

Hi,

Well the calendar says its spring, but its snowing like crazy right now. I think we'll all ready for warmth and sunshine. Get outdoors, go camping.....heck, even mowing the grass sounds good. We went to Florida in late Feburary and it was great seeing my sister Bonnie and my brother-in-law Dave. Going to an Indians spring game in Winter Haven. But the best part was getting to see our Grandson Zach (boy is he getting big) and of course seeing our daughter Amy and Son-in-Law Russell. We went to the world famous Plant City Strawberry Festival. I had to play "Wack-a-mole" and win a stuffed Mighty Mouse for Zach (even though he thought it was Mickey Mouse). We spent some time at Lazydays (RV Superstore) gazing at some really awesome motorhomes. Zach enjoys sitting in the drivers seat and pretending. Amy and Russell took us to a great restaurant called "The Columbia", wonderful food and entertainment. Thanks Guys....."Guys",that was Zachs new word. Everytime he wanted to talk the would start by saying "Guys........". Very funny that Zach. We spent a day at Disney and had a great time. Now we're back in Ohio, missing Florida and the sunshine. Until next time.....take care.

Randy