K-5 Christmas Concert

The Kindergarten through 5th grade concert was the other night and my son's three children were performing. PK is in Kindergarten this year. See her standing in the first row center below?

His one son (I'm still working on a nickname for him) is in 3rd grade this year. That's him on the center top row in the picture below. I really like the song they were singing here, "Children Go Where I Send Thee" but it was REALLY long. Over 6 minutes. If I can get the video to load I will include a short clip of this performance.

And the Princess is in the 5th grade. That's her center 2nd row from top.

Their performance of "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree" got them exuberant applause...

...for their dancers. The audience really enjoyed this.

I didn't get a good picture of the band because they sat in the dark. You can see below where they sat in front of the stage.

Just a little sampling of the Christmas Concert.

Pizza from Scratch

I had never made pizza completely from scratch before but I was inspired by another blogger to give it a go. She's vegetarian so I don't keep on hand the same ingredients that she uses, but I was inspired none the less. While my pizza dough was making in the bread machine (I substituted 1/2 c. bread flower for 1/2 c. whole wheat). I started cooking tomatoes for the sauce.
Since I had more yellow tomatoes I decided that was what I was going to make my sauce out of. The finished sauce looked strange but had a wonderful flavor. Yellow tomatoes are sweeter than red as a general rule so I didn't add sugar as most pizza sauce recipes call for.

Below is all the ingredients for my pizza with the pizza dough in the back waiting to be rolled out. The meat in the lower left bowl is sliced ham and turkey.

My pizza cooker instructions say to brush the dough with butter and cook for 5 minutes at 300F. I brushed my dough with olive oil.

Then I spread on my tomato sauce and covered it all with my meats. One half I am putting everything on and the other half will be in three sections. One just meat, one everything but onion and the third with everything. This is for the three grandchildren that were visiting. All of it is covered with mozzarella cheese.

Then the lid is put on the cooker and I cook the pizza for half an hour at 250F

Because everybody was hungry I forgot to get a picture of the whole pizza before serving it up. This cooker doesn't brown the cheese on top and I'm just learning what works but I'd say that this pizza turned out pretty darn good. The grandkids ate theirs anyway.

Do you have a favorite pizza dough recipe? I'd be interested to hear what you like.

Petty Pin-up Girls

When I was a teenager my room was in the basement. I liked it down there because it was like being in a cave. The windows were small so they didn't let in a lot of light and the temperature didn't vary greatly. When I left home dad did some remodeling. The basement windows needed work because they leaked sometimes. When they took out the old wood and wallboard he found some papers folded up in a cavity in one of them. They were pictures of pin-up girls. The house was built in 1957 and we moved in around 1963(?). Mom gave me these pictures the other day and I'm posting the more presentable ones here...
They appear to have been in a book that measured 6"x13".

I did some checking online and I've found that they were drawn by George Petty for Esquire in the mid 1950s.

The previous two might have been a little showy, but I hope I didn't offend anyone with them. I find all the girls very pretty.

These last two in the swim suits look no different than you'd see in any pool or on any beach in the world.

The more risque pictures I have posted in an album here. Makes one wonder why the pictures were hid away in the cavity of the basement window. Was it a construction worker placing a time capsule of sorts? Was it a young man not wanting his mother to find his girly pictures? But I think it was in a place that wasn't accessible, so would probably have to have been the construction worker.

Thanksgiving Day

This year we all went to mom's and spent the several hours cleaning out the garage. This was one day that we knew everyone could get together to do this.
Mom has no use for all dad's large tools and all she really needs there is what someone might need for minor/emergency repairs, plus some gardening tools.

There were also some tools and other things in the house that mom will not use that was dispersed to family members. As I go through things I have brought home I will post about some of the more interesting treasures.

Around 3pm we all went in for out Thanksgiving feast.

Thanksgiving prayers were given and everyone lined up.

The children always seem to prefer sitting at the bar. These are my grandchildren but I have pictures of my children in the same places not all that many years ago.

But the turkey is what it's all about, isn't it PK?

Nawww... It's the gathering of family and friends, that's what the memories are made of.

Being Thankful

It's been a year of highs and lows. I've had a difficult time getting back into posting to my blog, or doing many other things as far as that goes. In September I lost my father and there's a void that I'm still in the process of learning how to deal with. I am forever thankful to have been born into the family that I was fortunate to be blessed with. I could not have dreamed of better parents.
Never do I recall ever feeling as though I was not wanted or loved. Never do I recall ever going without a meal, not have something nice to wear or have change to grab a soda with friends. I am thankful for having been taught the value of a good days work. To see the joy in accomplishments at days end. To be able to look back at the row planted and know that the row ahead would soon be done.

I am thankful for the gatherings of family and friends for all the many occasions through the years. That one of our great joys is making time to be with one another and celebrate all that are there and those that are not, to remember those that have gone on to their heavenly reward.

I am thankful for the "Faith of my Fathers" because it was through the examples of my elders that I truly saw what it meant to be Christ like. I am thankful for the Word that my grandmother asked that we memorize so we could recite to her when we would visit the few times a year. The Psalms taught me to love poetry and the way words could paint a picture in your mind.

I am thankful for learning to sing the old hymns, they taught my heart joy like no other. Singing is something the soul does out loud, you know it when you hear it and when your soul sings it's like flying. This same feeling can also be infused into musical instruments and they become an extension of your soul.

In more recent times I am especially thankful for my grandchildren. My hopes and prayers are that I can pass on to them the same feeling of thankfulness that was passed on to me. To be able to do that would give me even more to be Thankful for.

Hoping All of You are Having a Joyous and Happy Thanksgiving!

K-Monster's Halloween Birthday

Saturday was Halloween and K-Monster's birthday is a couple days prior so my daughter held his birthday party so they all could go trick or treating afterward.
New decorations this year was the giant black pumpkin and black cat whose head went back...

...and forth.

There was the ghoul in the old pickup truck, the bones on that dash light up and what's left of the old spider they had built several years ago.

Saturday was a beautiful, sunshiny day. After eating pizza they all went outside and played on the trampoline and with the Nerf guns.

Little PK had my old camera and was being a shutterbug. I'll post some her pictures later.

My brother brought his new toy, and Airsoft gun, that the boys had fun shooting at pop cans and Styrofoam plates.

K-Monster had a giant cookie instead of a decorated cake.

And we sang 'Happy Birthday' but there were no candles.

After cake/cookie and ice cream it was time to open the presents. Most of his presents came in the form of cards with money in them, which was just fine with him.

Then we were directed outside where his new bicycle and Nerf gun were waiting for him.

Time for everyone to get dressed up...

Isn't she just the cutest little witch?

Here's our group of Trick or Treaters all ready to gather loads of candy.

Golden Wheat AHSGR October 18, Fall Meeting

FALL MEETING and Election of Officers

Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. to 1:30, gathering and registration; 1:30-2:30 potluck dinner

2:30 to 4:30 p.m., program: Immanuel Lutheran Church

909 South Market, Wichita

Come enjoy a unique program at our annual Fall meeting. The meeting will include Election of Officers and a presentation of Wheat Weaving by Martha and Marie Voth of North Newton using Turkey Red wheat. Their picture and an associated article were on the front page of Active Aging at the beginning of August. You will want to remember to move your chair to the front of the room during the presentation so you can see because their beautiful handiwork is too fragile to pass around.

From our President:
Dear Golden Wheat Friends:
Our October meeting is fast approaching, and First Vice President Harold Popp has come up with another great program. Please put October 18 on your calendar and plan to join us as twins Martha and Marie Voth share their skills of Turkey Red Wheat Weaving and Marquetry with us. One of their specialties is making beautiful pictures of old buildings from wheat straw (marquetry). It is also time for election of officers. You all come!

...After our covered dish dinner and meeting with election of officers, Harold Popp led us all in singing some songs in German including "How Great Thou Art", dedicating it to my dad's memory.

Next was the program given by the Voth sisters on creating artwork from wheat. They said that in the beginning they had used wheat grain in their artwork and they really liked it but so did the bugs. Now they remove ALL grains and seeds from their art medium. They told us about coloring and shaping the wheat and showed us a special tool that splits a wheat stem into six fine pieces that they then twist into a tiny rope with another machine.
They showed how they would take a picture and make copies of it, adjusting and cutting it into sections to get just the right angle to begin making their art.
The different sections are on varying thicknesses of cardboard to give the dimensional effect.

The butterflies below were for sale. There had been three of them but one was sold before I got a picture of it.

The sisters also wore pins that they had made from wheat.

Notice the 'rope' pieces on the pin below. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Here is a picture of a golfer and the original picture it was made from.

All Kansans out there will recognize our state seal.

I thought these sunflowers, wild geraniums and butterfly was really pretty.

The camera did not do justice to this depiction of Russian Belarus' Glorious Birds.You can see the depth quality on the porch of the house below.

Sorry I couldn't get a better picture of this grand prize winner, it was behind glass and there was quite a glare from the big windows above. For those not familiar with Wichita KS, this is the Sedgwick County Historical Museum, formerly the Wichita City Hall. One of Wichita's 'castles'.

This beautiful cross is a wheat depiction of the ornate iron crosses in many of the GR cemeteries.

Next are the barns and farm scenes. This one a combination of wheat and watercolor.

Many of these are on a velvet background. Note the chicks to the lower right that are woven wheat and mounted on the frame.

This farmyard belonged to their Uncle William, done from old photos.

They consider barns the 'Castles of Prairies'. This one is about putting up hay on the Voth farm.

Another very enjoyable and informative meeting. The Voth sisters are very talented and if you get a chance you should see their work in person, it is amazing!

The Funeral

Does your family take coffin pictures? Some families don't. I remember dad telling me that he had an uncle that didn't believe in having his picture taken, something about graven images. But dad had seen a picture of this same uncle in his coffin, the only picture ever taken of him. On the Tuesday evening before the funeral the family gathered at the mortuary for the official viewing. Dad looked peaceful, at rest, sleeping the sleep of angels.

Wednesday, September 16 the little church in south Wichita was packed tight with friends and family.

The flag draped coffin stood stately in front of the alter.

Pastor Strother Gross was a good friend and joined in singing many songs with dad. The service was personal and from the heart.

Cousin Dianne requested to sing, I remember her singing at grandmother's funeral, dad's mom, so many years ago.

The pallbearers loaded the coffin up for the final trip.

Dad was a proud Marine and the color guard stood patiently waiting...

...along with the bugler.

Silently the color guard moved in determined form, raising the colors from the wooden coffin...

...taps began playing from across the headstones.

When taps had ended the flag was folded...

...saluted...

...and presented to my mother.

...the final farewell for a life well served.

The pall bearers filed past and placed their corsages in front of the grave.

Back at the church the ladies of the church prepared a wonderful meal for the family.

Cousin Dave picked up dad's guitar from the table and began to play...

...soon we all circled round and joined in. This is what we always have done when we get together.

The video I had put together for dad's 80th birthday played on big screen in the background.

And we sang, and we laughed...

...and we remembered that this is what we ALWAYS do. Below, the remaining two of the five brothers and a little sister.

And everyone noticed the absence of that golden rich tone that was my father's voice. A voice I could always pick out no matter how large the choir. I'll be listening for you, daddy.

Harold C. Heinrichs, My Father

Heinrichs, Harold “Harry” C., peacefully joined heavens choir Thursday, September 10. Harold was born December 13, 1925 in Kirk, Colorado to Cornelius P. and Helena (Klassen) Heinrichs. He was the middle boy of five brothers and a little sister. At home Harold learned the qualities of Christ's love that carried him throughout his life. He also learned the joy of song and fellowship with friends and family. Harold also loved his country and December 8, 1943 he enlisted in the Marines. As a radio operator and tail gunner of a Hellcat he participated in the occupation of China. Sergeant Heinrichs, with a Good Conduct Medal was honorably discharged July 9, 1946. Upon his return, he worked with his brother, Arthur, as a blacksmith, did some farming and even worked as a rancher in the mountains of Colorado, his home state. He then made his way east to Goodland. It was there he met and married his wife of 59 years, Vida Nielee "Lee" Seigal, and became a foreman for Rhoads Construction. While at Rhoads, he met John Evans and Archie Lynch, his eventual business partners. After the three worked as sub-contractors on the first Learjet building in Wichita in 1960, they decided Wichita might be a good location to go into business for themselves. So, two years later, they founded Evans Building Co., which specialized in commercial and industrial construction where Harold worked till his retirement in 2007. At home Harold was involved in his Church, Southwest Presbyterian, as an Elder, adult Sunday School teacher and singing in the choir among other activities. He was active in Boys Scouts for many years, going on camp outs and teaching the boys songs around the campfire. In his community he was active in the Southwest Neighborhood Association whose concern was the welfare and safety of those living in the community. Another organization that Harold was deeply involved with was the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, being a National member and also a member, and on the board of, the local Golden Wheat Chapter. Through AHSGR Harold and his family shared a bond with others going back to ancestry of German colonies living in Russia for hundreds of years. By doing various volunteer work to raise funds, money sent to the National Headquarters helped to save and purchase vital documents that had been "lost" for years behind "the wall" dividing Russia from the rest of the world and Harold was able to connect with his Mennonite ancestry that had before been unknown. A hobby that he enjoyed was wood carving and he had a fondness for carving 3 dimensional pictures of covered bridges. In all this Harold shared his love of singing and a constant in his life was his guitar and song. Harold and his wife, sometimes accompanied by grandchildren traveled hundreds of miles many times over the years attending family reunions for both of their families. Harold loved and was greatly loved by all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren which he spent as much time with as he could. Harold is survived by his loving family; wife, Lee; son, Kent (Debbie); and daughters, Leann (Ben) Strobel, Norwich KS; Carol, Tucson AZ; grandchildren; Melissa (Aaron) Goodman; Jerry, Ted & Bobby Strobel; Shandy (Keith) Worsham, Shad (Melissa) Valentine, Harry & Jimmy Sammon; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Wesley (Ann), sister, Kathy (Gordon) Fahlgren and sister-in-law Ima; many nieces and nephews and extended family John Ross, Lucy and Hong Fritts and Willa Applegate. Visitation at Resthaven Mortuary will begin Monday at 11am till 9pm Tuesday. Services will be at Southwest Presbyterian Church on Wednesday at 10am. Interment will be at Resthaven Cemetery at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to any of our Veterans groups or a charity of your personal preference.

The Wichita Eagle has also done a written an Obituary for the Business section in today's paper. I copy it here below...

Evans Building co-founder loved to teach and make friends

BY RICK PLUMLEE
The Wichita Eagle

In an industry where sharp words are often spoken, Harold "Harry" Heinrichs brought a sense of humor, kindness and respect to construction sites.

A co-founder of Evans Building Co., which has operated in Wichita since 1962, he also had a can-do attitude.

"He was the most congenial guy, easy to get along with," said Larry Hopper of Hopper's Glass, who worked for more than 40 years on job sites with Mr. Heinrichs. "Whatever he said went. All it took was a handshake. You didn't need a contract."

Mr. Heinrichs died Thursday at a Wichita hospital. He was 83.

In an interview with The Eagle shortly before Mr. Heinrichs retired in January 2008, his wife, Lee, recalled the time he fell 15 feet off a Brewster schoolhouse roof.

"I didn't fall off, I walked off," he said with a chuckle.

A native of Colorado, Mr. Heinrichs joined the Marines at the age of 18 and served in the Pacific during World War II. He returned to Colorado to work as a blacksmith, farmer and rancher.

He later moved to Goodland, where he met Lee. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary Sept. 2 at the hospital.

Mr. Heinrichs helped found Evans Building with John Evans and Archie Lynch shortly after the three worked together at Rhoads Construction in Goodland.

Bill Johnson, now president of Evans Building and John Evans' nephew, has been with the company full time since 1973.

"Harry wasn't afraid to teach you anything," Johnson said. "And he always looked at the good side no matter what was going on."

As the company's general superintendent, Mr. Heinrichs was on the front line in dealing with customers.

"They liked him because he was a hands-on guy," Johnson said. "There was nothing he couldn't build."

During Evans Building's early years, it bid on a contract for a particularly large, complex structure for an Emporia company.

Johnson said the company owner called Mr. Heinrichs and asked, "Have you ever built anything like this?"

"No, I haven't," Mr. Heinrichs replied.

"Can you do it?," the owner asked.

"It goes together one piece at a time," Mr. Henrichs replied, "so it won't be a problem."

Johnson said that was typical of Mr. Heinrichs.

"There wasn't anything he was afraid to tackle," Johnson said. "He kept it simple."

For a number of years before he officially retired, Mr. Heinrichs came to work three days a week to repair equipment and tools.

"He was very caring and fun-loving," Kent Heinrichs said of his father. "I don't know if he ever met a stranger. He liked people."

Mr. Heinrichs was also a former deacon at his church, Southwest Presbyterian, and in recent years was active with the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia.

Besides his wife and son, he is survived by two daughters, Leann Strobel and Carol Heinrichs.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Southwest Presbyterian Church, 1511 W. 27th St. South. Interment is at 11:30 a.m. at Resthaven Mortuary and Cemetery, 11800 W. Kellogg.

Lost Ladybug Project

In Sunday's Wichita Eagle I saw the following article...

Scientists in search of nation's lost ladybugs
BY MARY ESCH
Associated Press

ITHACA, N.Y. —A year after they launched a nationwide search for dwindling native ladybugs, New York researchers are breeding colonies of them from insects found by citizen scientists in Oregon and Colorado....

The article gave a link to the project's website (here). If you're looking for an interesting project to do with your children, this one has all sorts of resources.
I'm always seeing ladybugs in my garden and have noted that they don't all look the same, so this was quite interesting to me. Today I went out with my camera and found the one below on the okra. After looking at the picture on my computer I believe that there were also larva, most noticeably to the left (possibly two?) and then to the right. All out of focus. This ladybird, it's actual name, looks to be a seven spotted, an import from Asia.

The next one I found on a cucumber leaf, it's a Multicolored Asian.

And this larva was scurrying around on a leaf beneath it.

Many years ago I found a mass of these larva on the cement foundation of my house that is kept warm being on the south side in the sun. At that time I didn't have a clue WHAT they were. After doing some research I finally that they were ladybird beetles. Amazing the transformation they make. So grab your cameras and head outdoors for a ladybug/ladybird beetle hunt, maybe YOU have some nine spot in your yard.