Isaac Keim Homestead

Last evening we went for a ride through the old neighborhood, coming up South Kansas Road and turning onto Ely Road. There has been a lot of changes in the last 35 years but this homestead hasn't changed except by what nature does. I love the beauty of this home. 

Saturday Evening With Family

 Last evening we were invited to my Sister Clara's place for the evening, where I met up with a few more family members. 

These are Jensen's new school shoes.

 Earlier in the day Jensen and his Mom did school supply shopping. School shopping changed big time compared to 55 years ago. I started my first four years in school with a tablet, a pencil and a box of 16 crayons. Yesterday I discovered this day and age the parents supply almost everything a child needs during the school term, down to the Kleenex and handi-wipes. 

 Rhoda has always been a Little Maid whenever it comes to taking care of toddlers and little children. 

 Brothers welcoming their cousin.

 Sisters

 This little guy is fourteen months old. We had met one time last summer when he was only a few months old. Of course he remembers nothing of me. But this time he is trying to figure me out, knowing there is something different about my size. This has happened many times in the past. Usually the next time we meet up, we become friends.

 The men folks: Joe Schlabach, my brother-in-law Marvin, Marvin Junior & Atlee Troyer and the little boys.

After dark around the campfire. 

Yesterday's Drive

 The Book Shanty in Mt Hope Ohio is so well hidden that I never noticed it until yesterday we went looking for it. Years ago this was their post office. About twenty years or so ago Mary Yoder turned it into a bookstore basically for the Amish although anybody is welcome. One wall has only books in the old German language. There is a section of local history books. She has a number of biography and memoirs from Amish/Mennonite writers. In general the store is geared toward the Amish. 

Mary is also a walking, live history person. She knows everything concerning Mt Hope and the surrounding area in the years gone by. Her knowledge include my ancestors and we could have spend the whole afternoon visiting. On another trip I want to return to this Book Shanty and visit some more.

 These are the apples hanging over the Book Shanty.

We bought a bit of produce at the roadside stand from this farm.I think this is on the Mt Hope Road.

My Sister's Flowers

My sister Dena loves the old rather than the new when it comes to gardening and flowers and decorations. 

Their grandson Seth. He is a bit shy but even so we had a good visit. He knows his birthday comes in December but doesn't know when in December. He has one more year before he goes to school.

The Eyes of a Deep Thinker

My great nephew, age three who is a deep thinker. He favors his grandpa Marvin, and also his uncle Marvin Jr. Both of these men are deep thinkers. So this one is being prepared for the following generation. Genes get handed down from generation to generation for life on earth to continues. 

Coming and Going

This double buggy had two men, two women and three children. 

We went for a ride tonight.

 This guy probably made the shortest stopover.

Dad, as a Hired Man

Today two of my sisters and I went up to Akron for a couple of hours. On the way home we went pass this place a bit east of Orrville Ohio just to take a look and a few photos because Dad worked for this farmer when he was still single. My parents were married in 1949 and Dad was in CPS during World War 2, so it must have been shortly before he was drafted or after his return from CPS.  

A One Day Fishing Trip

 Time to stretch after a day of fishing.

 Unloading

 Dividing the fish

 Putting the fishing poles from one vehicle to the next one.

Blow your nose and go home after a good day of fishing. 

My sister stopped for gas and this van drove up and this is what I saw. 

Lattice Life

Life through the lattice. 

Pioneer Trails Travels...

On Wednesday I boarded the Pioneer Trails bus for Ohio. This couple came around to say "Good-bye" to a friend from northern Indiana, whom they met down here. This is what Pinecraft is, making more friends.

 Mullet's wife got on the bus to go north.

 And so did Viola with plans to stay for four weeks.

 While we waited in Gainesville for a passenger, this guy was on break.

Entering Ohio Thursday morning.

We made good time all the way and a few minutes after 12,  I was dropped off at Wooster where one of my sisters picked me up. 

Tonight's Shuffleboard Game

After the calling hours and viewing of Chet Stoltzfus the family brought these two bouquets to the Pinecraft Park. 

These roses are where Chet's favorite place was to sit while during games or whatever.

Many of the men and women who usually play Wednesday evenings at the Shuffleboard Tournament were at the calling hours. They decided to shuffle tonight in memory of Chet.

I wish I could be here to take photos but I am heading out this afternoon to be with family for two weeks.