June 2014, The Last Move?

Where to start????  Life shifted into a high definition thriller here.

• My husband Rich and I just accepted an offer on our Elk Grove townhouse and are gathering our wits.  We’re moving back Maryland where we both grew up but left 45 years ago for Rich’s ministerial work.  We have lived in MD, MN, MT, SD, CO, IN, and IL.  It will be great to move back home.

• We are driving out of town with one car being towed and absolutely no idea where we will end up in Maryland.  First, we'll bunk in the basement of my son's place.  We have a bit of time since we're still waiting for the birth.

• We're hoping the pressure of needing a home now, might help us find a place we can buy.  I've packed my files and current classes in the small u-haul Rich is driving.  Almost everything else is still packed in 3 PODS in Illinois.   When we settle on a house we'll call to have our PODS delivered.

• What does this mean for my current contracts, I’ll continue teaching but be further away from my current mid-west gigs, Michigan Fiber Festival, Wisconsin Sheep and Wool.  I will be able to fulfill all of my contracts except for October in WV which needs to be moved to a new date, as Rich’s closest cousin is getting married that weekend.

• My new website should appear at any moment and if the technology doesn’t fail us now, downloadable PDF booklets shall be an option.

Jan. 2011, Hazel's Baptism

Here is Hazel Edith Gwinn after her baptism, in the same little dress that Zoe wore in 2007, and Ann wore in 1975, for their baptisms. This little dress had been crocheted by Grandma Edith years ago. 

Rich had the honor of doing the baptism. 


Zoe helped her mom and dad with the promises.

Grandpa Bob and Grandma Pat Gwinn and other family were there from MD. 

Nov. 2010, New Dresses for the Girls

I couldn't resist posting this picture of the Hazel and Zoe all sparkly and cute in their fancy finery,

Fall 2010 Hazel Is Here

What a wonderful early morning phone call we recieved. Hazel Edith Gwinn had arrived, full term, full head of hair, and healthy. Here is the family still in the hospital with big sister Zoe holding Hazel.

Rich and I quickly made plans to get to Minnesota.

We were there on his birthday and Hazel gave him a warm cuddly sofa nap as only an infant can.

April 2010, Cook, Grand Daughter Zoe

Here she is Zoe, the newest baker extraordinaire, working on Lemon Poppyseed Muffins. She is the 4th generation to use this proud old mixer. Spinning can't be far behind. But I can now announce that another little Gwinn is expected this fall.

Nov. 2008, Birthday Party!!

Edith and I celebrated our birthdays last week with the whole family filling the townhouse. she turned 88 and I turned 60. It was a weekend of playing with Zoe-2, eating, talking, laughing, and sharing stories and photos.

Here we are at our favorite Mexican Restaurant. 

My favorite memory came on Sunday evening. That day my sister, Iris, had arranged a women's celebration, so she sent the men off to a huge technology type of store. Then she proceeded to bring out all of her belly dancing scarves, spangles, bangles, music, cream cheese-walnut stuffed dates and "hafla-juice" (champagne).

All of us girls had a great time trying to dance while Edith chose to sit and watch the "younger" girls and just enjoy the music. That is until the men came home later that evening. As she bid her good nights, she told the men that they had missed quite a party. Then Edith stood up, shook her hips, and waved her arms to show them exactly what she meant. We all laughed at how she had saved her dancing until she had the biggest audience.  Too bad we didn't get a photo of that!

Carl and my sister put together a slide show with several old photos from my life.  Growing up in the 50's and 60's photos were very rarely taken.  Here is a rare one taken in NC after my father passed, showing the family at that time.  On the left is my youngest brother, then my sister, then me, with Carl the youngest in front of me, then Ann and Rich, next are my two older brothers who have since passed and their wives, finally my mom Carolina Belle is on the right.

Sept. 2007, Carl and Roopa's Wedding

What an exciting year! Last September I celebrated my son Carl's marriage to Roopa. It was a very special Hindu-Lutheran celebration in Ohio.