planckzooblogs

Nik's going away to school

2008-07-19T14:00:00.007-05:00

As promised, here are some photos we took yesterday. Nikholis has orientation at DCAD to take his photo ID, and to take placement tests. Time is drawing near when we'll be making the trip up to drop him off to begin his new life as a full time student.

Here's the entrance to the college.

The building before becoming DCAD was once a bank, and the main offices of the electric company. It was originally built in the 1930's. Here's a pic that I took of one of the elevator doors. It's brass, and really beautiful. And totally fits with the scones, and other decor of the main floor.

I believe the doors were actually to have been taken down, but were instead donated. They are truly beautiful works of art, and definitely fit the college well.

This is the building Nik will be calling "home" for the next two years. He'll be sharing a one bedroom apartment with another guy. It has a large living area with complete kitchen (complete as in they are responsibile for their own meals), washer/dryer, dishwasher. And in keeping with the forty's theme, his aparment has a spiral stairway. The only furniture the school provides is a desk, stool, and twin sized bed. Everything else we will need to provide for him. Any suggestions of "must have's" are most welcome.

Anyone wanting Nik's email address, or mailing address contact me. I'll get it off to you. You can leave a comment here on the blog or email me directly.

Here are a couple photos of the Opera House.

The main entry way.

These are exiting doors. Last year as a community service project, some of the photography students went to the Opera House and photographed the hallways from the main dressing room to the stage for Queen Latifah. Seems she doesn't like surprises, and wanted to know exactly what to expect from her dressing room to performance. Quite the project, no?!

The public library, which is about 4 blocks from the college is also another amazing bit art. It has these huge owl gargoyles that watch you as you walk by. And these beautiful enterance doors that must be some fifty feet in height, and then slide into pockets when the building is opened. The reading room has original art work from N.C. Wyeth.

I'll get photos of the library on my return trip. It was really hot outside, and then I forgot my replacement batteries for the camera. But really, it was quite amazing. I think Nik will like Wilmington.

May moving to an end

2008-05-26T17:12:00.010-05:00

This year Memorial Day came a bit earlier. Which means the Family descended on Chinoteague Island a week earlier. Fishing gets harder and harder every year with size regulations changing every year. This year a "keeper" had to be 19". I'm sure we have some past winners on the trophy that came no where near 19".

Eric, Myla, Hayden and myself went to the Island just for the day on Saturday. We had absolutely beautiful weather! Great for walking around, which is good because most of the Island is all on one street. Hayden had a great time singing and crowing for passersby, and of course Gigi had a great time showing him off!

This was on the way to the Island. We stopped to pick up some veggies from a roadside stand, and to give the boy a moment out of his car seat. You can see that he was very happy to be in the driver's seat!

Here he is play with a favorite toy. Yes, it's a yogurt cup. One moment he was awake and playing.....

And the next he was out like a light!

Here's Myla and Hayden trying to convince one of the ponies to come over for a little scratch. Of course, they (the ponies) were paying us no mind at all. Hayden was working on a little something of his own at that moment actually!

By the way, Jeff Crump won this year. His fish weighed 3lb, 2oz. Definitely a keeper, and a very yummy one at that!

And as we do every year, after Memorial Weekend the swim season kicks itself into full gear. Which means time for haircuts. Nathan's that is. No, the Tall Ones did not get hair cuts.

No, I did not leave it a mullet. Though he would have liked the curls left in the back.

This is the end result. That is after a shower and a trip to Rita's. No bad no? Of course it's easy because he is a good looking guy. Swim practice for Nathan starts tomorrow. And classes for me start tomorrow as well. 6 weeks of ADR.......

It's May!

2008-05-04T17:08:00.016-05:00

Today was the last day of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. Nathan had mentioned that I never take him to any of the fibery things that I go to, so I offered to take him this weekend. We had a good time!

He was quite taken with the many different kinds of sheep. He took most of the photos that I'll be showing here.

He didn't know that sheep have horns. And these had those very thick curling type horns. And they are quite large in size. Sorry, I'm not sure what type these are. (***correction, this is a cross between a merino and another breed, referred to as CVM I believe)

These are referred to as black sheep or chocolate. Again, I don't remember the breed. Sorry.

These I believe are Cotswold. Don't they look happy?

This is a Karakul. They were raised by the Navajo because their wool was strong and very warm. Also very rough, but great for blankets (ever see the Antique Roadshow? the black and white blanket was woven from Karakul wool.)

Another caramel colored karakul. Isn't she lovely?

This little lamb is a Bluefaced Leicester. Their wool is a favorite for people who spin to knit socks. Very warm socks indeed!

This is Aggie, she's a 7 year old rescued border collie. And she's showing her stuff! Nathan was quite impressed with these dogs.

This little guy is a Jacob Sheep. They usually have 4 horns (sometimes nature will give them six) and they tend to grow in rather odd angles. This guy is still young so his are quite straight.

Nathan trying the horns on for size.

A freshly shorn llama. Isn't she pretty? Her coat was a light tan with caramel spots. And she knew just how pretty she is too.

And of course the Fair food. As you can maybe imagine the "main dish" is lamb in as many different ways as you can imagine! Nathan had a lamb burger with cheese. I had bbq lamb. And we shared a cup of french fries. The trick here to find the french fries that were fried crisp! aAnd of course the large soft pretzel with mustard. This one was from a new vendor. Very tasty! And there was even a couple of ladies pulling old fashioned sodas (birch beer, sassafras, black cherry, root beer, yummy!!)

As you can see, Nathan is really enjoying his! Only 364 days til next year's fair.......

By golly

2008-03-11T21:41:00.006-05:00

Where does time go? Hayden is now 4 months old. At his check up on Monday, he weighed in at 15lbs, 3oz. GOOD GOLLY this boy is growing FAST!! But it seems like just yesterday that CJ, Eric and I were looking for comfy places to sleep in the hospital. Because you know, theiy have only beds for the patient, not those anxiously awaiting things to happen.....or not happen.

He's very insistent on sitting up. Hayden wants to see everything that's going on, everyone that's in the room, included the four legged types. Hayden's crying drives Felix nutz. Felix will grab, bite, yowl at me to make the baby happy again.

And since we're on the subject of the little, here's some cuteness for ya!

Till next time!

The Bad Boyz of the Planckzoo

2008-02-13T22:35:00.007-05:00

The Leader of the Pack (Eric)

The Kingpin (Roscoe)
The Hit Man (Felix)

And Junior (Guji)

The whole Zoo.....

Cause there are some folks out there...

2008-01-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

Who just want to see pics of my boyz!! Jon these are for you. Here's Jay and Nathan trying on my brother Kenny's scooter for size.

This is Jay (and his friend Ben taking the photo) Trying to make a point with me. But the picture is just too cute for words. For those a bit faint of heart, don't try to make sense of it. Just ignore the hand motions.

I think these two are going to get along just fine. I see trouble in the making.

This is Hayden snoozing on Cooper Looper, his best bud! The Coop watches over Hayden like a nanny! In case you can't tell, Cooper is a yellow lab, and just a wee (coff) over weight.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

Wow 2008 already! Where has time gone?

2007 was quite the year, I wonder what 2008 will bring us?! Here's some pics of my boys to admire.

Nikholis turned 20 on the 23rd of December. Talk about time flying by.

This is Christmas. Nathan got two more Nutcrackers to add to his collection. The Nutcracker really is his favorite Christmas Story. We have number of versions to watch, and they are watched year round, not just during the holidays.

The much spoke about "Long Shot" by Nerf. This one is truly HUGE!

And of course the ever present Kiss. This is a set of glasses.

And the CHAOS!
See Hayden? He pretty much slept through the whole morning. That is until it was his breakfast time. Then he let us all know he was here, and he was hungry!
And chocolate too! Yep, you can have some in the morning, but only on Christmas morning.
The start of of the Marshmellow Wars! These are going to be great fun!
And the cuteness will always win out! Merry Christmas to all. And best wishes for a happy Safe and healthy New Year.

Happy Birthday Nathan!

2007-12-03T20:05:00.000-05:00

Looks like the right gift!

Here's Evan (Nathan's best friend), Nathan, Nikholis and Hayden. You can see a photo, a year younger under December 06.

And this will be one of my Christmas card photos this year.

Hayden woke to check out his Uncle too.

And just for kicks, Poppy, Gigi, and Hayden -- look his eyes really are open. And yes, he's sticking his tongue out at his Gigi!

Babysitting & Nathan's Birthday

2007-12-02T19:59:00.000-05:00

I got to babysit yesterday! And of course what kind of a Gigi would I be if I didn't take lots of pics? A terrible one! So here some Hayden photos. And I even ran around Annapolis today trying to find a photo place that would take my thumb drive so I could print some out for my new work station.

You think he's trying to tell me something?

Isn't he just wonderful?!

And I do share, I even let his Poppy hold him.

And today we celebrated Nathan's birthday. He'll be 9 tomorrow! I still remember when he was Hayden's size! I can't believe time has gone by so quickly.

This is clockwise from Nathan, Evan, Kayla and Reilly. It was present opening time.

Good times to be had.

Mary and Nancy Jo
rapt attention!
And cake (and there was none left!)
And lots of balloons for popping!
And goofing with the big boys.

And some gifts for Hayden from Kenny, Cindy and Kayla too.

And.....
An almost Christmas photo. But alas, not to be this one.
Tomorrow is another day.

Oh Honey, we're home....

2007-11-12T17:27:00.000-05:00

Hayden is now home!

Here's Myla wishing I'd put the camera away.
And bringing up the rear.....

More pics

2007-11-11T21:07:00.000-05:00

'Cause you know you want to see more family pictures!
Nathan finally got a chance to meet Hayden this afternoon (Nov. 11) as you can see, he's very pleased with the little guy! And fussed about grams getting to hold the baby more then he does. His time will come.
Uncle Nik showed up to check out his new nephew. They bonded for quite a while. Myla said Nik hung around holding and cooing at Hayden for quite a while.

Yep, he's got a pretty good set of lungs too!

Uncle Nathan, happy to be holding Hayden again. His exact words were "Finally it's my turn."

New mom checking out the boys.

And I don't expect this one needs any explanation!

As Requested....

2007-11-10T21:14:00.000-05:00

A friend has informed me that I haven't posted enough photos.... so, for your viewing pleasure.....

One very happy gram (aka GiGi); Carleigh's just jealous I got to hold Hayden before she did!

TheNewMom

The Granpappi waiting his turn....

It's my turn, not yours.

Bonding!

3 generations!

And then Carleigh got a turn.

But isn't he just beautiful!!

Introducing......

2007-11-09T18:39:00.000-05:00

Hayden Joseph
DOB: November 9, 2007
TOB: 2:55pm
7lbs, 11 ozs, 21 inches.

Myla and Dan just before leaving for her surgery. Little One arrived via C-section.

Halloween in the Harbor

2007-11-03T15:52:00.000-05:00

I (Genia) had a class to go to on Halloween this year. It's the first Halloween I've missed in a very very long time. So it was up to the boys to take over and make it good.

And good is just what they did! Kiss has a huge following in our house. As is evident by the costumes of choice this year. Feast your eyes:

This is Nathan as The Demon

Reilly as The Cat

"I,

All in all, not a bad Halloween would you say?!

WOW!

2007-10-28T16:06:00.000-05:00

Lots has been happening here around the Zoo. Of course now summer has past, and autumn is almost gone. Though it's been so warm this year it's hard to tell that it has been Fall except for all the leaves and acorns on the deck that needs to be cleaned up.

Myla on the other hand has been quite busy with her own sort of project.

Here's a pic of Myla (my new grandbaby to be -- it's a boy as a matter of fact) and Carleigh. Linda gave Myla a baby shower last weekend. It was lovely and Myla got lots of goodies for the baby.

Linda, Carleigh, and Nancy Jo.

Nancy Jo and Mary

Myla and Barbara

This is a beautiful center piece that Linda made using an pumpkin and some zinnas. Just lovely.

This is Miss Sock helping me with the baby album. Then she decided to help out Myla with opening presents.

Getting started with the present opening!

Our lovely hostess.

Nancy Jo, Mary and our good neighbor, Janet.

Me on the floor with Sock working on the baby book, and Martha.

Opening more presents.

Carleigh getting ready to cut to the Ren Fest.

Evan, Nathan, Myla and Janet

Nancy Jo feeling the boy moving around. And he's still quite active.
Tentative due date: November 12th.

School and Other such Family Happenings

2007-05-17T10:11:00.000-05:00

Myla turned 18 on May 16th. Good Golly, seems like she was just turning 16! And if that weren't enough -- you'd better sit down for this one -- she graduates from high school on June 9th! Three down, one to go. We went out for dinner, and the whole crew came along! All five us sitting at a table in a resturant and no one was yelling, kicking, pinching, or making faces. It was quite lovely!

By the way, Myla also made honor roll this past marking period! YEA!! I'm so proud!

Nathan is still loving school. He's ready for swim to start. He just knows that he'll be moving up a squad on the swim team this year. I'll keep you posted.

Nik is still doing his thing. Once I figure it out, I'll let you know.

My Introduction to Paralegal Studies class is over! And I'm very pleased to say that I got a "B" in the class. ***whew** Now on to other courses. English starts on the 21st of May so I'm presuming that I'll be taking homework to Chinoteague on Memorial Weekend. But that's okay! I'll also bring my bonnie new laptop so I won't have to write everything by hand and the transcribe it onto the computer once I get home.

Sorry, no photos today but once I get home I'll see what I can do for you.

Have a great day!

Another New Post!

2007-04-09T17:06:00.000-05:00

Folks, we're on a roll here at the Zoo! (this can also be read as Genia is avoiding something be it work or homework!!)

Yesterday was Easter and we had a lovely gathering of Crumpsters at the Pratt House. And CJ even made her now infamous homemade pasta which was really wonderful!! Here's some photos of the fun. Oh and Eric invited a friend from work, Alex and her lovely mom, Eileen to join us for dinner. I think fun was had by all.

Here are Alex and her mom, Eileen. Aren't they lovely?

Here's Reilly and Nathan

Nikholis

Chris

The Kingpin errr Dad (Genia's dad)

Dave and Myla

Genia and her Mom (aka Mrs. Kingpin)

Here's Mary (our hostess) and George (who's birthday was just the 1st of April)Doesn't that cake look good!

My honey!

A bit of fun!

And another of Eileen.

I'm sure that there were more photos taken yesterday. I kind of get the feeling that some got deleted for one reason or another. Anyway, there were more people there. Alex came for dinner and is enjoying a couple of days off now. Suzie came with George. Linda was there. And of course Larry, Myla and her friend Dan were there as well. And that Cj is getting just too good at avoiding the camera but really good at taking sneak photos herself.

Easter

2007-04-06T19:53:00.000-05:00

We're getting ready for Easter! And it's gotten quite cold out again. I'm studying lots now, it's nearing the end of the semester and I seem to have a million papers due. So, I will leave you with a fun photo. This was sent to me (Genia) by my dad. That's it until I can get my camera back from Nikholis. Maybe I'll have some photos of Easter activities!

More on the Agriculture Event

2007-03-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

'Cause I just knew you all would love to see a few more pics!

Here is the buffet of bugs that Nathan had to choose from for his "afternoon snack".

This tractor was a HUGE hit with all the kids! As you can see, Nathan was no exception.

Nathan debuting as a praying mantis.

This fair is held every year and includes live music, food, and lots of information on Maryland and especially how to keep Maryland and ourselves safe. I'm looking forward to next years event.

A trip to the Maryland Agricultual Open House

2007-03-25T14:55:00.000-05:00

She does ask that you not pinch!

This means that spring must be upon us. The open house was fun(It is and annual event),lots of animals and bugs! We forgot to feed Nathan before we left, so he decided to eat 3 Crickets! Two were plain cooked, one had a dose of Southwestern seasonings. Umm Umm good, now he can compare notes with his cousin Reilly, who had a cricket for a snack last year.
Nathan also had a chance to milk a goat,something he does not get to do everyday!
All in all, it was a fun time, we look forward to the next open house.

a few photos to share

2007-02-28T18:11:00.000-05:00

It's been a long while. So I took a couple of quick photos of Eric and Nathan to share with you. The weather here finally took a turn for winter and decided to cram it all in one month -- February.

But it's clearing up, the ground is covered with mud and the daffs and tulips are working on coming up. In their proper time I might add. Hopefully the tulips will be beautiful. They tried coming up in January when the weather was quite warm. So only time will tell now.

Here's Eric sitting in his second favorite spot to communicate with his friends across cyberspace.

Here's one of Nathan playing his DS. Sorry I don't know what game it is, only that the music is quite annoying!

A Birthday Weekend

2007-01-15T10:39:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was my dad's birthday (January 13th.) Here's a photo of him with his beloved steel guitar.

Eric, Nathan and I drove out to visit with them and help celebrate Dad's b-day. Surprise of surprises, my Uncle Jeff was at dinner too. It was his birthday as well.

Nathan was star student in his class last week which meant he got to bring home the class "pet" for the weekend. The pet is a stuffed giraffe named Ginger. She also comes with a diary/travel log for the student to write all their adventures in. So while in Amissville visiting we took a side trip to Washington, Virginia. The first town to be named after our first President George Washington. It's a lovely little town better known for it's 5 star (yes I said 5 as in FIVE) restaurant -- The Inn at Little Washington. Here's a pic of Nathan and Ginger standing in front.

Can you believe this weather we're having in the middle of January?! Here's a pic I took of Nathan and Ginger in front of a forsythia - also in Washington, VA.

Can you read about Washington, Virgina here?

Oh and the family has a new blogger too! Kim Weiss has started a blog. You can see them here, her little one isn't so little any more either!

That's all the fun for today. Time to do some Spring Cleaning!!

Crump/McGhee Christmas Party 2006

2007-01-01T14:35:00.000-05:00

Charlie, Martha, Millie, Dave (in the back), Mary, and George.

A Motley looking crew aren't they? It was really nice to have them all together for Christmas! Well, for the party anyway. That does count!

Every year when the Christmas party comes around I really try to get a photo of everyone who came. I've yet to succeed! Maybe next year. If you have a photo that you would like added to my collection here, please let me know.

I felt very fortunate that all my kiddies were at the party this year.

Maybe sometime I'll figure out what order blogger puts the photos in and I'll be able to put them back into some sort of order that they were taken. But I think we can all get the "just" of them. Besides it's all in fun.

And of course I'm very thankful for my family.

A sample or two from the dessert table, always a yummy place to visit.

MMMMMMMM, oysters from the grill! So, good! Really sorry that Alan and his family wasn't able to come this year. We missed you!

If you see any photos here that you would like a copy of, let me know and I'll get one sent off to you.

Welcome to 2007

2006-12-31T21:11:00.000-05:00

We figure starting 2007 with a blog is the way to go. For a change,we will be just a little behind the times, not a decade behind. Welcome to 2007!