The Noff News

Stacey's Wedding

2010-04-11T16:27:00.001-05:00

Again, catching up...and trying to re-learn how to do this...

In memory of Joan Wiist

2010-04-03T10:28:00.001-05:00

A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt.
She will be missed.

Catching up--The Hornbakers visit Gulf Shores early last summer--I think

2010-02-26T16:23:00.003-06:00

Uncle George

2009-08-28T06:17:00.007-05:00

Best wishes for a successful surgery! We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Happy Birthday, Joyce June Noffsinger Ripp!

2009-06-17T07:46:00.004-05:00

On June 19th Joyce (Also known as JJ--or so Gregg says. I cannot say I ever heard anyone actually call her that!) will celebrate her birthday. Please wish her a Happy Birthday! woodside04@mailstation.com or 1265 Ellis Road, Union City, Ohio 45390.

Uncle George's Honor Flight on May 6

2009-05-08T07:33:00.003-05:00

HONOR FLIGHT

Veteran George Noffsinger shakes hands with U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile as the 92 World War II veterans, sponsored by the Honor Flight organization, toured the World War II Memorial for the first time in Washington,Wednesday, May. 6, 2007. This was Honor Flight South Alabama first trip that brings WWII veterans from Alabama and the surrounding Gulf Coast area to the WW II Memorial. (Press-Register, John David Mercer) METRO

This photo is part of the Honor Flight gallery

Here's to the Barn at Woodside Farm

2009-04-21T18:18:00.004-05:00

The barn, standing 100 years, was in bad shape and ready to come down. Mom had it taken down a few weeks ago, along with the chicken house. We have some wonderful memories that will be with us always. It is a strange thing to pull into the driveway and be able to see back to the woods, but it is a nice view.

Dacy and Friends

2009-04-08T06:24:00.005-05:00

We had the pleasure of meeting up with Dacy in Las Vegas last week. Just wanted the family to see he is alive and well even though he is extremely hard to reach! We decided to do a little bowling and watch the Noffsinger competitive spirit come out......Lauren beat us all!

Jenny

A Special Birthday for Joan!

2009-03-24T21:29:00.005-05:00

Happy 80th Birthday to Aunt Joan this Saturday! I wish we could all be there to celebrate with you and I hope you have a wonderful day. Best wishes, Aunt Joan. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie and Jonathan Gray's blog--actually, it was just totally swiped from there! Jenny's idea!)

My Brothers have great kids

2009-03-09T19:52:00.007-05:00

Sorry to have to push George's story down one, but I just had Julie and Jeff visit me in Colorado and thought it was worth a post. Bottom above is all of us at Roxborough Park south of Denver. First posting with Kari the newest Noff addition (4 months). Jeff's friend Katie is on the right.

Top picture was posted to get my son Shane in a picture. It is above my house in the mountains west of Denver. I'll let you figure out who he is.

It was a weekend for the memory books.

Uncle George and His Threshing Ring

2009-02-28T08:02:00.006-06:00

I asked Uncle George about his experiences as a bundle wagon operator in a threshing ring. First he teased me because I am a farmer's daughter who didn't know about this. Then he told me about a threshing ring and this is wonderful information, and very interesting to an old farmer's daughter. Thanks Uncle George. Next, more info about the dance band drummer job!

"So where do I begin. A threshing ring was a group of neighborhood farmers who formed an agreement to work as a team harvesting wheat and oats. There were usually 10-12 farmers in a threshing ring. One man in the group usually owned a threshing machine. The team was then made up of two men running the threshing machine, two men with two wagons handling the grain as it came from the machine, four men with wagons hauling in the bundles from the shocks in the field and four men assigned to pitch the bundles to the man on the bundle wagon as he loaded the wagon. the team and equipment would move from farm to farm during the wheat (and oats) harvest season. This might take three to four weeks depending on the weather and how many acres had to be harvested.
My dad had a grain wagon assignment because he had a good wagon with sideboards that didn't leak grain. The two men who ran the threshing machine had to hire men to do one job or another. During my high school years I hired out as a bundle wagon operator. Jerald hired out as a pitcher. There was an art to loading the bundles on the wagon. A row on each edge of the wagon and two rows down the middle in a weave pattern so the load would not slip and spill. You would load as high as five or six feet. I never lost a load.
As a kid it was always fun following the threshing ring from farm to farm. So the ring hired me' as a kid' to be the water boy. All day long I would carry water from one man to another. It was a large jug wrapped with burlap. We didn't have paper cups for each man in those days so they just drank from the opening. I don't think anyone ever got sick drinking one from another. That was my training, learning all about the jobs, until I was old enough to do one. I was really too short to be a good pitcher and loved the art of loading the bundles. We usually did four or five loads a day. By the way, I was paid 50 cents a day to carry the water. Rather cheap labor -- right.
At the end of the harvest season the families of the ring got together for a big ice cream social and feast. Great "farm boy" fun/ Enough, If you have any questions -- ask. Wish I could just talk to you and tell you all about the experiences of my first jobs -- threshing ring water boy and bundle wagon operator. Oh, yes, I got $5.00 a day for running the bundle wagon. All of this was like 70--75 years ago -- more or less. Can you believe that????????????"

Winter in Chicagoland

2009-01-18T20:55:00.001-06:00

Happy 2009 to Everyone!

2009-01-01T01:29:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday, Uncle George!

2008-12-12T06:21:00.003-06:00

One day early...from all the Noffs-- young and old, short and tall, left and right, a very happy 87th birthday, Uncle George. I'd love to post your picture, if you could email me one. Until then, here is a picture of your beautiful Gulf Shores. Happy Birthday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T07:07:00.003-06:00

Happy 18th Birthday to Stephanie and Belated 18th to Lauren!

2008-11-21T10:56:00.007-06:00

Stephanie at about 1 month and 4 pounds.

Stephanie today.
It was a little crazy and scary 18 years ago. First Jenny had Lauren about 6 weeks early and weighing around five pounds. Then a month later Stephanie was born about 8 weeks early and just under 3 pounds. It's hard to believe that's been 18 years ago already. But most of you Noffs already know about how time flies. And for you younger Noff parents...treasure every moment.

Stephanie with Brittany, Brooke and Lauren. This is from the summer of 1991, I think.

Aunt Joan, Get Well Soon!

2008-11-11T11:58:00.002-06:00

Hope you're soon recovered from your pneumonia!

Laura, Lyle, Kathy. Jamie, Lori, Julie.

2008-11-07T11:39:00.001-06:00

The first two pictures are 1968. Not sure about Lori, Jamie and Julie.

Judy and Dave's Wedding

2008-11-07T11:32:00.004-06:00

July 22, 1978 Click on pic to enlarge.

Some older pictures --1967, I think.

2008-11-07T11:14:00.003-06:00

Grandma is wearing a wig that Mom had. Looks like Jay doesn't have much room to work with.
And in the bottom row, Lance and Larry at Grandma's house. Click on pics to enlarge.

Happy Belated Birthday, Jack!

2008-10-25T16:18:00.003-05:00

And welcome to a new Noff baby...Julie's baby? I'll hope someone adds more information in the comment section.

Successful trip to Beijing

2008-10-12T19:14:00.011-05:00

Jodi and Chien were the ultimate hosts to Carol and me while we were in Beijing. Since it was a holiday we got to spend a lot of time with Chien, and it was also fun spending time with their one year old, Kai. The Great Wall, Tienamen Square, Forbidden City, Lama Temple, Temple of Heaven, shopping, and just experiencing the culture were all special and things I will never forget. I have a ton of pictures, but right now these will have to do.

The Noff News is Linking!

2008-10-06T14:21:00.005-05:00

"The Bean" in Chicago's Millennium Park
aka "Cloud Gate"

You may notice that we're getting some links going to some more Noff blogs. If you have a blog and want it listed, we'd love to link to you. Or if you know of a Noff with a blog, let them know to send me the info. It's nice to be connected to more and more Noffs out there. Also, this is a team blog and anyone can post. If you're interested, send me your email and I'll send you an invite!

Welcome, Uncle George! Post away.

OH NO!

2008-10-03T14:10:00.001-05:00

NOW THAT I HAVE LEARNED HOW TO DO THIS I MAY NEVER SHUT UP.

JANAY -- ADD YOUR LINK TO THE NOFF NEWS -- HOWEVER YOU DO THAT.

CONTRIBUTORS

2008-10-03T13:55:00.002-05:00

LIANE -- I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR FAMILY FROM THE JANAY BLOG -- GRANDCHILDREN, REMODELING AND FUDGE.

JEFF -- JACKSON WILL MEAN MORE TO YOU NOW WITH YOUR NEW HOME. HAPPY MOVING THIS WEEK-END.

GREGG -- NOW AND THEN I LEARN NEW THINGS ABOUT YOU. IT TAKES TRIPS TO COLORADO FOR YOU TO SURFACE. DID YOU GET ANY ICE CREAM THIS TRIP?

JACK -- WHAT ARE YOU AND CAROL DOING IN CHINA? THE OLYMPICS ARE OVER.

LAURA -- LOOK, LAURA. SUCCESSS!!!!!!!!!

LORI -- HELLO ELLIE. HOW IS TEACHING GOING THIS YEAR?

JENNY -- HOW ABOUT AN UPDATE ON YOUR THREE DARLING DAUGHTERS?

STEPH -- HOW OLD ARE YOU NOW? WHAT GRADE ARE YOU IN?

DENISE -- THANKS A MILLION. YOU ARE A DOLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-03T11:24:00.001-05:00

WOW!!!! I TRIED TO FOLLOW ALL OF THE DIRECTIONS. MAYBE I AM NOW A CONTRIBUTOR. ON THE OTHER HAND -- MAYBE I AM NOT. WE WILL SEE.

THANKS DENISE

Fall Family Visit

2008-10-02T16:48:00.003-05:00

I had some business in Boulder on 9-26 and Kyle was able to take time off from his studies to join me. We were able to take a quick hike around Chautauqua Park and the Flat Irons with out hurting ourselves Friday afternoon (after all my work was done of course). Friday evening, we met up with Jack, Carol and Carol's brother Ken at the cabin. As you can imagine, the Bucksnort was hopping and we had a delicious meal, the menu has really expanded since I was there last. An old friend and former owner of the BS showed up and it was great hearing all the old stories about the colorful characters of Pine. Saturday, we headed for Kenosha Pass, took a short hike and took this picture at the top of the trail. The Aspen trees were at peak color of close to it. Kyle and I left the group here, took a winding mountain dirt road and eventually ended up in Breckenridge. Some of you (Mom) wouldn't have enjoyed the drive. We spent the night in Dillon, hiked and drove around the area and then headed back to the airport. Jack and Carol are in China so I thought I'd go ahead and post his picture.

The Ripp Grandkids with their Grandmother at Kelleys Island

2008-08-20T08:06:00.006-05:00

From the top:
Sam Armstrong age 17, Mike Shanahan age 15, Kyle Ripp age 20. Left to right:
Steve Armstrong age 15, Betsy Ripp age 17, Stephanie Shanahan age 17, Joyce age 65 at the most, Ellie Payne age 8.

60 Years and Counting

2008-07-18T10:33:00.006-05:00

FROM LAURA...
SITTING: Jimmy McDowell holding Jagger McBride(Liane and Jimmy's grandson), Joan, Basil, Liane.
STANDING: Lauren and Samantha Godwin, (Larry's granddaughters by Shannon), Grayden and Keegan Miller (who is being held by Laura's daughter Jennifer) Jennifer and Rhet Miller, their foster daughters Deloris and Shalmka Jones, Debbie and Lyle, Lance's daughters Jessica Wiist and Mellisa Kidwell (holding her son Owen), and Janay McBride, Liane and Jimmy's daughter, holding her daughter Jenna.
Back Row: Shannon Wiist Godwin, Cathy and Larry, Stacey Wiist, Laura's son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Stephanie Gray, Lyle and Debbie's Cyle, Corey and Callie Wiist, Lance and Linda and John and Laura.
Josh and Whitney Gray were present but not for the picture. Lance's son Jordan and his wife Theresa couldn't make it nor could Liane's son Matthew McDowell or Jerry, Janay's husband. Melissa's husband Jason and Shannon's husband Keith. Corey's girlfried took the picture.

Looks like a good time was had by all at Joan and Basil's place down in Cadiz. Believe me if I could have been on their front porch when they woke up, I would have been there. From the looks of this picture they have had a VERY productive 60 years. Congrats to them. They should be very proud......

Mini Reunion at Jim's

2008-06-08T08:59:00.003-05:00

I call this the "Baby Get Together". You will see two new Noff babies in the picture and one not visible yet still in Julie's oven. Thanks to Jodie for sticking around Indiana for an extra weekend on her visit from China to be a part of this event. Thanks to Jim for providing his beautiful back yard. Nice seeing a bunch of the Ripp's and Larry represented the Wiist's very well for breakfast at the Sweete Shop the following morning.

Midwest Earthquake Reports

2008-04-18T09:54:00.014-05:00

Whoa, there. What the heck was that?

A few Chicagoans felt the earthquake, but most seemed disappointed to have missed what others were experiencing downstate. Still, that didn't stop the local media from covering it in great depth. One woman called in to WGN to report that her bird had fallen from its perch! The funny weatherman didn't miss a beat: "Is it okay?" he said drolly. In any case, the entire Shanahan clan slept through it. Even our dog, Hobbs.

From Gregg in St. Louis:
So I'm having a lovely sleep dreaming about what else I can do for Ann's BD since she said it was her birthday month. At 4:38 AM, I hear the house creaking more loudly than normal. I wake up my slightly snoring wife and tell her "I think we're having an earthquake. Ann replies, "I don't care, go make my breakfast. Truly, all I heard was the house creaking and then the chimes on the Grandfather Clock. Since the clock isn't working, I knew it was an earthquake for sure. Betsy heard the doors, window and her bed shake and rattle. I haven't felt one like that since the farm in the clown room, may have been the one on 1968 or whenever they said. Hope no one had any serious damage or feels any aftershocks.
Love, GR

And Ann's comments:
Just for the record I’d like to say most of this story was embellished except for the earthquake part. Ann

From Lori in Cincinnati:
I didn't feel it as much as hear it...

I just got downstairs and heard our little timer/clock vibrating on top of the microwave. I wondered why it was making such a loud noise, but that was all.

As soon as I opened the basement door to go downstairs, it smelled like bleach...When I ran back in from the garage to get water bottles, I noticed the floor was all wet. I wondered why in the world the sewer had backed up when we
hadn't had rain all week! Now I have a feeling the bleach bottle got knocked off the shelf and spilled.

When I was talking with Ellie about the earthquake (which she slept through), she wondered if Lao Lao had felt it. When I told her probably, she said, "I hope Lao Lao didn't spill her coffee!"

An another note...Amber Haling is in town for a big soccer tournament. We are planning on taking Brooke with us Saturday when we take Amber out for dinner. Should be fun.

Hope everyone is in one piece!
Lori

A Ripp in Colorado

2008-04-15T22:47:00.003-05:00

Great having Greg visit the Colorado Noffs. We sat on the front porch and laughed about old memories as you are supposed to do when you are from the Midwest. Wish we could have gotten a better picture

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T12:08:00.004-05:00

The "Green" Chicago River...

The "Jerald" Noff Family

2008-03-07T15:04:00.004-06:00

Well, here we are, the "Jerald" Noffs as we look in 2008. The second picture is of Tevin (Darcy's youngest), Darcy and Dacy. "Little Darcy" as we call him (even though he is 17 years old), left before we decided to brave the outdoors for pictures. Even though the occasion was sad, it was great to have some special bonding time with everyone including 10 hours in the car talking non-stop with Jack. We also missed getting a picture with Larry (who I almost didn't recognize even though he hasn't changed a bit in the past 15 years), Aunt Joyce and Kathy.

Jerilyn's Passing

2008-02-21T15:17:00.003-06:00

I am sure the word is getting out, but thought this would be a good way to make sure of that. Jerilyn had a hard life, but the last time I spoke with her around Thanksgiving she seemed fairly happy and content. She loved her sons and grandsons and she will be missed. All of her brothers, sisters, and sons will be at her funeral in Union City on March 1st.

More then and now with the Livingstons

2008-02-01T19:20:00.001-06:00

1996...

2007...

Much earlier! 1985? Happy early Valentine's Day Birthday, Brittany!

Wiist Christmas 2007

2008-02-01T10:46:00.001-06:00

Jodi and Chien's wonderful Kai....

2008-02-01T10:39:00.000-06:00

A few years ago....

2008-01-30T09:25:00.000-06:00

Then (1994? 1995?)...and Now (2007)

2008-01-30T09:18:00.001-06:00

Three new books from Albert Whitman & Company

2008-01-17T12:35:00.000-06:00

I decided to use the space for a little advertising. Here are three new books coming this spring from Albert Whitman. If you know of anyone who could use a copy, let me know. The Truth about Truman School is a middle-grade novel about cyber-bullying. Bat's Big Game is a retold tale and Peaceful Piggy Yoga follows-up our successful Peaceful Piggy Meditation.

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

2007-12-21T14:53:00.000-06:00

Safe travels and happy memories to you and yours.

Get well soon, Aunt Joan!

2007-12-18T12:58:00.000-06:00

We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Back in time...

2007-11-25T19:50:00.000-06:00

George and Letha's Wedding Photograph

Grandma and Grandpa on the couch surrounded by Mom, Uncle Jerald, Uncle George and Aunt Joan.

Uncle George, do you know the dates for these photos?

Another Colorado Noff!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-20T17:40:00.001-06:00

I am proud to announce that another Noff has finally made their way to beautiful Colorado. Welcome Julie!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-20T16:01:00.000-06:00

Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving! The Ripp family will eventually be together at Mom's this year. Sister-in-law Ann is making us all watch Missouri vs Kansas on Saturday night!

Charles S. Ripp

2007-11-07T16:05:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that it's been five years today (11/8/2007) since we lost Dad. I still half expect him to be waiting at the door when we get to the farm after our drive from Chicago. Five years ago, the Buckeyes played for the National Championship and won in triple overtime. We suspected that Dad and a few other Buckeyes were up there pulling some strings. (Maybe they'll be helping out this year, too?)

I just thought I'd use this day to remember Dad, and all the other loved Noffs and Noffs-in-Law who aren't here with us anymore. You are all missed.

Check out the link to the Noff Recipes--I'll post one of Dad's favorites. And please post some recipes! Email me at shanahan301@aol.com for an invite to post.

2007-10-30T10:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to Denise!

Go Redhawks

2007-10-30T10:03:00.000-05:00

Finally I think I've figured out how to blog! A BIG BIG Thank you to Lori and the fun and entertaining Ellie for attending so many Miami Soccer Games! Brooke loved having you there and I know you brought her good luck!

More Birthday Greetings!

2007-10-22T14:44:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Jack! Go Rockies!

Birthday Greetings

2007-10-14T12:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Lori Beth! This was taken a few years ago!

Sports of all sorts!

2007-10-14T11:40:00.001-05:00

Thanks to UK for knocking off LSU. Looks like, for a week at least, the Buckeyes might take over that number one spot. But we have a very tough schedule ahead. Here is a little trivia: the OSU quarterback (Todd Boeckman) is from St. Henry and his mother is a nurse in Greenville. So, go Buckeyes! We're cheering for the Rockies and we've heard from Uncle George, a big fan of the Crimson Tide. Who else are you cheering for out there?

Where did the summer go?

2007-10-14T11:30:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken by Steph's friend, Rebecca, this summer. These are Zinnias, Profusion Orange I think! I just finished some gardening in the drizzle--we need the rain. But as usual, I'm not going to get everything done that I wanted to do. So, back to my question, "Where did the summer go?" I love the fall, but once again, it came too quickly.

Movie Night

2007-10-08T21:02:00.000-05:00

Hopefully, if I did this correctly, here's a picture from one of my summer highlights at Woodside Farm. If not, I'll try again later! It was "Movie Night," with the movie being shown on the side of the metal barn. Although it was 55 degrees (that sounds wonderful after another 90 degree day in October!!!), we stayed warm by huddling together in the backs of cars and with warm blankets. This is Steph, Betsy, and Ellie.

Rocky Mountain Sunset

2007-10-06T08:55:00.000-05:00

Thought it would be nice to compare a Midwest Sunset to a Colorado Sunset. Both are pretty nice in my book....

Sunset at Woodside Farm

2007-10-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

July 2007, Stephanie Shanahan

80 degrees in Chicago...

2007-10-04T07:23:00.000-05:00

It's even hotter in the desert for the Cubs, who lost their first playoff game. A lot of baseball angst in the city today. Maybe they'll get a win tonight and manager Lou Piniella will be off the hook--for awhile!

Thanks, Jack, for reviving this blog! If anyone wants to post, I just need to send you an invitation. Email me at shanahan301@aol.com.

We're all fine in Chicago. Mike is a freshman and Steph a junior at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview. I am finishing up some gardening for the fall and John is happy, as this past Tuesday he was able to buy new CDs from both Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty. Life is good!

Guess there are Noffs out there.

2007-10-03T21:28:00.000-05:00

Wow. Guess my "where is everyone" comment got a few people out of the woodwork. Love hearing from everyone. Winter is approaching. Rockies are in the playoffs. Broncos don't have a defense. Water was like bath water and if you believe that I have some land in Southern Florida I'll sell you.

Where is every one?

2007-09-30T11:29:00.001-05:00

Thought it was time I put something out there to let everyone know I am alive.....

Thanksgiving

2006-11-07T09:26:00.000-06:00

What are you all doing for Thanksgiving? At the Shanahan house, we'll first celebrate Stephanie's 16th birthday on the 21st, then host John's sister and her family on Thursday. Our special guest is Mom who will arrive in Chicago on the 21st and spend a few days with us. Word has it that Gregg has been left out and needs a place to go for Turkey Day. Anyone have room for him?

Use the comments section or post your own info!

The Noff News

2006-10-18T18:46:00.000-05:00

The Noff News
Just so I can be included I would say my favorite T.V. show is Dancing with the Stars, I really can't think what my favorite movie would be, and I like to read and have many favorites but probably Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors.

Jodi's Blog

2006-10-18T08:54:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if you all know about Jodi's blog from Beijing but check it out.
www.blondeinbeijing.com

And here is Liane's Sweet Shoppe website again.
www.sweetshoppefudge.com

My company, if anyone wants to read about children's books is:
http://www.albertwhitman.com/

Use the comment section to add any other websites of interest.

The Noff News

2006-10-12T19:30:00.000-05:00

Hi to all......Favorites

Books: Series by Liz Curtis Higgs: Thorn in My Heart; Fair is the Rose; Whence Came a Price; and Grace in Thine Eyes

Movie: Who cannot still enjoy "Pretty Woman"?

TV: Anything on HGTV and Grey's Anatomy

The Noff News

What we're reading/watching....

2006-10-12T09:58:00.000-05:00

Calling all Noffs! Use the comment section to add to this list.
Even if you're not registered, you should be able to comment.

Book: Winter's Child by Margaret Maron
(a mystery series set in North Carolina.)

Movie:
Finally saw Crash. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars

TV:
Favorite show is Monk

Gray's Summer Fun

2006-10-10T19:54:00.000-05:00

Living in Cadiz with mom and dad, we have the great pleasure of many visitors. We enjoyed a visit with Aunt Joyce, Lori and Ellie as well as visits from all the Wiist clans. In July Jennnifer and Rhett and their family, Josh and his girlfriend Whitney, and our adopted daughter Sarah went to Gulf Shores for beachfun and visits with Lyle's family and Uncle George and Linda. It was good to see Linda home. Maybe next time I can figure out how to add a picture to this blog thing.

Geez--I'm too old for this, but...

2006-10-08T20:13:00.000-05:00

Hi to all Noffs...
The McDowell's in Kentucky - land of Lincoln's Birthplace - are doing well! I'm still a retired extremely busy person doing some sewing and working at the Sweet Shoppe ( check out the website sweetshoppefudge.com . Jimmie continues to haul hay regularly and spend time doing things around our mini-farm. Matthew has been working for Baker Concrete for almost a year now - seems more settled and glad to be in this job. Janay stays busy between Altec and mothering Jagger, our fabulous almost two year old red-headed grandson. Jerry, her husband, still lives the life of a paramedic. He's had some illness for the past month, but is improving each day. I hope this works. You go, Denise!! Love to all!!

Back From the Windy City

2006-10-07T16:34:00.000-05:00

Blogging is ok but, I miss the days when Jenny and Denise published the NN on a typewriter. I just came back from a convention in Chicago and yes, it was windy. Had a nice dinner with Kyle and two friends, all attending DePaul University. Apparently, they were tired of dorm food already since they each devoured a steak dinner very quickly. Betsy is tall and enjoying her Volley Ball team, Homecoming is right around the corner. Ann and I dream of early retirement. (posted by Denise for Gregg)

Shanahan Pictures

2006-10-07T16:24:00.000-05:00

Stephanie and Ellie at Grandma's 9/30/06
Michael caught jumping on Grandma's bed. He's not allowed to do this anymore!

Rocky Mountains Rock - Mohawk Lakes

2006-10-05T19:55:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd show all the Noff's one of my favorite places in Colorado, Mohawk Lakes. It is close to Breckenridge. Jeff, Shane, Trent and I had a beautiful day hike there last summer. All is well with the Colorado Noffs.

Rules/Suggestions

2006-10-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Rules/Suggestions: It might be good to offer a couple of suggestions here as we get started, keeping in mind that I've never done this before and will be happy to have help.
1. Use the title field above the posting box so that others can find and sort posts easily. Something like "The Shanahans"
or "Thoughts from Gregg" or "Christmas at Woodside Farms."
2. No politics, please.
3. Keep blog entries somewhat short and sweet.
That's it for now!

2006-10-04T18:06:00.000-05:00

Just to see if I can figure this "blog" out (that's a new word since the 70's) I thought I would start with Ohio State news. Yes, they have proven that they should be ranked #1! Brittany will be starting her last season ever in the sport of gymnastics in January. Her body has been through just about every injury possible so the ending I think will be bitter sweet for her. She loves OSU and has somehow managed to stay with her high school sweetheart Zach (going on 8 years) who just transferred to Wheaton College this year to end his football career there. This is a picture of the 2 seniors (Brittany is the blonde) on the team. Brooke is a senior at Wheaton South headed to Indiana (love the Big Ten) next year to play soccer (and work on a degree in physical therapy). Lauren is a sophomore, also a varsity soccer player, and attends Wheaton South with Brooke. Brad retired from Lehman Brothers in April. We're still in the process of figuring out the future. If this works, more pictures to come. Can't wait to hear from everyone.

2006-10-04T16:48:00.000-05:00

Calling all Noffs! Want to try getting in touch/staying in touch with this blog? I know I would like to find out what everyone is up to. Let's try to create a team blog...to do that, I'll email some of you with the information and you can pass it on. If you can't figure it out, maybe you can get another member of your family to set up an account so that you'll be able to post. It doesn't look too hard. I imagine that many (most?) of you are way ahead of me where this kind of stuff is concerned. The Shanahans are alive and well in Glenview, Illinois. Stephanie is a sophomore at Glenbrook South High School and Mike is an eighth grader at Springman Middle School. I cannot believe it's October already! I'll add a photo to start from our summer vacation in San Francisco. (Muir Woods/Aug. 06) Hope this works and hope to get a lot of participation! Denise