A few years ago....

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

Three new books from Albert Whitman & Company

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!

Safe travels and happy memories to you and yours.

Get well soon, Aunt Joan!

We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Back in time...

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!!!!!!!!!!!

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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.

Happy Birthday to Denise!

Go Redhawks

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!

Happy Birthday, Jack! Go Rockies!

Birthday Greetings

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

Sports of all sorts!

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?

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

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

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

July 2007, Stephanie Shanahan

80 degrees in Chicago...

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.

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.