Matty Buchanan's Big Birthday Celebration

We had a wonderful day celebrating Miss Matty's sixth birthday party....BD's also celebrated was Miss Betty and Miss Becky. Matty, Betty and Becky are apparently triplets. Separated at birth. So many people showed up and a good time was had by all.

The Triplets......Betty, Matty and Becky

A Proud Father....Dave Buchanan

Tray and his new Shoes...









The Koolaid Kids.

Matty is showing that she is six years old......Becky is adding a four on the front because she is forty-six years old....only claiming to be 39 at the most.

Hood Update

Things that have happened in the last 3 months-

Jessica celebrated a birthday. Had a big birthday party and the entire "hood" showed up as well as some other guests---such as Aunt Brenda and her date, Dave's son and girlfriend, Jim and Pam's friends. Jess got lots of presents and a good time was had by all.

Spaghetti night is still celebrated every Thursday night but the weekly special is always MEATLOAF. Larry says that the meatloaf should be called "loaf" because he doubts that they add any meat. HA! Betty and Becky always compete who can get the last bowl of soup.

Tony has started a cast iron pot collection and has been spending many days outside cooking over an open fire.

Jackie caught a fifty pound catfish but released it back into the lake. What! Would have made some nice catfish steaks. Darn!

Larry has bought a train horn and has been competing on a weekly basis with Jim on who can blow the loudest. Sounds like a train station has moved into the neighborhood.

Maddie lost a tooth and the tooth fairy brought her $20. Wow. I think I'll pull all my teeth and see how much money appears under my pillow.

Nicky and Andrew are back as well as Billie, Jerica and baby. Bernie is enjoying his role as grandpa. Welcome back guys...we missed you.

ATV riding at Mrs Buchanans

Dave and his brothers

Dave and his brothers and Miss Jackie too!

Becky & Tony eating and relaxing

Miscellaneous

The editor and publisher have been on hiatus for the last several weeks.

Let's see---what has been going on in the neighborhood.

On June 18th we had spaghetti night at Cook's Corner. The special was Chicken Parmesan with a salad. Those in attendance were Debbie, Mason, Robin, Larry, Betty, Tony, Bernie and Becky. Everyone talked about the upcoming Luau Party but no other "hood" business was discussed.

On Saturday, June 20th, the annual weekend at Bernie's was held at Pam & Jim Flannagan's party barn. Pam passed out leis, grass skirts, coconut shells for our drinks along with little umbrellas. The entire Flannagan and Duncan group was dressed in Hawaiian wear. A great band played that night. A good time was had by all....though some had more fun than others! HA!


Thank you once again Bernie for hosting this great party...and many thanks to Jim and Pam for the themed activities and party favors.

June 25th we tried to have our last Spaghetti night with Debbie, Bryan and Mason but Cook's Corner had closed due to the extreme heat. We ended all getting split up. The Duncan/Flannagan clan went to Brazil. Tony, Becky, Betty, Larry and Miss Stella all went to Club 42, where we all had Hamburgers and French Fries. We laughed about all the activities and ciaos of the most recent party. After hearing all the fun everyone had at the party---Miss Stella said that she was glad that she missed it. HA!

Unfortunately, Becky had to work late on July 2nd so the Harris clan missed Spaghetti night. Betty and Larry tried out the new pizza place by Brian's business.

July 9th.... the Harris clan once again missed Spaghetti night...but we promise that we won't miss next week. Let's all meet at Cook's Corner.

Dan and Joel were down a couple of times in the last week. Dan (our cub reporter)---please update us on the activity down your way. Did you guys go fishing? Catch anything?

Signing off-

Becky Sinders Harris (Alias: Louise June Miller)

Euchor

Hey all you women of the hood. Pam would like to start playing Euchor one night a week. If anyone is interested let her know. Any night is good. We thought we would do figure foods to snack on.
Lets get this started it will be fun, just to get togather with just us women.

June 11 th

In attendance was Betty &Larry and Bernie and his sister Debbie her son and Tray, We didnt discuss any hood news. Just we talk to Deb about your want to move back to the hood.

Cub Reporter

Tony & Becky Harris are taking a small trip to Ohio to visit Becky's brother and family...and then will be on vacation all of next week. YooHoo!

Our cub reporter, Betty will have to keep you updated on Spaghetti night and what goes on this weekend in the hood.

Next week our other cub reporter at-large, Dan, will be in the neighborhood attending Bernie and Pam's big party....Dan will be reporting all the activities at that time.

Looking forward to all the fun.

Officially Summer!

It is officially summer. Dana and Ed came down for the weekend!

Some people say that we you see the first robin you know it's spring...when we see Ed & Dana---we know the summer has started.

Al, Tracy, Danny, Jim, Pam, Dana, Ed, Tony & Becky all had an impromptu party at the barn.

At one point, we had an emergency...Pam had gone to the house to eat. She started choking--so she called Al & Tracy. Al & Tracy went running to the house to help Pam...followed by the whole crew. (There is no privacy in the hood!) Al performed the Heimlich maneuver which allowed Pam's airway to open up. Good job Al !

Spaghetti Night - June 4th

Robin, Bernie (Bernerd), Betty and Larry all attended Spaghetti Night. Unsure of the special or if any hood business was discussed.

Tony and Becky were unable to attend as they were celebrating their wedding anniversary...even though Mr. Harris temporary forgot the date. He had to spend the whole next day making up for his lack in memory.

Mike Has Left the Building

Mike Cramer has officially moved out of the "hood" on May 29th at 3:00 pm. He is moving to Mooresville to be closer to his son.

We wish him the best and hope he will stay in touch with us in the "Hood".

Bye Mike!

spaghetti Night - May 28th

The special was chicken fajitas. They had corn and potato soup and homemade honey rolls.

Larry, Betty, Tony & Becky were in attendance. No "hood" business was discussed.

The previous week Larry ate a hamburger, with bacon and a fried egg---all together under a bun. Yeah - I know....CRAZY.

I've previously said that Nicki & Andrew always ordered the "heart attack on a plate" which is chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy over everything. I think I'm going to name Larry's sandwich --- "heart attack on a bun".

Until next week...

The Gibb's Grandchild

Mike & Darlene's little angel.

Memorial Weekend

Pam & Jim Flannagan had their annual race day party.
As you can see from the pictures...everyone had a good time.

Spaghetti Night - May 23rd

The special was goulash, with salad or soup.

Those in attendance: Mike, Larry, Betty, Tony & Becky.

Mike announced that this was his last Spaghetti Night at Cook's Corner as he is relocating to Mooresville, Indiana.

We will have to take a road trip out of the hood and to visit him.

We will definitely miss Mike.

Spaghetti Night - May 14th

Spaghetti Night at Cook's Corner

The Special was Chili burgers, with french fries and salad or soup.

Those in attendance were Cameron, Bern, Tray, Tony, Larry, Betty, Mike and Becky.

Mike asked the group for permission to leave the "Hood"...permission was denied however Mr Mike said that he was moving anyway...

Nice knowing you Mike...hope you prosper in the big town of Mooresville. Come and visit when you get lonely...and you will get lonely.

We will take you back into the neighborhood anytime (after approval by the board directors).

Saturday night everyone is invited to watch Jim and Bernard's (pronounced "Bernerd") brother "Peewee" rope some cows and shoot some ponies...or is it wrestle some kitties and ride some cows.... Little unsure of the activities but a good time should be had by all.

-----------

Mushroom Hunting in Indiana

Tony & Deb's Turkey Shoot

Spaghetti Night - April 23rd

Okay ...so I've been too busy to post information on our website, but I've been dealing with squatters, income taxes and sick people.....

(Miss Stella is still in the hospital but will out tomorrow. YEAH!)

On April 23rd it was spaghetti night and we had some new people show up....Larry and Betty. The regulars also attended Bern, Mike, Tony & Becky.

Becky's brother and sister-in-law also made an appearance.

Meatloaf was the special.

Unfortunately, due to our busy schedule we did not make it to spaghetti night yesterday.

Tony & Debbie shot a turkey on April 25th...check out the video.

It must be noted that when my sister-in-law Debbie checked in her turkey at the check-in station that she was carrying a Coach Purse, had big diamonds in her ears and on her fingers, Juicy Couture glasses and a Remington hat that said "Shoot Like A Girl".

She looked "HOT".

Friday Party Pictures

A good time was had by all that attended the weekly Friday Night...Corn Hole, Liar's Dice Party. Dave Buchanan fried fish, Larry & Betty made barbecue and Miss Tracy brought all her specialties.

















































This is a rare picture of Josh & Tony cleaning up.

Bunch of Liars......

The world according to Tom.

Josh sharing a story with Larry and Betty.

Fish Fry/Corn Hole/Dice Party Tonight

Fish fry, Corn Hole, Liar's Dice party tonight at the Flannagans. Everyone in the "hood" invited.

Special invitation to Mike and Darlene.

Spaghetti Night - April 2nd

Meatloaf, corn, mashed potatoes and a soup/salad was the special.

Bernie, Tony and Becky were in attendance.

Tony & Bernie both had a piece of vanilla cream pie....Brittany gave Becky a sample of Strawberry Pie.

Let it be known, that Miss Brittany is our favorite waitress. She is attentive, funny and so cute.

We love her.

Lucky Spot

Lucky Spot was officially adopted by Mister Albietz last night.

Goodbye Lucky....we miss you!

Corn Hole Party

So many people showed up for the corn hole party last night ---- that there isn't enough space to write everyone's name.

The Liar's Dice club has been given more respect....we were given a table and chairs. In the past we had to sit on crates and use a cooler as a table.

WOO HOO! as Jim Flannagan would say.

Spaghetti Night - March 26th

FRIED CATFISH, HUSHPUPPIES and soup/salad was the special at Cook's Corner. Everyone had apple pie for dessert. It was delicious.

Attendance: Mike, Tony and Becky

When Mike got his bill he thought it was too high so he negotiated a discount. We thought this was so funny as Mike use to own a restaurant himself. We asked him what he would do if someone contested his bill. He said "I would tell them to get the Hell Out!". HA!

Dave & Jackie

Miss Stella just called and said that Dave & Jackie cleaned up her yard. Stella has worried about the condition of her yard all winter. Apparently when you are 97 years old you don't feel like raking leaves.

She is very appreciative that she has such good neighbors.

THANKS DAVE & JACKIE.... From Miss Stella and all your other neighbors. You're the best.

Tony Making Chicken Soup

Miss Molly

Unfortunately we lost another special friend. Miss Molly (the goat) was tragically struck by a "hit & run" vehicle two weeks ago.

Though Molly was a difficult friend as she was always trying to eat your shirt or climb on your ATV or car----she was full of energy and liked to have a "good time". She attended most "hood parties" unless she was in "lock down".

She used to scare the dogs just by "rearing up" on her back legs and giving them a good ol' fashioned "head butt". (You really had to watch bending over around her.)

Goodbye our beloved goat!

Corn Hole Party

Apparently while we were on vacation two major things happened: Jackie became the 2nd "Corn Hole Queen" and the dogs have been officially banned from the garage. What???? We have always said that we like the dogs better than the kids --- so why do the kids still get to hang out? Supposedly the dogs have been sitting on the corn hole boards or getting in the way of the game.

It seems like "The Hood" is starting to get too serious about this Corn Hole Game. I vote that the kids are banned from the garage also and have to keep the dogs entertained. Dogs should have fun too!

There were so many people at the party that I'm sure I will miss someone...but let's try to recreate the attendance: Pam, Jim, Traci, Al, Al's kids, Josh, Tom (Josh's bff), LeRoy (Jim's bff), Dave, Jackie, Jess, Carey, Carey's girl and her kids, Danny, Bernie, Mr Todd, Tony and Becky.

Trouble, Lucky Spot, Dehlia, Cookie, Puppy, Bondo and Rosie were the dogs that continuously tried to get into the party but were continuously "kicked out".

Becky taught Tom and Josh how to play Liar's Dice. They are very good "Liars".

Everyone was in such a good mood that it made the party so much fun!!!!!!

Spaghetti Night - March 19th

Mike, Tony and Becky all met at Cook's Corner for Spaghetti night. Becky called Mike on Wednesday to remind him "that it was Wednesday" and the "next night was Thursday". Mike has been having a hard time keeping track of his days.

We told Mike that if he didn't start getting his days straight that we would be forced to "put him away" somewhere nice and safe. He promised to try harder.

The special was meatloaf, corn, salad and bread. The soup was called "Hobo Soup". Tony and Becky both had a piece of sugar cream pie....it was the best!

Mike discussed his cowboy days on the range. He said that he used to ride in a covered wagon and would fight the Indians. He's starting to scare us. We need to either turn down his oxygen or visit him a little more.

Official Notice

Due to the editor's upcoming vacation this will be the last post for two weeks.

Corn Hole Party

Pam Flannagan and Dave Buchanan...once again the Corn Hole Queen and King of the night.
After making Dave and Pam play for hours and hours ... Al and Tony were finally able to defeat Dave and Pam. As you can barely see from the below picture-Al & Tony are making victory signs, while Pam is showing her displeasure by sticking out her tongue.

Tony & Danny playing Dice.

Al and Mister Tray.

Those in attendance were Al, Traci, Tray, Jim, Queen Pam, Bernie, Danny, Dave, Becky and Tony....a good time was had by all.

Pam and Traci even provided food! Egg salad sandwiches on bagels and a big loaf of french bread, taco salad and other appetisers. It was delicious.

River Boat Party

Last week---there was an impromptu meeting in Jim's barn regarding a river boat party for this summer. We actually wrote ourselves a note on Jim's wall, by the door, to remind ourselves every time we walk out to start planning this party.

We would like to get as many people from the hood to come but also our summer hood friends such as Dana, Ed, Tim, Susan, Brother Tim ("The Man"), Tim's wife ("The WoMan"), Steven, Debbie and anyone else with a boat --- or not. Angie must come! Who else? See comment section below....if you come up with other names...send us a note.

We are thinking about sometime in the month of July.

Corn Hole Party

Please plan on attending another Corn Hole Party at Jim's Barn tonight.

If the Corn Hole Queen (Pam) attends---I have dibs on her as my partner.
Becky

Spaghetti Night - February 26th

Well we are finally back on track. The Hood met at Cook's Corner once again for our weekly Spaghetti Night.

Let me rephrase that---some of us are back on track. Mister Mike unfortunately is still missing a day out of the week. For the second time in two weeks he thought it was Wednesday instead of Thursday. He was unable to attend because of his confusion. I don't know how we can get him to "jump" forward one day. Any thoughts on this matter --- please bring it to the next gathering.

However we were lucky to have our former Hood Kids --- Miss Nicky and Mister Bill. Bernie, Tony and Becky were also in attendance. Andrew apparently thinks that bowling night is more important than Spaghetti Night---so he was not present.

The special was beef stroganoff. Every had the special except for Nic and Becky. Nicky has the "Chicken Heart Attack on a Plate" and Becky has a chef's salad. (Becky also helped herself to some of Tony's Stroganoff...it was delicious!)

A good time was had by all.

Corn Hole Party

Who knew that Pam Flannagan was a "Corn Hole Queen". She could not be beat! Pam was partnered with Dave Buchanan. Can't touch this! (Now everyone wants Pam as their partner!)

Those present were: Pam, Jim, Danny, Tray, Dave, Tony & Becky
with a brief visit by Mr. Al.

Danny had to explain to Lucky Spot and BondDo that this was not a game for dogs...but they tried very hard to be part of the sport.

Here is a picture of Danny and Tony trying to act cool.

Corn throwing party - tonight

Jim Flannagan has called together a special meeting tonight in his garage to try our skills at corn throwing. There is a name for this activity but I can't remember it.

I actually hate this game (not as fun as can bowling) but I'm willing to show up to see my neighbors and to participate in the neighborhood gossip.

My brother and his wife may come and stay in the cabin tonight. YEAH! We will treat them to Friday Night in the Hood. Let's try to be on our best behavior. Okay forget it....that's impossible.

Can't wait. See you all, when we see you.

Becky

Spaghetti Night in danger

Spaghetti Night is in extreme danger of getting officially terminated. Once again it was cancelled on February 12 as a board member's son was coming into town. (This is not a good enough excuse -- but we let it slide.)

Then this same board member stated that it was too cold to go outside on February 19th.

We must all band together to continue the Spaghetti Night tradition.

ALL MEMBERS -- please plan on attending next week. Once again, no excuses!

Camera

As many of you know, my camera was stolen for several weeks. It was found last night at Bernie's house with these three mysterious pictures that were not taken by me.....

So who was the thief...sweet Miss Nicky?

Is Andrew trying to look innocent?

And what about this trio?

Party In the Hood

Several hood members got together last night for an impromptu party.

Jim, Danny, Dave, Jackie, Tony, Becky, Bernie, Andrew-see picture below (& all of Andrew's brothers) and of course, Mr. Billy

Several went ATV riding around the neighborhood late into the night. Unbeknownst, to the neighborhood, Dave and Tony climbed the big hill behind Jim's house.

Jackie and Becky had to go back out into the cold to find them, as they were missing for a short period. We thought we would find their four-wheelers turned over and down in the valley....or broken through the ice on the lake, but we found them just chatting at Jim's house. Next time boys---you have to stay with the pack! Jackie and I did not plan on climbing the big, snow covered hill...but you know we love you, so we would go to extreme measures to make sure you are both safe---but don't try our patience! (Don't make us choose between you and the life insurance policy.)

At some point, we ended up at Bernie's house...where Dave Buchanan and Jim Flannagan shared a kiss. Oh my!

The night ended with Tony inviting himself & his wife (Me) to eat at Dave and Jackie's house. Then he forgot to show up until dinner was almost over. Good job Tony!

Dinner was delicious as always, as Dave and Jackie are great cooks. We had baked fish, beans, macaroni salad and corn bread.

Miss Sally

Terrible news in the neighborhood.

Miss Sally (the potbellied pig) passed away. This will be the fourth animal in a year that has died.

Sally used to attend all the parties and was quite a hit with all the kids. She use to run the hood when she was younger. You could look out your window and see Sally in your flower bed stomping all over your precious plants...

I'm sadden that I have no pictures of Miss Sally but here is a picture of Sally's home. She had use of the whole barn but had a personal condo set up on the side.

Goodbye Sally Girl. You will be missed.

Spaghetti Night - February 5th Cancelled

Once again Spaghetti night was cancelled due to cold temperatures.

No excuses for next week. Even if it is 30 below...we are eating at Cook's Corner.

BE THERE!

Party at Bernie's Tonight

Picture of Jim Flannagan

Last night while hanging out at Jim's place. It was decided that we would have a party at Bernie's house tonight.

Special Meeting

A special meeting was held in between Mike and Bernie's house. Attendance was as follows:

Jackie, Dave, Jess, Maddie, Becky, Tony, Al, Tracy, Tray and the LP guy.

The LP guy said that if we could get six families to switch to his service that he would beat any and all competitors. This sounds like a great idea, but knowing our neighborhood---no one will follow through.



Mike was very concerned that he was going to run out of fuel. He spent the majority of the day calling all the neighbors to check the level of fuel in his tank. We all gave him different readings ranging from 0% to 20%, 50% and 75%. We like to keep him confused. He asked that Al shovel Bernie's driveway and sidewalk so that he could spend the night there. The LP guy finally arrived and confirmed that Mike still had a 100 gallons and that would last him a long time.



Everyone neglected to inform poor Al who was still busy shoveling snow at Bernie's house...that Mike would not be crossing the street to get to Bernie's house.

Billy Jack

As many of you already know, our beloved "Billy Jack" died this week. He was an important figure in the neighborhood and will be missed greatly. Tray Boy and Little Maddie used to feed, brush and pet Billy. Billy loved kids and was so gentle with them. He would let them ride on his back or lead him around his pen.

Unfortunately Billy Jack's good friend "Pony" died several months ago.

Goodbye Pony and Billy Jack. We miss you both already.

Spaghetti Night - January 29th

Spaghetti Night Cancelled Due to 13 inches of snow

Record Snowfall for the Hood

For many of us...thirteen inches is the most snow we have seen since we moved to the "Hood".

Unfortunately, we don't get our private road plowed so it is still treacherous to drive. Yesterday we had three servicemen stuck ...the cable guy, the phone guy and the LP guy. (Too bad for Mikey who is low on fuel.)

Tony and I took our ATVs and all the dogs down to the lake were we met up with Dave Buchanan. Apparently he is still alive but enjoying his retirement and is seldom home.

All the kids want to hook up to our ATVs and go sledding and skiing. This is what people in the country do!

Where's Dave

Hey everyone....there was a Dave siting! Tony said that he was driving east on state road 42 ... he thinks he spotted Dave driving his truck west bound.

If you see Dave, please call the authorities immediately.

Spaghetti Night - January 22, 2009

We were supposed to have pork ribs but the cook burned the ribs...so the special was chicken and noodles. Tony, Bernie and Becky were the only ones who showed up for spaghetti night.

No business was discussed, no decisions were made,,,we just ate and laughed and enjoyed ourselves.

(Tony had pineapple cream pie for dessert and Bernie had something called " blah blah cake and pudding". . . (can't remember the name.))

"Where's Dave"

Ever hear of the book called "Where's Waldo".

Well we need to find Dave Buchanan.

No one has seen Dave since his retirement three weeks ago.

Dave - Where are you?

Spaghetti Night - January 15th Cancelled

Spaghetti Night Cancelled - Due to extreme cold weather

Spaghetti Night - January 8, 2009

The weekly special was Meatloaf. Those in attendance was Mike, Nicky, Billy, Bernie, Tony and Becky.

The big news of the night was that the former "hood" kids are moving back home. Nicky, Billy and Andrew are moving back with their dad.

This is great! Welcome back. Looking forward to a fun and exciting 2009.

An impromptu meeting was held in Jim's garage on January 10th. Those in attendance was Nicky, Billy, Danny, Jim, Tony and Becky. Andrew showed up later after he got done building a house (from pop-sickle sticks).

Billy fixed Jim's fuel pump and changed the brakes on Nicky's car. Isn't he a good brother and nephew? Nicky had to go home as she said that she had to cook for the "boys". Isn't she a good girlfriend, sister and daughter? They are good kids!

Just a funny video-reminds me of my cat

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q

Spaghetti Night - January 2, 2008

The only people who attended spaghetti night was Mike, Tony and Becky. One of the core members, Mr Bernie is in the hospital and won't be able to attend until at least next week.

The special was country fried steak, with mashed potatoes, peas and a salad. A generous helping of gravy was spread over everything. We call this meal "Heart attack on a plate".

Of course, everyone ordered the special. After you are done eating, you feel like you ate a rock.

A rock with gravy.

New Year Resolutions

2009 Resolutions

1. To reduce the number of dogs in the neighborhood to under fifty.


2. Spend more time on our ATVs than in our cars.


3. Have all the men wear speedos and the women wear bikinis all summer long. (Just kidding---this is ridiculous!) But would still like to see Jim Flannagan in his 1940's bathing suit.

New Year's Eve In the "Hood"

New Year's Eve Party at Bernie's House

Tony & Becky stopped by Mike Cramer's home for cocktails...they then proceeded to Mr Bern's house across the street for a fun and exciting New Year's Eve Party.

90% of the people attending this party was related to Andrew. Andrew's parents had a fun time singing Karaoke while the rest of the clan played cards and shot pool

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Hoping that Bernie will have a fast recovery so that he can start attending some of his parties in the future.

Christmas Eve 2008

Jim & Pam's Xmas Eve Christmas Party

Jim & Pam hosted a fun and exciting "Hood" Christmas party on December 23rd at their home. It was attended by the majority of the hood-Dave, Jackie, Maddie, Jessica, Tony, Becky, Al, Traci, Josh, Tray, Cameron, Bernie, Danny, and other friends-

The rarely seen Mister Mike also attended

Our former hood kids drove from Indy to be part of the festivities- Billy, Andrew and Nicky

And of course of wonderful host and hostess - Jim and Pam Flannagan

Lots of food was served, cards were played and good time was had by all

Driving Conditions

On December 22nd, many of the hood members had a hard time getting home due to extreme icy conditions.

However, our wonderful network of friends and neighbors kept in constant contact until everyone made it home. (Mike, Stella and Jackie were burning up the phone lines.)

Becky was stuck in traffic on highway 40 for over five hours. At one point, Dave Buchanan called her and said that he was on St Rd 42...just miles from home. One hour later he called her again and said "We are not getting home tonight". State Road 42 was "closed down". He soon found out that State Road 243 was also closed. A very persistent Dave kept trying different routes until he was finally able to get through.

After Becky talked to Dave she turned around and headed back to Plainfield. She spent the night at her parent's home that had been winterized (they are in Florida)...that means it was very cold and had no water.

The three most unlucky hood members were stuck on 70 and 243 until 6:00 am. Jim, Bernie and Al spent the night in their car, but safely arrived home the next day.

Can't we all just move to California?

Spaghetti Night - December 19th

Spaghetti Night was held on December 19th. Mike, Tony and Becky were in attendance.

The special was barbecue ribs, with a salad, baked beans and french fries.



Mr Cramer talked about life on the farm in Kansas....taking baths in the horse trough, eating homemade bread with freshly picked radishes and life with Grandma.



Tony asked Judy (the pie maker) if she could bake him a chocolate cream pie for the next day. (He is celebrating Xmas with his nieces.)

Judy immediately went in the kitchen and started making his pie. Life is good!

NEWS ALERT! Spaghetti Night Update

SPECIAL ALERT

Dawn at Cook's Corner just called and said that she is not having the Barbecue Ribs tonight. She is afraid that due to bad weather she may have to close early.

Barbecue Ribs has been rescheduled for Friday night. She is having baked chicken tonight---unless she goes home. . . then Dawn will be having baked chicken with her family...the hood will go hungry.

Driving Conditions

I love the hood

Love my neighbors

Love the lake

Love the rural setting

Hate the winter drive to work!

Took me three hours to get home last night.

Stella's Birthday Breakfast

Jessica, Jackie, Stella, Tony, Becky and Dave

Though Miss Stella initially forgot about her Birthday breakfast....she quickly dressed and was ready to party. She said the day before her girlfriends took her out to lunch at "Almost Home" in Greencastle,,,,so Stella has had a big weekend.

HAPPY 97th!!!! MISS STELLA,

FROM THE HOOD

Spaghetti Night - December 16th Cancelled

Due to conflicting schedules the Mexican "spaghetti" night has been cancelled on December 16th. It has been rescheduled for December 23rd.

Please mark your calendars!

Miss Stella's Birthday

We are meeting at the Cook's Corner this coming Sunday at 9:00 (December 14th) to celebrate Miss Stella's 97th Birthday.

Hope everyone can come!

Spaghetti Night - December 16, 2008

Now we are really mixing it up! Jackie suggested we have "spaghetti night" in Greencastle at her favorite Mexican Restaurant. Margaritas are only $1.99. Yippee!

However, we have to meet on December 16th as this is the only day they have the $1.99 drink special.

I'm there!

Hope everyone can come.

Jackie - can you post the directions or address? (Remember that you are suppose to be the other author on this blog! HA!)

Spaghetti Night - December 10th, 2008

Spaghetti night was held at Cook's Corner. The special was Meatloaf, corn, salad/soup and rolls.

A special announcement was made at the meeting. Bernie said that he would stop smoking on February 7th. All present agreed, so this idea was passed with a unanimous decision.

Bernie discussed his up and coming visit to the hospital. He explained why it was very important that he get this surgery. Apparently if he doesn't --- it might be more comfortable for him to wear a skirt than pants. (We will all be sending our best thoughts to Bernie on his big day. We are all wishing Bernie the quickest of recoveries. )




The night ended with everyone telling a funny "Danny" story.

A good time was had by all.

Spaghetti night was adjourned and is scheduled for our regular time next Thursday.

Special Counsel Meeting Held

A special counsel meeting was held tonight (by telephone) to discuss a one-time only change to spaghetti night. Due to Mr. Bern's upcoming date with a couple of nurses on Thursday; three of the core members decided to reschedule spaghetti night to this coming Wednesday. Since we had a quorum there was no need to get the fourth member's approval.



However, Bernie is to call Mike to tell him of the change.

Winter 2008

It started out as one of those "kind of days". Much too cold to go outside! What to do?

However soon fate would decide our schedule. The electricity went off. In the country, the electricity goes off anytime there is a slight breeze. On the second hour of no electricity, we decided that maybe it was as cold outside as inside. So I started calling my friends to see who was willing to play outside.

.......I called Miss Stella. She decided that she would climb back into bed, cover up and wait out the electrical shortage.

.......We then called Bernie. He was at Jim’s house picking up some wood to put in his fireplace to stay warm.

.......Mike drove by, but never stopped. Rumor is that he was going to drive around in his warm truck until the lights came back on.

What did we decide to do? Brave the cold. We bundled up and went out knee-boarding. Yes I think this actually confirms that we are hillbillies. We didn’t discriminate --- we gave all the neighbors a good, old fashioned "YARD JOB". We stopped sledding after Tony swerved me into a tree---"head on". I was able to take the brunt of the force by holding my hands straight out….the only problem is that my arms are several inches shorter. Ouch!

Who was brave enough to battle the weather. We saw Tray actually riding his bike. We talked to Mr. Kenny, who stayed outside twenty minutes without gloves. (Probably is in the hospital with frost bite.)




Miss Maddy was making snow angles and Miss Jessica was making a snow dragon.

We then decided to go to the lake to feed our old pal "lucky ducky". Unfortunately for "Lucky" the cataract lake seagulls came to town cleaning up Lucky’s scraps.

Much to our surprise a young lady started walking down the hill. Who could this be? It was "Miss Breezy". As much as I tried to get her to let us take her home --- she declined. She may still be on the hill --- frozen.

Then we saw Mr. Dave who also decided to take a little trip to see "Lucky Ducky". Can you see why we call her "Lucky"? Very special gal!

Al and Tray also got out their ATV and Mr. Tray went sledding.

We then decided it was much too cold to be outside. When it is faster to chill the beer by putting it outside than in the refrigerator---it’s too cold. Think I'll turn on my electric blanket and crawl back into bed.

Spaghetti Night - December 4th 2008

Weekly spaghetti night was held at our favorite restaurant again last night -- "The Cook's Corner" located in Poland, Indiana.

Unfortunately, only the three core members attended. Mr Mike Cramer, Tony Harris and his wife Becky.

Discussions included the improvement of Jim's health. According to Mike, Jim is now up and about. Leaving the house, going to the store etc... This is very good news.

There was much discussion about a tray of cookies that was positioned opposite our table. Mike finally made Becky eat one of the cookies...before dinner was served. (Becky's mother would be very disappointed.)

We had pork tenderloin, with mashed potatoes, green beans and soup/salad. It was delicious.

Pizza Party Derailed

We had planned on having a pizza party at Bernie's house on November 29th....the only problem was that Bernie wasn't home. He went duck hunting. (Bernie--next time we plan a party at your house it would be nice if you showed up!)

We moved the party to the Flannagan's house instead. Al was kind enough to pick up the pizzas.

Tony, Becky, Dave, Jackie and Miss Jessica then continued the party late into the night at the Harris home. We drank a lot of beer. (I have a little headache today. Really a "big" headache.)

It was mentioned that Dave had a nasty cut on his head. No problem---nurse Jessica bandaged him up and he was all better.

Day After Thanksgiving

As everyone knows, Thursday night is "Spaghetti Night". We don't always eat spaghetti, but we always get together. Since everyone spent time with their "real" families on Thanksgiving...we met on Friday at the "Cooks Corner".

Tony was deer hunting so he couldn't attend, but the regulars Mike and Bernie showed up. Former "Hood" kids that attended were Billy, Nicky and Andrew. (These are our older "hood" kids that have left the security of the "hood" for life in the big city. We love and miss them.)

Andrew ate his standard "Heart Attack on a Plate".

....

Jim's Recovery

On November 18th, the President of the hood, James Flannagan, went to Methodist Hospital to have major surgery. Tray Flannagan was made temporary President in James absense.

The Good News...is that all went well and he is back home and is acting as our founder once again. He is very sore, but feels good and is up and about.

All our prayers were answered!

Halloween

Here are pictures of the "Hood" kids on Halloween.

And Miss Jackie!

Todd & Miss Lacie

Todd and Miss Lacie tooling around the "Hood" in their golf cart