Pearl Harbor Day December 7, 1941

My Dad September 1943 (18 years old)

I am sure there are many people today that can tell you exactly what they were doing on December 7th, 1941. I am not one of them but I surely know the feeling of memorable dates in history and how easy it is to place yourself back into the exact moment. My greatest historical moment would be the assassination of President Kennedy. I was in a band rehearsal when the announcement came over the school intercom. I can remember the conversations with friends between classes for the rest of the afternoon. I can remember it like it was yesterday. And with that knowledge I know today must be a painful reminder to many people.

Today I want to take a moment to salute the many veterans who served in the military branches during World War II. This includes my Dad, Harry Cornell, who served as a tail gunner in a B-17. Many of the details of his time during WW II can be read about in the book, "Dead Engine Kids : World War II Diary of John J. Briol, B-17 Ball Turret Gunner". John was a crew member with my Dad. This website shows some of the details and pictures of the crew. http://www.cloudnet.com/~jfb/. The book is an excellent read for WW II buffs.

 Take a minute to look at it and thank a veteran today.

Thanks Dad! Glad you are still here to remind us our freedoms are worth fighting for.

A matched set

Technical difficulty! Picture of the new dryer will not upload. Hope this isn't indicative of future with this appliance. Will try again. Got it today. Something up with some new google software to upload pictures. Monday laundry was a pleasure.

Why do appliances break (during the holidays)

Last year I got a new furnace for Christmas. This year I get a new dryer. Yesterday my nearly 30 year old dryer went bang and stopped. I quickly had a mental debate about calling a serviceman or going to the appliance store. It seemed to be a no brainer. Two years ago when my washer died I replaced it with a shiny new one that had a much different look than the dryer. I have lived with the mismatch because it seemed silly to replace something that worked just for the esthetics's of a matching set. Well I now have the matching set again but for who knows how long.

Happy December first. Let the holiday season begin.

The Lights Flickered

As a mom I always told my kids when the lights flickered it was someone in heaven telling us they were looking in on us. I know this is probably just an old wives tale but on 2 occasions I remember remarking to the kids about a  light flickering. Shortly after my brother in law died  we had a family room lamp that would go off for no apparent reason. And the same thing happen after my father in law died. So when amidst all of the food preparations on Thanksgiving day the kitchen light flickers we all laughed and talked about John checking in on us. Now, I admit,  my kitchen light has had a flickering problem that I am sure is an old neon light ballast that needs to be replaced, but the light hadn't had a problem in months. And it was only a problem when you turned the light on. Thursday the flickering occurred while the light had been on for several hours.

We all enjoyed remembering and including our thoughts of John in the festivities of the holiday. Of course as a mom when everything has returned to "normal" I still am pondering the thoughts of John. If in fact there is another dimension, be it heaven or space or whatever,  I would like to think we can check back in. And I would be happy to have John see that we have all moved on in our lives. That is what he would want. The family and friends that filled our house this weekend were wonderful. We ate spectacular food prepared with love. We watched football. We were happy. But what makes me sad is that John wouldn't see all of the little moments that we still so badly miss him. Of course even as I write that I know he knows that. We love you John, we miss you. Happy Thanksgiving....thanks for checking in on us. We are doing OK.

Black Friday Fun

No shopping for us but Jessica, Michael, and I met Jesi and AJ at Bass Pro to see Santa Claus. AJ gave Santa his requests and was off to see the train display.

Thanksgiving Pictures

We had a great Thanksgiving Day. Lots of work, but fun when everyone pitches in to help. We skyped with Mom and Dad in Florida where the temperature was 90 while we shivered in the low 40's here in Ohio. Our evening dinner included all of the traditionals and yes I did find a rutabaga. There are NO leftover rutabagas for today. First time ever!! Steve has continued to tweak his recipe so those of us non lovers of rutabagas have finally agreed that they aren't so bad. Unfortunately it is his loss now. Jesi, her sister Beth, and AJ joined us for dessert and after dinner festivities. So much fun so much to be thankful for.