Omi & Papa Shepherd

Nothing news

2012-02-07T04:22:00.000-06:00

Sorry nothing much to report. Dena working two jobs and I'm away in Nova Scotia.

Ready for a Merry Christmas

2011-12-04T18:40:00.005-06:00

Mom and I are getting ready for Christmas. The tree is up. It's not quite as big as Katie's but it is special to us. It represents the everlasting life that is offered by our Saviour.

Happy Dogs

2011-11-13T19:47:00.005-06:00

Zoe Magi and Steve having a good time and ice cream too!

Saturday in the Fall

2011-11-13T19:40:00.002-06:00

We've spent Saturday afternoon working a box of apples. here's the results.

trees, Plants and dogs

2011-10-16T16:21:00.003-06:00

Trees are changing, Zoe is learning about Squirrels and hunting season has begun.

Magi and Zoe

2011-10-16T15:57:00.000-06:00

Magi and Zoe have their hunting jackets on. It keeps them safe running through the woods
during Hunting Season.

Zoe turned a bit too sharp hunting squirels . Dena's potted plant was a casualty.

I made Zoe a new dog dish holder.

Grandpa Shepherds tree

2011-10-10T15:35:00.003-06:00

We planted an oak tree when Grandpa Shepherd died. here it is a few years later. It is really red this year. Turning a bright red then ever before.

Tired Puppies

2011-10-06T17:40:00.002-06:00

with two walks a day and lots of play in between the dogs are pretty much exhausted by bed time. Zoe has integrated into the life style of the neighborhood. She knows the property boundaries already and does not leave the yard without a leader. She has even began to cross the "troll" bridge in the woods. That bridge and creek ravine really scared her at first but her confidence is building and she is developing already into a real great dog.

Magi and Zoe get to know each other

2011-10-02T16:28:00.004-06:00

Magi and Zoe are getting to know each other. Jane was wearing out Papa.

Magi and Zoe get together

2011-09-30T18:47:00.001-06:00

Magi has a new roommate, Zoe.

Zoe has joined us from Pheonix. They get along like old lost friends.

hey have found the truck to be their favorite place with Jane as their buddy.

The Flood in Vestal Sept. 2011

2011-09-30T18:22:00.002-06:00

Plenty of water at the end of Gates Road on the Susquahanna River

Dena and Magi at the Edge
a power substation below out house
Bill Walsh and his power hang glider. (our nieghbor up the street)

A Blackhawk on a rescue mission over the house.

Venerable Huey over the house. It too ona rescue mission.

Winter is over and so...

2011-05-19T18:08:00.002-06:00

It took most of the winter and it took a few trips with me to Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pa but the Jane Doll house is done.

Snow storm

2011-03-07T17:09:00.005-06:00

Its been awhile, but life has been a bit constant. Not much to report. This past week has had some events worth noting though. I have been in Canada again and this time I was able to get the simulator accepted for training. WAHOO! no more trips until the fall.
I returned on Wednesday and on Thursday Dena and I flew out to Phoenix to see Ethan and Ashley and the kids. What a great time we had! Playing with Logan, Gavin, and Jane was a lot of fun. We went to a ballgame on Saturday and had snow cones and cotton candy and popcorn.There was plenty of sunshine too, something Dena and I have had little of over the past few months of winter.
Coming home was quite an adventure. We left early Sunday morning hoping to find enough seats. Dena got on and I had to wait until the very end when I too got the very last seat on the plane. The seat was vacant because someone did not show up. We got to Detroit only to have to wait. The flight was full and delayed. After a couple of hours the flight was canceled and then the next flight- Bad weather in Binghamton. That sent us off to find alternate ways home. We tried Syracuse and then Elmira, hoping to get there and then rent a car home. No luck. We found another flight to Scranton, Pa at 11:00 O'clock.
As we waited the weather in Scranton got worse and worse. Well we took off and proceeded. In the descent I felt it would not be too good. As we got down to Minimums(200 feet) I couldn't see the ground and then the pilot did a Missed approach and this continined two more times. It was snowing and sleeting pretty hard. Well we finally made it down and there was clapping, something I've not heard since my South American trips.

Dena and I went down to rent a car to Binghamton and there were two others like us. We decided to Carpool rather than go our seperate ways. A one hour trip took us three. Semis were jack-knifed and cars in the ditches. It was a mess.
We made it to our street by around 4 a.m. but the rental car just could not make it to our street. Dena and I abandonded the car and walked the quarter mile home. Luckly we had a truck tire track through the 18 inches of snow.

Now we're just glad to be home!

No news is...

2011-01-29T14:25:00.002-06:00

No news is good
news. Not much happining here in snowy New York. Just another winter. I find myself wishing for a trip to wherever they don't know what a snow shovel is.

My life is just a repeat, get up go to work come home, get up, go to work ....

A Happy Birthday Wish

2011-01-04T17:04:00.002-06:00

Well the kids out did themselves on my Birthday. Play the following video and you will see the remarkable family I have. What a Treat for me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLufyhSjMKk
I will cherish this for along time to come!!

Mom's Creations

2010-11-27T18:54:00.003-06:00

Dena has been creative again. To celbrate a Louise's Birthday (next door Neighbor)Dena did a little sewing on an apron. It was well recieved.

For Christmas Dena is making three Christmas pillows. Some of her best work.

Benson and Frank and Bluth visit

2010-10-10T17:44:00.001-06:00

It been awhile since we last posted anything. These shots are of Grandma Benson , Debbie an Dena , along with Ashley and Jessica with the grand babies Kyla and Jane. What a great time it was to have them all come to visit.

SUMMER HARVEST SAMPLER

2010-08-13T19:42:00.001-06:00

This is a sample of our summer harvest. Potatoes are incredible and the berries are scrumcious.

Gardening time in New York

2010-07-30T19:01:00.003-06:00

Part of the garden is doing well. Here's a Spaghetti Squash growing up through one of the nearby bushes.
These normally grow to a size of a large mellon. This one is Ginormous.

My room with a view

2010-06-18T18:44:00.000-06:00

Halifax NS- Courtyard Hotel - my room with a view of the Halifax harbour and George's Island

Greetings from Lunenburg, NS

2010-06-18T18:28:00.002-06:00

Can you tell recognize what the poles are?

Shepherd's Garden

2010-06-18T18:18:00.001-06:00

Peggy's Cove, NS

2010-03-29T08:07:00.003-06:00

It's been awhile since my last post. Life here in Nova Scotia has gotten to be pretty boring. This past weekend I took a drive out to the west to a spot called Peggy's Cove. This has some historical interest as this is the spot where a Swiss Air DC10 went down with all aboard back in the 1990s. it is very picturesque as you can see. The day was beautiful if not a bit cold.

More Pictures

2010-02-28T18:00:00.000-06:00

Let it Snow Let it Snow!

2010-02-28T17:57:00.001-06:00

We got dumped on. I go away for afew days and this happens. On my return, I'll I got to do was push and blow snow. We had fun,though. We let Magi out the back door to do her 'duty" and she ran face first into chest high snow bank! Boy was she surprised. She did an immediate about face and would not go back out until we plowed her a path. With drifting and blowing there were some areas that had over 3 feet (see our new back deck). Hoping it doesn't melt too fast we also had to blow the back yard so that the really deep snow would runoff into our French drain instead of into the basement.

Heading home in the morning

2010-02-25T19:23:00.002-06:00

Weather and work has conspired against me. It has been very busy and the weather here has been anything but nice. Thought I'd best set down a few words before I hit the road in the morning. I fly from Halifax to Ottawa and then drive for 4.5 hours to get home. But again, lots of snow in my way. I can't seem to miss it. Anyway, with any luck, I'll sleep in my own bed tomorrow.

Rental Car snowplow

2010-02-17T06:11:00.002-06:00

Another interesting morning in Nova Scotia. Went out to get the rental car and this is what I found (or didn't- mine is the one in the middle). Blowing snow and thanks tot he local snow pushers, a lost rental. took me awhile to shovel it out but all I had to do was throw the snow up and the wind blew it away. Got to the Airbase and they had closed it down! Oh joy just another day on the road.

Valentines Day

2010-02-13T15:48:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentines Day
Spent a nice day with Dena celebrating Valentines day on Saturday. We got a wonderful gift of chocolate strawberries from Grandma Shepherd to help us celebrate. We spent the day together and are heading out to a nice dinner tonight.

Tomorrows it's off to Canada.

Home for a week

2010-02-06T06:14:00.002-06:00

You can't imagine how good it was to see Dena pull up to pick me up at the airport curb. Her smile was such a welcomed sight. Magi was leaning over the back seat trying to get me and I knew I was home!

I had drive down from Ottawa, Ontario that morning and after a 4 hour drive to see her smile was the best gift I could ever want!

Almost time to get home

2010-02-03T18:20:00.002-06:00

Not much new to report. The week has been bitter cold up here. Nova Scotia does not normally get this cold and it's a big deal up here. Like New York they salt the roads and sidewalks. now that it has stopped snowing the roads and everything else are covered in a white dust of salt. The cars the streets, everything gets this coating of white dust.

I'm getting excited about going home on Friday. I get a week off at home (still working) but at least I'll be home.

2010-01-30T17:51:00.001-06:00

Jessica- You think of a warm sunny beaches to surf. Not a Canadian. Check these guys out. Temperature was -14 degrees, and with a windchill of -30! These guys are out surfing on Nova Scotia's longest sandy beach. So next time I hear you whine about the temperature of a vacation remember these diehards.

Burrrrrrr!!!!

2010-01-30T17:35:00.000-06:00

I've given you the pictures of Nova Scotia when its nice. Here's the other side of paradise. Sunny one day and then the same afternoon - this.This is just outside the Simulator building. Temp -9 Winds about 40 gusting up to 60 knts.

2010-01-26T19:10:00.001-06:00

If you're wondering what my office looks like here in Nova Scotia.... This the simulator now located at the Shearwater airfield here near Halifax, NS In the end there will two of these standing next to each other. In adjoining rooms will be more partial trainers that compliment the flight simulators. These two will be used to train ASW work. Anti-submarine warfare.

2010-01-24T17:01:00.001-06:00

Sunday was another beautiful day here in Nova Scotia. I went early to church and next to the meetinghouse was the Halifax, NS Temple. Beautiful to see Moroni greeting the new day!

Saturday in Canada

2010-01-23T18:37:00.001-06:00

Well , It's been about a week and I find myself in a hotel room in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The day was absolutely gorgeous with crystal blue skies and a light wind. I took a short drive at lunch along the bay. To my right was the North Atlantic and to my right quaint seaside homes. The water and the islands were so nice to see. Unfortunately my camera was left back at the shop.

I find myself at the computer checking all the blogs hoping for new pictures and stories, but find nothing new posted. I now find myself longing for the sound of laughing children and pictures and stories of what you're up to.

2010-01-21T18:52:00.001-06:00

This is the new building designed and built to house the simulators I will be installing here in Shearwater Nova Scotia. It is really quite nice. As you can see the weather has changed to a very beatiful afternoon. The day before it was snowing and you could hardly see 100'. Today its nearing 40 and no winds!

On my way to Canada

2010-01-20T04:53:00.001-06:00

The traveling begins again. I am on my way to Shearwater, Nova Scotia Canada to start the installation and acceptance of the helicopter I've been working on. I wll be up there quite a bit this winter and spring inspecting and testing the device.

I am currently sitting in the Ottawa, airport waiting for a flight over to Halifax and then a short drive down to Shearwater. More to follow.

2010-01-16T18:07:00.000-06:00

Another day in paradise. January has been cold until thisw weekend. Most of this is gone washed away by 40+ degree weather.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T11:21:00.004-06:00

Another year has come and gone and Dena and I are doing well. We had the opportunity to visit Salt Lake to see Josh and Nicky and the girls and Tristan and Terri with Max and new brand new little Tessa.

Christmas took us to Atlanta to visit Jessica and Adam along with Kyla. Had a wonderful time at both locations. Just wish we could have made it to Pheonix too.

New Years was spent as always - sleeping. Not much for partying just for the sake of a new year but we did enjoyed having time together.

We look forward to a new and exciting 2010. A new decade full of new adventures for us. We wish you all a safe and prosperous new year!

New Grand Baby!

2009-11-25T05:07:00.005-06:00

Well it has happened again-

We welcome little Tessa Shepherd to our growing flock last night. 7#3oz at 20" Everyone is great. We will get to see them this Friday!

Mom's Early Christmas

2009-11-20T19:35:00.002-06:00

When it comes to Christmas, why wait! I built a work table for Dena and her new machine. Here it is in all it's glory. Four draws and a mechanism to move the machine up and down to three positions. The table is on special castors that allow the table to nearly float if Dena wants it to move. Works pretty cool.

First Snow

2009-10-16T08:09:00.000-06:00

We went from autum beauty to this in a a few moments. Our first snow- any bets when we we will celebrate the last?

Fall is upon us

2009-10-11T05:55:00.003-06:00

Fall is upon us. This week the trees are at their peak in colors. The hills are bright with reds and gold offset in brilliant greens. The air in the mornings is getting just a bit too cool for short sleeves but it is really nice.

This past week, we found that we have an additional canine living with us. Magi was outside as usual and made quite a ruckus. Upon investigation, Dena looked under the truck and there was our new friend; a small fox. It seems to have taken up residence under our deck as we also discovered some "fox scat" (that's a nicer way of say poop) on our deck just outside the door. We think this is the fox telling us he is here to stay.

2009-09-19T19:02:00.001-06:00

It is near the end of the season and a second set of blooms have blessed the house garden.

New Door to the Patio

2009-09-19T18:50:00.001-06:00

The outside of the house is now complete. The new door is in and it is so nice now to be able to use the new Deck with the new door.

Autumn Harverst

2009-09-15T18:22:00.002-06:00

One significant success in our Groundhog feeding garden was the Pumpkin Patch. Not giants but they were grown from seed. Happy Halloween!

3 Generations

2009-08-28T17:51:00.002-06:00

Family History with a Twist

2009-08-23T17:31:00.007-06:00

While on our last day in Savannah Dena and I took the opportunity to visit the "Mighty Eighth" Air Museum.

From stories told to me of my Uncle Ray, I knew only of his last experiences in World War II. Uncle Ray was my Father's twin brother. They both had great smiles and were a tight knit family. Uncle Ray was a crew member on a B-17 flying into Germany in 1943. So while in the Museum we stopped at their Library.

We found his Aircraft- the "Pregnant Portia". From there we found the name of his unit, the 385th and his squadron 551st. With this we found a very old picture of the Crew with his aircraft commander, a Lt. Keeley. The history of his flight into Schwienfurt, Germany to bomb the ballberring factories and manufacturing center and his escape to North Africa. He and the crew had to ditch in the Mediterranean.
The story goes on to explain their rescue and flight back to England. Ray's story ends with the crash of two B-17s colliding over England on September 23, 1943. Ray and the rest of the crew were killed. A single member survived the crash.

I've been told this story by my dad. it was a wonderful experience to do this type of research. To find the links of lost family.

I hope Dad and Ray are pleased with our little bit of research.

Tybee Island old Cockspur Beacon Lighthouse

2009-08-18T18:24:00.005-06:00

While on Tybee Island, We rented Sea Kayaks and paddled out to an old Lighthouse near the South channel of the Savannah River outflow. It was quite something to climb up and see the scenery. With me are Adam - my son-in-Law, Tristan Shepherd, and taking the pictures is Jessica Frank (Daughter) At High tide the steps are flooded. We came up at low tide and walked across the Oyster shells that were like razors! But what fun.

Balloon Breakfast

2009-08-02T07:23:00.001-06:00

Every year we have what is known as the Speide Fest. Folks from around the country bring their hot air balloons and launch twice a day. Saturday morning Dena and our neighbors go to breakfast at 6:00 am and then watch the balloons launch. We sit in the rocking chairs across the road from the launch site. What a sight!

Saturday morning started out very foggy but it quickly burned off to produce crystal blue sky's. The last balloon up was "Old Glory".

Giant Mushroom

2009-07-28T18:12:00.003-06:00

We take a daily walk to exercise Magi and ourselves. The walks take us through some very remarkable areas. After a hard rain we were on a new trail and this mushroom was there. Quite a sight. We also get a neighbor dog "Beezer" a Chocolate Lab that often tags along with Magi, Dena and I.

Stand by for a new posting!

2009-07-27T19:19:00.003-06:00

Dena Magi and I take a walk nearly everyday. We recently found an interesting find on our route. You'll get to see tomorrow.

New Glider

2009-07-10T18:51:00.001-06:00

After coming home from our trip to the Adirondacks, I finished up a little project i started at the ned of the deck we built. With a little leftover wood (cedar) I built a little Glider seat for Dena and I to sit and watch the birds.

Horseback riding

2009-07-08T18:13:00.003-06:00

Dena and I spent our 34th Anniversary in the Adirondack mountains. There is so much to do but we spent our time walking the trails and horse back riding. We were able to go - just the two of us - and our guide, Mark. We rode for over 2 hours. the trail took into some very remote areas. We went into Cascade Lake to rest our rides in- Lake. The ride really took it's toll on us,but what a treat.

Patient Stalking

2009-07-04T19:42:00.000-06:00

If you want to see patients- watch magi stalk a squirrel. this little episode lasted 20-30 minutes. I think the squirrel finally died of old age before Magi actually got any closer.

The deck is finished

2009-07-04T19:36:00.000-06:00

Well today is the 4th of July- and the deck was christened with it's first BBQ.

Mom's Garden Plot

2009-06-27T16:42:00.002-06:00

We had to get a garden going too. But with all the critters around here we had to come up with a workable and protectable garden. So here it is after about a month of growth.

More photos of the Deck-

2009-06-27T16:32:00.003-06:00

Here some more

Summer time Project

2009-06-27T16:22:00.003-06:00

Have you been wonderng what I've been up to so far this summer? Well wonder no more-

Brian Christopherson and myself have been busy building a anew deck on the back of the ol' homestead- The lase couple of weekends have been full of bending and hammering and all kinds of cutting; not to mention the digging!

Summer Beauty

2009-05-26T17:35:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful Memorial Weekend. Planting and gardening is very theraputic. As always Dena's Green Thumb has helped create some wonderful Summer Beauty.

Flowers are blooming and the place is more like heaven everyday.

Spring in New York

2009-05-14T17:48:00.002-06:00

Spring is here. Grass is emerald green. Flowers are growing. And I have a day off!

Spring seems to take for ever

2009-04-04T16:16:00.003-06:00

Here we are about a month into Spring and the weather geeks are predicting snow. Will it never end? Where is the warmth, where is green grass? After a long winter we wait with great anticipation the coming of summer.

Spring time

2009-03-15T13:46:00.002-06:00

It has been a very long winter and I think we may be seeing the end. Weather is moderating and the daffodils are beginning to show. In just a few weeks they will begin their buttercup look.

I continue to travel to Army sites around south and east. Dena is doing well working, quilting and teaching quilting.

Drop us a line!

Katie & Kyla

2008-12-30T19:54:00.000-06:00

Dancing Kousins (Katie & Kyla)

2008-12-30T19:34:00.001-06:00

Magic Number Seven

2008-09-05T16:02:00.007-06:00

We have been blessed this year with the arrival of four new grandbabies. the Cradle has been full. With the recent arriva of Kyla the number is now seven. what a great number.

The cradle has been labeled with all the kids now.
Natalie
Logan
Audrey
Maxwell
Gavin
Katie
Kyla
Thanks goes to

Jessica & Adam
Josh & Nicky
Tristan & Terri
Ashley & Ethan

Kyla Frank

2008-09-02T10:00:00.003-06:00

Kyla arrived on Labor day ( a very appropriate date) Omi and I were there to welcome her. Born 09/01/08 at 10:17 a.m. Mom an dad are doing well.

IGAP Work

2008-06-29T06:39:00.004-06:00

For you that are wondering where it is I am working, I spend my days now down in Pennsylvania at the Indiantown Gap Army Reserve Base. It is northeast of Harrisburg along the Appalachian mountains. It has been absolutely beautiful there. I was able to come home this weekend for a day but back again for the month of July. The simulator I am working on is a UH-60-L that is being upgraded.
The site is the best of the Army. The folks I am privileged to work with are the finest. These folks have chosen to serve us and they are some of our bravest and finest men and women.
As we celebrate the 4th of July, remember them and salute them where ever you can.

Visit ti Wisocnsin

2008-06-08T10:41:00.003-06:00

Spent a few days in Wisconsin with Josh and Nicky's. Tristan came out and he along with Adam Newell rode the charity ride for children's cancer fight.

May flowers

2008-05-29T18:09:00.002-06:00

Mom continues to work her magic around the yard. the flowers are doing great this year.

Max Ronin Shepherd & Gavin Hodson Bluth

2008-03-11T15:43:00.005-06:00

I think I even beat Ashley in posting Gavin's picture. Together with Max, his cousin. May they grow up loving each other.

Gavin & Max