The Boy Likes Chocolate

I think the photo speaks for itself.  In case you couldn't recognize him in disguise, this is Philip enjoying Rachel's birthday cake last October.  I think he was looking for more.

Thanks for my Birthday Skates!

In response to David's plea for mercy blogging and because I am somewhat overdue in offering public thanks, I'm taking this opportunity to thank any and all that contributed to ice skates for my Birthday (five months ago).

Thanks!

A little before my birthday, Mom put together a really neat post and poem to get people thinking that this was a good idea.  If I recall, it was shortly after she interrogated me about my birthday wishes and squeezed out my desire for a good (not dry leather and plaid) pair of ice skates.  I settled on hockey skates since I figured the kids might want to play hockey some day and because Rachel didn't think I could handle the toe pick on figure skates.

I was excited to find a really good pair of used skates so I didn't have to buy a new pair of "recreational" hockey skates.  The kids were excited to try them out with me, but that was about the time of the big thaw.  I'm looking forward to giving them a try this winter.  When the portage ices over, I should be able to skate to work.

Many thanks again to those who contributed.  And to those who didn't, let me just say... I can't really remember who didn't chip in.

Birthday Skates for the UPer!

In the land up above, lives a fella we love,
Where the cold, snow, and ice do abound.

When the ice is like slate, one can put on their skates,
And commence to go ‘round and around.

But this fella, you see, has a problem, oh me!
For he hath not the skates, yet, to don.

And the kiddos, oh dear, on the ice can’t go near,
For there’s no one to help them skate on!

So what say, this Monday, for his birthday, this Friday,
That we help put this fella in skates?

Then Daddy and all, (who doubtless may fall:)
On the ice can then frolic and play!

A Very Belated Birthday Thank You!

I truly feel badly to not have acknowledged sooner the very nice camera you all gave me for my birthday. Poor thing sat in the box, nearby, waiting for me to get to know it and give it a try. David came to visit, one evening last week, and gently coaxed me into checking it out. It is very nice, and promises to relieve me of some of the frustration with my old camera. It has many nice features, is very user friendly, and takes the image I'm trying to capture. Yes!!! Though, I honestly haven't tried it out a great deal, but will be putting it to the test more now that David helped "break the ice." I understand there was a lot of effort, and communication, that went into the choice of this gift. "...and you'll be proud to know that hands on testing, many consumer reviews, and many many emails went into the purchase of this gift! (very Mom style)" I can only imagine the thread of e-mails between you kids! Thank you all, very much! I am grateful for the gift, but even more for the loving thought, time, and effort that went into the selection and purchase of it. Took a couple of pictures of a pretty tree nearby, with my new camera, to include with the post. Same tree and same time, just opposite sides.

A Princess Birthday Celebration

The garden lawn of the Hancock Barnhart residence was the recent setting of an elegant birthday reception for Elisabeth Anne Barnhart, age 3. Attendees included her immediate family - Mom, Dad, big sister Ella and younger brother Peter, her best friend Olivia along with her family - Ms. Julie, older brother Cameron and younger sister Heidi, and Grandma Rowe and Papa Rowe. (Mr. Kit was unable to attend due to Father's Day commitments with his paternal parental figure and his grandfather).

The activities included a luncheon of freshly grilled meats and accompanying side-dishes, a dessert of fresh strawberry shortcakes, some baseball on the lawn, low-flying airplane rides, and gift-opening. All parties involved had a smashing-good time, as evidenced in these photographic records.

Elisabeth and Olivia amidst the wrappings and unwrappings of birthday presents.

Grandma Rowe oversees more gift opening.

Three princesses enjoy an airplane ride ensemble.

Two princesses await their "Princes Charming" in the early twilight hours.

Grandma's Birthday!

Loving thoughts of Grandma, today, as it would

have been her 78th birthday. Young, still, in my book!

FBI warning for readers of barnhartcentral.blogspot.com

***FBI Warning #45JC: 10/3/2009***

On or about October 3, 2009, the humans known as Benjamin James Barnhart and David Lee Barnhart (ages 32 and 25, respectively) were abducted from the residence of Mr. Benjamin Barnhart (3636 40th Avenue S, Mpls, MN) by alien life forms of unknown derivation. The purposes of this abduction are unknown at this time.

FBI sources close to the entity known as the leader of the alien life forms, have informed us that the humans known as Mr. Barnhart and Mr. Barnhart have been replaced with well-crafted, automatonic replicant life forms very closely approximating Messrs. Barnhart. Cameras placed within the residence have captured these photographs of the replicant life forms engaged in "authentic imitative behaviour intended to deceive."

We have reason to believe that the replicant life forms are attempting to mask their nonhuman status by passing as humans—particularly, humans engaged in familial event reënactments like the celebration of holidays or birthdays. To that end they've adopted the curious practice of engaging in a birthday celebration. As can be seen from the photos, the eyesight of newborn replicants is not fully developed and they must rely on supplemental light sources in order to discern food objects from utensil objects.

Little is known of the replicant's intentions, though it is safe to assume that their schemes are nefarious and their intentions malevolent. Until we can verify that the actual Messrs. Barnhart have been returned to the planet Earth, we recommend caution on the part of anyone who would interact with these alien life forms. Please exercise extreme prejudice when engaging in any conversations or financial transactions of less than $0.73.

One final note: the president has directed our agency to honor October 3rd as the birth date of Janell McCann, the sister of the recently abducted Messrs. Barnhart. Happy birthday, Ms. McCann. We're doing our best to return your brothers to you.

Another Birthday Boy!

Today we have a birthday boy and David is his name,
The one who never would play by the rules of different games.

Bored he was with conventional, that describes this mister;
And so he took to creating anew, involving little sister.

Such a good sport was she, willing to play with big brother,
Unlike one who played precisely by rules; yes, that would be Mother!

Eventually he challenged himself with another kind of trick,
And taught himself to program computer in GW Basic.

Who would have thought that little ole David would end up (for now) like this,
Programming computer for Alcoa Howmet, with an IR degree, no less!

Hard telling where he’ll go from here, but challenge will be a part,
For our birthday boy likes challenge, that’s been evident from the start!

So, Happy Birthday David, unique and special are you;
Fear not to be unconventional, and “to thine own self be true!”

Birthday Boy Benny

Ben anxiously watches the clock wind down, in anticipation of the big "three/one" birthday celebration.



Alas, though, he has to arm-wrestle Daniel, to maintain his honorable birthright position as the firstborn son.




Having emerged victoriously, he is shown here with the most wonderful Ryke's cake! Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum!!!



Finally, a celebration bonfire for Ben's birthday, and also to welcome the new year.




The birthday boy, basking in the glow of the bonfire.

It's Birthday Time!

Tis birthday time for one who is dear,
I'll give you a clue, in proximity she's not near.

Oops! I slipped and told you the gender,
And as a young Mom, she's ever so tender.

I did it again! Can you figure out who?
She has Ella & Elisabeth; that makes two!

Now you know, and Sunday's the day,
And I've got an idea, oh, by the way!

She needs new tennis and/or hiking shoes,
And contributions toward those would help, tis true.

So Rachel we hope your birthday is sweet,
And that you can get what you want for your feet!