Effective today! . . . . Rose Anne completes her present duties as Tipton Sales Office Manager and assumes responsibilities as Sales Effectiveness Manager of the Northeast Business Unit of Pioneer Hi-Bred International in Columbus, OH. She is responsible for overseeing all Agency and Point of Sale (POS) plans and programs to insure full and professional customer and prospect coverage in the Northeast Business Unit. She will initiate the development and maintenance of Territory-level customer and prospect assignments (AAR) and Point of Sale plans and other critical sales processes. Congratulations Rosie!

"John Denham Productions"

Last Thursday evening provided an opportunity to visit former student, John Denham, at his home and recording studio . . . "the High Grass Ranch"! I remember John as creative, interested in writing music, possessing a positive attitude, remarkable wit, and always a smile on his face! As I approached his house Thursday, I noticed his impressive outdoor grill! "Did you see my doorbell?" . . . John asked. Squeeze the rubber chicken and . . . "aarrrkk!!" John is made aware of his visitors . . thus he has . . "Chicken on the Grill!"

John has produced numerous CDs for clients including Chris "Swim Skinny" Baer, an opening musician for Jimmy Buffett. Presently John is in collaboration with Phil Drake, noted local Jazz pianist to produce a CD in the near future. It was a treat to see his amazing studio and hear some of his work . . . quite an advancement from the Music Theory days of THS! John was raised in a musical family and proudly continues to share talents with his Father, Ray!

John has a tremendous passion for rockabilly, Elvis, the Beach Boys, and above all, his family and their musical history.

Thanks for the invitation to visit the HGR! Success always in your musical endeavors, John! It was a pleasure . . . . . PILGRIM!

Moving news . . . . . . Rosie & I verbally accepted an offer on our Tipton home Wednesday; Cartus, Pioneer's relocation firm, signed the written agreement Thursday. Provided all inspections are completed and contracts are validated we will relinquish possession of 101 Meadowview Drive on September 29th!

Ag-ing or age-ing(vi) 1: to become old; show the effects or characteristics of increasing age; 2 a: to acquire a desirable quality by standing undisturbed for some time b: to become mellow or mature (RIPEN). Perhaps August 24th didn't mark the characteristics of the above descriptions, but, the milestone did bring me a year closer to "scoring my age" on the golf course and moved me up an age group in my competitive running!

Good News! We verbally accepted an offer on our home in Tipton yesterday and will proceed the next 15 days with paperwork, final inspections, and other details. We're considering a quick trip to Columbus this weekend to look at more homes. Rosie and I have narrowed an updated online search to 5-6 new favorites and some other possibilities. We're anxious to see the properties!

Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face, may the rain fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, may He hold you in His hand.

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

A "moving" evening . . . .

Monday night was an emotional evening with our close friends in harmony, the Kokomo Men of Note Barbershop Chorus. Rose Anne and I attended the weekly chapter meeting and returned numerous uniforms, music, props, and administrative folders. Ironically, the chorus is working on a show with a western theme and began rehearsing . . . . "Happy Trails". After sharing song and stories of our relocation experiences to date, we were presented with a parting gift as the chorus sang "An Irish Blessing"!

We have had many wonderful experiences through the years singing with the Men of Note and will miss the friendship of each member! However, I'll remain in contact with the chapter from Columbus by continuing to serve as their bulletin editor and publish a weekly bulletin via email.

"It's great to be a barbershopper!"

To market, to market . . . . . We completed the paperwork on listing our home and have our first showing Friday! My gut feeling is that things will move quickly on our end and will warrant a return "house hunting" trip to Columbus . . . soon. Yes the pool stays, but the dog goes with us!

"48 Hrs. & 26 homes later, our search is narrowed to one! We are on our way back to Tipton . . . . our findings to be continued . . . . . . . ." After originally posting this during our trip home, we received a call from our Columbus realtor informing us that our "favorite" had gone to contract during Friday afternoon! We were disappointed but realized there will be a new home for us eventually! This is our second choice and subsequently moves to # 1 . . .for now!

WOW! Toured fourteen homes Thursday beginning at 11:00AM and finishing at 4:30PM. We selected three to add to our favorites, discussed our five favorites over supper at the Cheesecake Factory, and planned our return visits for Friday morning. Traffic related detours allowed us an extended tour of northern Columbus. To help us become familiar with the region, we purchased maps from the the new two story Barnes & Noble at Polaris Center, an awesome shopping complex similar to Clay Terrace. The B/N music department was located in the rear of the building with public entrance-exit access to the store and two music sellers working a weekday shift!

Wednesday afternoon, August 5th, we looked at nine nice homes, identifying 2 as favorites! After a long afternoon, Rosie and I rewarded ourselves with a late supper at Bonefish Grill. Tomorrow the search continues . . . . .

From Lancaster, PA to Columbus, OH . . . . . . Rosie assisted in new system training Monday & Tuesday at WillowValley Conference Center in Lancaster, PA. After a successful trip and short night (Rosie arrived home from Lancaster at 1:30AM) "Gertie" Garmon navigated us to Columbus to meet with our new location realtor, Greg Smith. Thanks to Wes, Jennifer, and Cara for providing "Gertie"! She'll be a welcome addition to the family!

Patience is a virtue! I sent four posts from my cell phone to our blog during our trip to Columbus. Upon arrival back home I pulled up our blog on the computer only to discover . . . illegible characters in place of my blog texts . . . . Technology -1; Ted - 0! I will recreate those postings during the next couple of days. We had a great trip and lots to share!

Birthdays & celebrations continue

Carolyn & Walker & family are pictured above during our Fourth of July celebration . . . . . here are our two July 14th B-Day boys! Happy Birthday everyone!

Happy Birthday!

July was a time to celebrate numerous birthdays from grandchildren to our nation's 233rd B-Day! We started the month with granddaughter Brianna's 16th on July 2nd; daughter-in-law Amber celebrated on July 3rd. We had our annual (last one in Tipton!) 4th of July pool party followed by daughter Mindy on July 8th. We concluded or month of celebrations by doubled up on July 14th with son, Mike and Grandson Riley's 4th on July 14th! Notice I tactfully omitted some of the numbers . . . to "protect the innocent" . . . or comfort the aging parents/grandparents! Another piece of cake anyone????????