Wednesday, December 31, 2008

End of Year Message (2008)

This has been an interesting year. We added Hayden and Paul to our family this year. We lost my Aunt Kay to cancer in August, but she's reunited with a lot of her family in heaven. Next year, we will add Dave, as well as Paul, to the Gift Exchange, as well as to the family. If you want to read more about my adventures, go to the archives. I don't write that often, so it shouldn't take that long. The memories are usually so good that it will be a thrill to relive them again.

2009 will start off with a bang. I'll be seeing Patty and Dan SR. We'll be dining at Max and Erma's (http://www.maxandermas.com) in Middleburg Heights, OH (Just South of Cleveland Hopkins Airport) tomorrow night. We wanted to go to the Brooklyn branch, but they close at 5:00 P.M. Hopefully, New Years Eve will be successful enough to compensate for the lost revenue (for them and the gain to the competition).

I will close by saying that I hope that my audience has a happy new year. (Edited on 1-14-'09) Happy New Year (in Webding Font, I hope).

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Maggie's Birthday (AKA Christmas All Over Again)

We celebrated Maggie's Birthday tonight. The guest list can be summed up in a "simple" equation.

Christmas Guests - Paul + (Mike Schmidt + Marnie + Kendal + Hayden)

The food was supplied by Mandy and Marnie. We had ham (again), cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole (The Thanksgiving one), rolls, and salad, among other things. The appetizer was spinach dip in pumpernickel bread. It was all very appetizing.

After dinner was eaten, presents were opened. Since the Schmidts were not around for Christmas, Kendal, Hayden, Mike, and Marnie opened up Christmas gifts. As far as Kendal and Hayden were concerned, toys and clothes were the rule. However, Bob and I were practical in giving gift cards to Toys 'R' Us and Borders (Books were the intended goal, but CDs and DVDs would also be sources of enjoyment.). In general, the children will be having fun, but the parents (and any other adults) will be wishing that they had earplugs.

Maggie then opened up her gifts (Actually, since our gift cards were included with Maggie's birthday cards, they were opened up during this time.). Dessert was served. It consisted of a delicious cake from Buehler's (http://www.buehlers.com/), pumpkin roll, cheesecake, and little circular ("petite") brownies. Once again, dessert earned its appreciation.

Although it was Maggie's birthday, Kendal and Hayden were the main attraction. Even the birthday girl helped to make this possible. Kendal proved that she is very intelligent by speaking in complete sentences. She's very smart for two and a half. I think she will do great things when she grows up. Hayden is just too cute for words. (By the way, her name came out of a book of baby names. However, I am sticking with my theory and post title.) It was a night to remember.

When Dan Sr. and Patty show up in Northeast Ohio, I will share stories of my visit with my blog audience. It would be especially nice if Dan Jr., Laura, and Amy Marie are involved. Tune in to find out!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

The Gift Exchange

Here are the names of all the givers and receivers from the McDonnell Gift Exchange this year.
Giver: Receiver:
Kathleen: Patty

Patty: Lois

Tim: Laura

Maggie: Mike Schmidt

Joe: Bill

Bob: Marnie

Bill: Dan Sweeney Jr.

Dan Sweeney SR.: Amy

Dan Sweeney JR.: Kathleen

Patrick: Joe

Mandy: Tim

Marnie: Dan Sweeney Sr.

Amy: Mike Schabel

Mike Schabel: Mandy

Laura: Bob

Mike Schmidt: Maggie

Lois: Patrick

I may give you the "funny" stories that I promised you previously in a later posting.


My Niece Got Married, but I Didn't Receive the Registry List.

At this afternoon's Christmas celebration, we learned that Mandy and Paul got married last week. It was by a judge in Summit County, OH (Akron area).  No family members were present, but I am sure that it was a day to remember.

In addition to Mandy, Paul, Maggie, Mike Schabel, and myself, others in attendance for the Christmas celebration included Kathleen, Tim, Lois, Joe, and Bob.  We expect to see the Schmidts on Saturday for Maggie's Birthday celebration.  Patty and Dan were also planning to come into town (Weather Permitting!) within a few days.  Look forward to all the upcoming highlights.    

McDonnell Family Christmas (2008)

We celebrated Christmas at Mike and Maggie's place in Parma, OH.  We had ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans with Italian sausage, broccoli, corn, cranberry sauce, and many other items.  Dessert consisted of cookies, pumpkin cheesecake, and nut roll.  We exchanged presents, but some people are still waiting.  I'll be shopping at Best Buy (This gift is from Santa or more likely a present for coordinating the Gift Exchange.)  and Target  (Joe was my Secret Santa.  I also received a coordinator appreciation bonus from "the Committee".) with my Gift Cards.  (By the way, my beloved Circuit City is pretty much extinct in my area for a non-driver.  The nearest one is across from Geauga Lake.  I could go if I visited Dan Sr. or Dan Jr.  Other out of town relatives still need to be researched.)  It was an enjoyable Christmas.  More fun is to come in the coming days.  There will be reports in the coming days.  Later tonight, I will post the Gift Exchange list.     

Friday, December 19, 2008

I Am Done Shopping!

My Christmas shopping is finished. I bought a card at Gabriel Brothers for my Great Nieces at Gabriel Brothers in Middleburg Heights, OH (Near Parma) today. I bought their presents at CVS on Detroit Road in Lakewood, OH. I won't reveal what I purchased, but the gifts should be useful. I had taken care of my assignment in the Gift Exchange on December 5 at a store across the street from Gabriel Brothers. Gabriel Brothers reminds me of Value City (Soon to Be R.I.P.). I go there mostly because their greeting cards cost only $.44. They also sell apparel and some food items (Non-Perishables). It's not Target or Wal Mart, but it has its charms.

The Gift Exchange is going smoothly. There will be more details in a future post. I have some funny stories to tell.

Have a Nice Holiday!