Weston Family Blog

Another great grand son....

2006-10-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today, October 4th, Mary Kate and Scott became grandparents. The new arrival, the son of Dan and Sara Griffith, has the noble name of Jack Weston Griffith. He was born today, the 4th, in Jacksonville, FL. All concerned are doing fine.

Great grand child number 4!

April is the cruelest month............

2006-04-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Nothing beats being at sea on a warm, sunny Mexican afternoon sampling the local suds. Kathryn arranged a grand birthday celebration beginning with a champagne breakfast in bed, then a manicure and hair style compliments of Chib, roses from the Victorville young people, good Scotch and Lady Godiva chocolates from friends and lots more champagne. These birthdays, of which I've now had 2 more than the Biblically alloted three score ten, just get better every year.

Of course April 2nd saw Cael and Marcella celebrating 19 years of marriage and Colin marked his 29th birthday the same day I marked 72nd....the 12th.

Last Saturday Cael, Chib, Tim, Pat and respective families had a barbecue and pool party at Chib's place in Victorville. I understand I have many photos coming of that event.. Cael and his family were spending the weekend at Disneyland and was therefore close enough to drive to VV.

More celebration lie ahead....May is the biggest month for celebrations, noting 7 birthdays of grand kids in a single month.

More later.

Grandpa

The college and university kids........

2006-04-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

Next month the family will boast 3 granddaughters attending college and universities! We're very proud of each of them. Here they are:

Erin in her dorm room at San Diego State University where she is currently a senior majoring in Marine Biology. We visited her in her dorm early in March. It's a lovely campus and the dorms, while small, are efficient and her room has an awesome view of San Diego.

Elizabeth graduates from Woodham High next month and in August will enter the University of Central Florida in Orlando to begin her college career. Here she is shown with equipment from her last stage production.

Megan (shown will all her siblings save Dan) manages a full time job while attending classes at Pensacola JC. She first
majored in early childhood development but I
understand is now considering another career path.. Keep us informed Megan!

Good luck to each of these fine young women. You're the greatest!

Time to pick it up again

2006-02-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Family,
My six month vacation from keeping up the family site is about over. It's time to post some of those terrific photos I've received and bring all the news up to date. I can't promise that I'll go back and pick up past months but I'll try to make the news as current as possible. Stay tuned!

For example, Mike enjoyed a recent visit his grand kids Logan and Andalyn. Grandpa Mike Jr. just celebrated a very significant birthday....He can now join AARP!

That's it for this time. See you on the family site.....soon I hope!

Looking ahead

2005-12-28T08:03:00.000-08:00

May every member of our family enjoy a safe and fun New Year's holiday and may 2006 be a year marked by peace and joy.

This photo of young James the First (first great grand child) was taken by his mother and sent to me via email. He is indeed a beautiful child.....but then aren't they all?

Each family has reported having a fine Christmas. Santa must have risked a hernia judging by the number of computers he delivered around the country, but then a computer is as vital to this generationn as a Big Chief Tablet and a cedar pencil was to mine.

Shannon's birthday on December 31st ends the year and Kevin's and Scotty's birthdays on January 1st begin the new one. Let's hope that 2006 brings good health to each of us and peace to those shattered parts of the world that need it so badly.
.
So here's to a Happy New Year and a blessed and joyful 2006 to the whole family!

Will I ever catch up?

2005-11-25T09:43:00.000-08:00

The answer to that is, probably not. But I fully intend to try as soon as I return to Rocklin early next week. The photo is from my last stop on my 2 month, 10,000 mile, 20 state and Canada trip in the VW van. I spent 2 nights at Liam's before hleading home across the vast unpopulated tracts in Utah and Nevada.

I have 1200 more photos to edit before sharing them via blog or web site. As you can see it is no small task....especially when getting ready for Christmas and the holidays.

I'm writing this from Chib's in Victorville where we celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday with a fine traditional meal prepared by Chib.

I hope all of you had a lovely day and are looking forward to the Christmas holidays with great anticipation.....at least the grandkids will.

Comments, as always, are welcome. Check in and let us all know what's happening in your lives.

Love,

Grandpa

Mapping the trip....so far

2005-10-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

The trip so far: 7,000 miles, 18 states and 2 provinces of Canada. On hold for the period of 10/10 to 10/21. I will be back on the road west from Chicago on Saturday.

Dad/Grandpa

Maine to Chicago

2005-10-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Family,

After parking the van in Tinley Park with the Dervins on October 12th, I hopped a flight to Rocklin. I wanted to be home for Mike and Charley's visit (and the tour of the wine country we promised them), Kyle's birthday (he's 29) and the Eagles concert tonight here in Sacramento. Tomorrow, the 19th, I fly back to Chicago to pick up the van and continue my way west.

After dunking my feet in the Atlantic I turned southwest and drove to Buffalo where I camped for 2 nights. I took a 9 hour tour of Niagara Falls that ended with a wonderful buffet dinner in the penthouse of a lovely hotel in Canada with a spectacular view of the Falls. The tour included a boat ride into the horseshoe formed by the Falls on the American and Canadian sides. What a ride! That roiling and rolling water, churned green by the minerals content races away down the Niagara River in a Class 6 rapids doing 35 MPH. It's a sight I won't forget.

Neither is the sight of this Mad Max piece of farm gear that I spotted in North Dakota. Can anyone tell me what in the world such a thing does?

Buffalo to Chicago was uneventful. I took the Interstate to pick up a day's travel which turned out to be serendipitus. While getting an oil change in Chicago the attendant pointed out that 3 of my tires were dangerously shot due to slippage of the steel belts beneath the tread. I ordered a set of tires (that size isn't usually stocked because it is a trailer tire with a load rating of C) and Dick Dervin had them installed while I was in Rocklin.. What a guy!

Kathryn surprised Mike and Charley and especially me by revealing, just as we were leaving to tour the Amador Wine Country, the stretch limo parked in front ready to whisk us away on the all day tour. What a surprise! We had a great time and a great visit as we were driven, in style, from winery to winery.

I haven't yet worked out how to share the wealth of photos I have from the trip but once home, early in November, I'll decide on some way to share them with anyone who is interested. Meanwhile, I've scattered a few through this narrative.

I hope I don't have to wait a month before the next entry. But time flies when you're having a good time......

I want to write more from the road but getting a good connection with the Internet has been a problem. Following are some photos from last month that you might find interesting. I did. They don't necessaryily have anything to do with the narrative but I found them interesting anyway.

That's it for this time. Love to all.

Dad/Grandpa

A New Hampshire Morning

2005-10-04T02:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Family,

I've been lucky enough to see a great deal of this vast country from Washington eastward to Maine. Today or tomorrow I'll stick my toes in the Atlantic at Bar Harbor.

Traveling across the country and seeing the beauty of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire and finally, Maine has been a once in a life time experience. I have photos from all those places which I hope to add to this blog or to the family site. That will have to wait until I'm home because getting a good Internet connection on the road has been problematical.

I also spent 4 days driving across Ontario and Quebec Canada. The parks were empty. In 2 of the 3 places I stopped in Canada I was the only person in the entire park. Spooky but nice.

Today I have an appointment with the head of the Norridgewock Historical Museum to see the displays and later visit the oldest cemetary, both of which feature much with the Weston name. Joseph Weston was buried in there in 1777 only a few years after he and another man founded the village of Norridgewock. It's going to be an interesting day.

I'm in a campground outside Skowhegan, a couple of miles from Norridgewock. This town, larger than the other, also is repleat with Westons in its history. The photo is of the main street as it looked yesterday.

Ours is truly a vast and wondrous country and I've met a wide variety of people, all of whom have been pleasant and helpful. While I've visited some interesting cities,lovely towns and quaint villages, they really don't compare, for me, to traveling through the wide open and mostly empty spaces of the great western states.

I'll have more to say and report but that's it for this time.

Grandpa

Two Mikes on the River

2005-09-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

Mike flew into Spokane to spend 4 great days with me in Idaho. We camped on the Salmon River and went white water rafting out of Riggins. We had a smooth ride, a fine guide and an all round good day. We didn't cook much in the van but we did share a bunk with no problems. Our snores drowned out each other's. We ate lots of hearty mountain men meals including eggs, hash browns, toast, sausage, bacon and other artery clogging but delightful dishes including prime rib one night.

I dropped Mike off at the airport in Boise on the 19th and then pointed my nose north east to resume my trip on US 2 to the "other" left coast.

We agreed that Idaho is a marvelous state. The lakes, rivers, timber stands and the wide open spaces are all awesome features of Idaho.

We also toured Spokane, marveling at that lovely city which has a fine river front park. The wagon and 1/2 inch steel runners are all worth a stop and look.

I'm in Glasgow, Montana as I write this, having passed through Idaho entering Glacier National Park. I drove up The Road to the Sun. It's a heart stopping, lip biting drive up a very narrow road chipped into the sheer rock wall that towers thousands of feet over the canyon. Very little of the road has barriers on the edge and when you meet an oncoming car you put your right wheels right on the edge. After about 30 miles of this, all the way to 9,000 feet, you're no longer afriad of heights or you've expired from fear and anxiety. But the views from the top are magnificent.

Weather permitting I will cross North Dakota and reach Minnesota in 2 days. I've logged 2600 miles so far on the trip.

Have fun and watch for more pictures on the family web site. I hope to get it done tonight or tomorrow morning. Or, I may just go back in for a swim in the park's lovely indoor pool.

Cheers,

Grandpa

Call of the open road

2005-09-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

I left Rocklin on the 6th rolling up Highway 99 to Mt. Shasta. The morning of the 7th I worked my way across the coast range to the beaches of Oregon. The next two days I marveled at the awesome dunes, beaches and forests in that state. Crossing the big bridge to Washington I headed for Hoquiam, an old logging town, and spent a wonderful evening with John and Mary Jo McEwan filling out my genealogy files. Next was Seattle where I spent a busy, fun, frenetic few days with Sheila viewing the city in a new light. I had lunch with Jim Weston in a great pub where we caught up on family news and history.

Leaving Seattle I climbed the Cascades to pass from the lush and forested western side to the arid and treeless east side. I stopped in Levenworth, a German Solvang, where I had a killer Polish sausage and a glass of delicious German beer.

I wandered across the rolling valleys of east Washington past Coulee City to Spokane where I am at the moment.

Tomorrow I'll head east or south or whichever way my fancy dictates. I might like to take a jet boat down the Snake River in Hell's Canyon.

That's it for tonight. My love to all the kids, grand kids, great grand kids, in-laws, out-laws and spouses.

Grandpa Mike

Eventful week in the high desert

2005-08-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

ERIN IS OFF TO UNIVERSITY. Erin, Aaron, friend Megan and Chib ferried Erin's belongings to her new dorm at SDSU on Sunddy the 28th. Classes begin on Wednesday. As a transfering Junior she's taking on an awesome load. Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, Algebra and Psychology for starters. Good luck Erin! We're rootin' for you!

Left: Carmel Elementary threw a bbq for parents and children too young to be left on their own. Principal Chris and Asst. Principal Siobhan circulated in the crowd answering questions, offering hot dogs and hamburgers and in general being charming. The event was a success and Chib's kids got to see her in action on the job.

Brenna is responsible for the stunning picture
below of the high desert at it lovliest.
Victorville in the evening.

New Pool Party

2005-08-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

We initiated Chib's new pool, patio and landscaping (the landscaping was a mere 1 hour old!) yesterday. We ate, swam, talked, admired babies and otherwise had a great afternoon and evening. Below are a sampling of photos of the day....more will be on the monthly family page.

Meanwhile here we feature Michelle and Timmy on the Dylan's drums.

More from Sea World Camp

2005-08-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

It looks like the SW campers are getting up close and personal with the water creatures. Brenna is where you'd expect her to be...right up front.

Brenna is at Sea World Camp

2005-08-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Her Mom and Uncle Tim delivered Brenna on Saturday to Sea World Camp for a week's experience working with sea creatures. She earned this adventure by making the Principal's Honor Role this year. Brenna has been a fan of the big marine creatures, especially Orcas, ever since she was a little girl.

To see photos of her at camp, use the link on the sidebar to the right.

Westons of Valley Center

2005-08-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

A new photo of the beautiful Michelle and the ever growing Timothy. This boy must be off the growth charts. He'll soon be bigger than his sister.

Forgot to mention swimming.....

2005-08-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

We did a lot of swimming during Frances' stay in Rocklin. In daily 100+ temps what else can one best do?

Play ball!

2005-08-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Friday night, Frances, Kathryn and I went to the Sacramento River Cats vs. the Albuquerque Isotopes. We had great seats, right behind home plate, in the shade and just steps from the beer and hot dog concessions. Best of all, the Cats won 8-5.

Saturday Jake drove Frances and me to Lake Tahoe to see the classic wooden boat show. The boats are truly awesome. We had a great trip and a great lunch right on the lake.

The rest of the week we filled up with cycling, movies, swimming, gardening, visiting Old Sac, restaurants and ice cream cones.

Wednesday came and we had to deliver Frances home to Mt. Shasta. We took the van for a run and a mini shake down cruise. All systems performed excellently. We can't wait for Frances to visit us again.

A boat in the boat show - Concours de elegance

2005-08-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

This is but a sample of the boats shown. Never was fine furniture finished more beautifully.

Frances' visit to Rocklin

2005-08-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

Frances is here with us for a week. Never long enough. But we intend to have some serious fun. Besides playing cards, reading, and going to the movies, she's also fixing kabobs for dinner tonight. Later we'll watch a movie at home.

Tomorrow night we're going to watch the Sacramento River Cats play the Arizona Isotopes in Sacramento at Raley Field. Most of the family knows that Frances is a fine ball player and has already traveled as far as Eugene while playing on the Mount Shasta team. This will be her first time watching a minor league match up and we're all looking forward to watching it from the Senator Seat section. Today though, we put her culinary skills to work for tonight's dinner.

Saturday we're going to the wooden boat show at Lake Tahoe. Next week we'll probably go swimming at the lake. With only 3 weeks of summer vacation left, Frances wants to get all the fun in that she can. Who can blame her?

To collect Frances yesterday I drove to Red Bluff and Grandpa Geno brought the family down from Mt. Shasta...including the rapidly growing Ella. We had lunch before departing our separate ways but I was able to get an updated photo of Ella before they left.

Grandpa Mike

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIOBHAN!

2005-08-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

I remember well the day you were born Chib. You were the smallest of the babies, weighing in at just under 9 pounds. You were a beautiful baby with a happy disposition.

We were all delighted with your arrival.

Have a happy day in the company of family, friends and colleagues.

Happy Birthday!!

Love,

Dad

Way to go Chib!

2005-07-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

Last night our Chib collected a Master of Arts Degree and an Admin. Cred. after two years of an impossible schedule teaching days and attending classes at night while raising a family on her own. And she managed it all while earning a GPA of 4.0! Now that's something to be proud of and we are indeed proud of you Chib.

Photo: celebrating with Brenna and Dylan. Erin was out of town working and had to miss the graduation which was a spendid affair at Azusa Pacific University.

Siobhan also started her new job as Assistant Principal of Carmel Elementary school in Hesperia.

A job well done Chib.

Dad

Tim's Birthday

2005-07-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Tim, where are you? A lot of people have been looking for you to wish you a merry and happy birthday today, the 29th of July. You must be having fun somewhere....we hope so and especially considering that you're a grandfather.

This picture of you was taken sometime in the 70s and shows the steely eyed dedication of a serious football fan. All the best for a fun filled and action packed birthday.

Love,

Dad

Happy Birthday Grandpa Jack - 1893 - 1968

2005-07-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Dumont W. Weston was born on July 28th 1893 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, one of 6 children of a prominent lumber dealer. He left home at 12 or 14, according to his story or his brother's, to lead a colorful life as everything from lab assistant at the University of Chicago, to delivering ice to Chicago speakeasies, to farm laborer in North Dakota, to carney barker in a traveling carnival through much of the Midwest.

He was in North Dakota when W.W.I. broke out so he, and all the men in town, joined the local National Guard and were immediately mobilized. He was sent to South Carolina for basic training then to New York and a troop ship bound for France.

After his discharge he returned to Chicago and opened an ice business. In 1918 He married Agnes Galvin, the daughter of a Chicago policeman. He and Agnes had four children. Jeanne and Jack were born in Chicago. On a vacation trip to Los Angeles Agnes found it a better place to raise a family than Chicago and refused to return to Chicago. Dumont (Jack) sold his business and moved to California. Gary and Michael were born in Los Angeles.

Sadly, Agnes died in 1939 2 days after Christmas. He was to be married 3 or 4 more times, outliving all but his last wife, Lila Lee, who lived well into her 90s.

Grandpa Jack was a fun loving, colorful and entertaining man. Uncle Gary once observed that Grandpa Jack pretty much devoted his life to having a ball. And he was, for the most part, successful.

Brenna's visit

2005-07-25T23:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks everybody for the replies and the encouraging words. The nice part about a blog is that it is immediate. No waiting for the end of the month to receive what is usually old news by then. I won't post as many photos here but at least they shouldn't be more than a day or so old by the time you see them . So please get any photos you want to share with the family as soon as you can.

For example, Brenna is spending a few days with us because her Mom's working, Dylan is with his Dad and Erin is working the summer camp. Therefore Brenna would be alone all day. We'll take her back home when we go south to watch her Mom receive her graduate degree.

Brenna has been taking diving lessons and now uses the 3 meter board. She made the cheer leading squad at school and ended the year on the Principal's Honor Roll List.

Chib's pool has water in it but as yet hasn't been officially approved for swimming. However someone couldn't quite wait for the final word and dunked her toes in early. However by now it should be ready for use and we can't wait to jump in when we arrive in VV later this week.

Soon after we return from VV Frances will join us for a week. More fun and more photo ops for Grandpa and as we tour Sacramento's sights including Lake Folsom. Frances has earned a spot on a local baseball team which travels around the state and sometimes out of the state. We're looking forward to seeing her in action.

That's it for tonight. Take care of each other.

2005-07-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

These two photos arrived today from Loris in Utah. She and Carlin are the very proud parents of new baby Andalyn Mae Orton, born July 8th at 0830 in Ogden, UT. Andalyn weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and was 19 inches tall.
Andalyn and Mother Loris are fine and the boys, Carlin and Logan are delighted.

We're all very happy for Loris and her lovely family and offer our heartiest congratulations to the wonderful parents and the lucky children they have produced.

First issue of Grandpa Mike's Blog

2005-07-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

This is the first issue of what I hope will be a long lasting, informatiive and fun site for the family to meet, report and comment on events happening throughout the extended family.

If this works well, this will be the place where I can report from my cross country camping odyssey which I expect to begin just after Labor Day.

You can all post to this site with family news, comments on what has already been posted and suggestions on how we can make it better.

We can also post photos which would, in a way, be better than waiting for the family site to be updated monthly.

Okay, this is a test. Let's see how it looks.

Gpa Mike