"I am the breadman, they are the breadman. 

I am the walrus, goo goo g'joob"

Ho ho ho, hee hee hee, ha ha ha... Sorry, couldn't resist.  So many Beatle songs, so many choices!

Supper at the picnic table- check out the tin TV dinners! 

Nicholaus Joel was born on August 27, 1957.  He was the seventh child and the youngest of my six brothers. 

Nic was named after our maternal grandfather, with a possible nod to my Uncle Nick as well.

When my parents moved from Lakewood to Massillon back in 1974, Nic became the oldest of the four children to make the cut.  My parents abandoned the older five birds along with the nest! 

Jan had long ago flown the coop.

with the parents

The Kucera Family

Nic married Lori and fathered Zachary and Trevor. 

Today they live in a cabin down south in the Atwood Lake region.  He is the proud grandfather to Joni Lynn.  

And yes, he IS a "breadman" by default but at  heart and soul, he is a "lensman"!

beautiful beautiful beautiful boys

the little cabin in the woods

musical ability is in the genes

Nic is a talented and skilled wedding photographer.

For years he "practiced" at his older sibling's weddings and developed the expertise and eye necessary to capture those once in a lifetime shots.

He also photographs sports teams, shoots senior pictures and has entered and won many contests in local art shows.

His assistant extraordinaire is wife Lori, who is able to utilize the computer and her scrapebooking knowledge to take the photos to new heights.
They are an inventive and more than capable team and I know the future looks bright for their dream of a photography studio.

Meanwhile, he labors away in his "day job" until he can make the move.

the shutterbugs

Here is hoping it is a short term goal and that the breadman is soon a distant memory.

Yesterday we gathered together to help celebrate his 55th birthday.
Happy Birthday, brother!

"Hau`oli Lā Hānau"

Greetings on your birthday, in Hawaiian!   

Kani (or Kaniele for Daniel) is celebrating his birthday this year somewhere on the Islands of Hawaii.  Lucky.
Wish I were there... no, REALLY, I wish I were there!!
Daniel Warren was born August 20, 1954- the fourth son of a preacher man.
He is the Executive chef for the Washington Convention Center and, hold your breath ladies, according to his Facebook status, he is presently single!

Danny is the most adventuresome of my siblings and he has traveled the world in search of  unusual and culturally unique cuisines.
From the jungles of South America to the Peruvian mountain tops and beyond, Danny has explored back alley kitchens and tasted the strange delicacies of the local street vendors.
He is an Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern wannabe.
I am more of a Bob Evan's girl, myself.

a frankfurter and beer in Frankfurt

Although I was fortunate to have accompanied him and my parents on a memorable trip to our father's homeland, the former Republic of Czechoslovakia, back in 1992.
Even now I can recall the unusual dishes prepared for our dining pleasure by our well meaning relatives, most especially the infamous "fat sandwich".  My eyes still water and I suppress a gag from the mere memory of it.
We fared far better while touring Germany, Hungary and  Austria, especially sampling those fabulous meals on the trains.  Who will ever forget the taxi driver's reaction when he saw our mountain of luggage: "Spectacular!"  He said it was the heaviest load he had ever carried.  And this was before luggage was on wheels.  Danny and I carried each and every piece from country to country.
Thank you, Danny, for allowing me to tag along on the adventure of a lifetime!

The Bratislava relatives

Your horoscope for today:
This is a year in which you might put your life in order in some manner. Improved concentration, a more realistic outlook, and a practical awareness of the limits of time all help you to make steady progress, particularly in your career. Your concern for your future this year is stronger than usual, and you may find that projects you start, or investments you make, this year will benefit you for years to come. The key to success this year is adopting a realistic, practical, disciplined, and orderly approach to your life.

where's the beef?

LEO:  Keywords: Creative, Generous, Flamboyant, Egotistical, Selfish, Attention-seeker, Optimistic
The Leo lover is devoted, creative and almost too hot to handle! Since Leo rules the heart and back, however, overzealous Lions may have to take a deep breath and slow down a bit. 

a beautiful family 

The great strengths of the Leo-born are their creativity, idealism and leadership. Lions don't lack for ambition, either, so they're likely to accomplish a lot -- and have fun while they're at it. Their warmth and loyalty ensures that others will enjoy the ride as well.

still friends

"Welcome back, Cotter" days

star of the play Johnny Appleseed

There's no other love like the love for a brother.  There's no other love like the love from a brother.  ~Terri Guillemets

I don't believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers.  It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage.  Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at.  ~Maya Angelou

A friend is a brother who was once a bother.  ~Author Unknown

father and son today

"Oh, Danny boy!"

A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.  ~Author Unknown

Our brothers and sisters are there with us from the dawn of our personal stories to the inevitable dusk.  ~Susan Scarf Merrell

Giddy Up Cowpoke

Me and my trusty steed

Last week I went horseback riding with my friend Faith, four of her seven kids and 18 of their 69 cousins.
Yes, they even outsize the Kucera clan!

Each member of the Lanshe family has a minimum of five kids.

We only average1.2 offspring per sibling. (I guess I didn't contribute my fair share)

Embarrassed by my size and feeling too guilty
to put the horse through that much discomfort, Faith and I sat out the riding experience that day.
(Al tho the cowboys assured me they had a mixed draft horse that could easily accommodate me.)
Might as well bring me a Clydesdale!!!


Ironically, the name of the place was Faith Ranch!

these boots were made for walkin'

here comes dinner!

Located in south eastern Ohio (Jewett), it was just an hour and twenty minutes drive through sceneic backroads and country lanes.

With all of the hustle and bustle of city living, take a moment to step away from it all and experience the peace and tranquility to be found at Faith Ranch

Faith Ranch blends the best of people with the best of nature to paint that clear picture of the wonders of God, oh yeah and you get to ride horses as a bonus.

 I was impressed that all the staff were patient and considerate of both the rider and the horse.  So lay back and unhurried, they took extra steps to optimize everyone's ranch experience.
They even had special mounting decks to easily get on and off the horses.
With arthritis and weak wrists and increased weight concerns, this is definitely something I will appreciate and take advantage of next time.
Also their rates are very reasonable ($20 per hour). They even have overnight accommodations with perks like campfires, hayrides, barn dances and real cowboy chow!
And so, as the sun sets in the West, I will borrow words from Roy Rogers and end with "Happy Trails to you... until we meet again!"

instructional tutorial

petting zoo

mini horses

7,000 private acres to explore