Merry Christmas 2013

To our dear family and friends, 

One of the favorite parts of our Christmas season, is to take a moment to  reconnect with  all the special people in our life like YOU.

 You are a part of our extended family and important to us.  We love your notes or calls, emails and Facebook postings, visits to SB or stop overs.  Thank you so much.  We are grateful for your friendship and love.  

Our #1 highlight this year  to share with you was the birth of our first grandchild Laura Paige. She was born May 28th ( my birthday) to Ryan and Tina. We welcomed her with love and kisses and treasure each and every moment we have with her.    

Rachel and Johan enjoy living and working in San Diego , with Johan commuting many miles for teaching at Occidental and UC Riverside.  Phillip continues to work in the area of finance and research along with many other interests and pursuits.  

Last year at this time Fritz and I cruised the Danube, Budapest to Nuremburg with my cousins. We experienced Christmas in 3 countries, along with the food and lovely traditions.  

Our other highlight was our family reunion with the Schirm and Scribe family in Lake Tahoe over the July 4th weekend.  It was a wonderful time for all with family activities and fun for the 35 plus family members to have this time together and enjoy each other.  Most special was our cruise across the Lake celebrating my Uncle Rene and Aunt Phyllis 50th anniversary.   Thankful for  family and our times together.  

Fritz and I stay busy with many new friends and interests.  He looks forward to anytime he can go out on the go carts, or take out the 1927 Buick.  We are both getting the itch to travel again also next year.  I am involved with MOPS on Wednesdays, and I teach art in private lessons, and at Bethel house on Tuesdays.  I am also on Auxiliary at the Rescue Mission which keeps me quite busy.  Trips up north have been few.  Mammoth and Tahoe and the bay area.  Mostly we travel to San Diego and Fountain Valley.  But I love to see my family and friends, and make a point when we drive north or south to visit with anyone we can.  Friends and Family are the best.   

Love you all, 

Fritz and Lorette 

Pictures: 1.  Laura is dressed like a doll in the actual baptismal gown made by my Grandmother Laurette Scribe.  

2.  Family Reunion Schirm/ Scribe on Lake Tahoe July 4th weekend. 

3.  Fritz with his 1927 Buick took 2nd place for most original car ( original condition). in the Special Olympics Cars and Coffee September 22.  What you don't see is the old set of hickory golf clubs that had its own side door on this car. 

4.  Thanksgiving with Dottie and Steve,  Fritz' Mom and Brother.  

   

Happy Anniversary #39

Dear Family,

Its been a while since I have posted to this blog.  Facebook kinda replaces this, but actually I want to print up this blog, so I am going to post a bit again now.  

 

 Short version:   Today is special because it is our Anniversary of 39 years.  Also it is the 3rd anniversary of my sister Jill's passing.   When I think of part of the traditional marriage vows… "For better for worse, richer or poorer … in sickness and in health…".  We certainly are experiencing this.  But these few weeks are really just a blip on our calendar.  I watched as Casey and Jill lived her last 4 years dealing with cancer.   So my prayer is still "thank you Lord for 39 years.  And let us make this time the best it can be"  Next year #40  i think I would like to party.  ( and go on a family trip too)   

LONGer VERSION:  Today Fritz and I Celebrated our 39th Anniversary with just a little flair.  Even though we are at home to keep Fritz as comfortable as possible during his eye surgery recovery, I wanted to do something special today.    The romantic in me likes a pretty setting.  I set out the dishes my Grandmother gave me as a wedding present, and I went and ordered dinner from one of our favorite places and brought it home.  We had a little sunset dinner looking out to our own yard.  I used the napkin rings that belong to my grandparents too.  Laure and Henry  were married 53 years before he died and survived separations in WW1, WW2 and all kinds of difficult times and changes in their lives.  My Grandfather also escaped from his camp in WW1 and made his way by foot at night for 3 months from Poland to Belgium to find my Grandmother again in 1918.   So going back to Fritz, when I married him, i believed I had found someone I could be married to 50 years like my grandparents.   I wanted the real thing!   What I have come to realize is that the Lord is the one  I need to depend on.  His faithfulness to us carries us through the good times and the not so good times.   

 "For better for worse, richer or poorer … in sickness and in health…".  We continue on ….  

Last night we also had the visit of wonderful friends from church  Dave and Kim Newton.  It was good to catch up with them and they blessed us with their prayers and fellowship.   I gotta see the funny pictures they took.    For those of you not on FB, Here is the picture I put on my page. I made that dress and I still have it.  French Lace of course.  I used it later for dress up costume for Rachel and Carrie growing up.  I don't even try to put it on now.   

    Happy Anniversary Fritz!    You keep me smilin"  

Happy fall.   

The leaves are falling here in northern California, and the warm days are suddenly very crispy and cool.    I am headed back to Santa Barbara today, after 10 days up north in Pleasanton/Livermore.  Fall reminds us that life goes on,  the colors of the leaves change and there is a beauty like no other time of year.  I love the Fall!    Each year I usually experience this more by going to Kansas City and seeing all the red leaf maples, or to Mammoth with the beautiful yellow Aspen trees.  But this year was different.  

I have had a new adventure of sorts.  Anyway, it has been a new experience for me anyway.  But I guess our lives are all an adventure, so this is just mine. 

 The last 10 days. I have been the " Mama Bear" as we would say remembering my Mom. My sister Jill asked me 2 years ago to be the "Mama Bear" for her girls when they had their babies since she could not be here.  Our Mom came and stayed with each one of us when we had our babies.  ( and she had 12 grand babies).   Sooooo here I am, and what an amazing experience.   My neice Bonnie has had her 2nd baby, a little boy named Colby.    Since she would be in the hospital for 3-5 days with a csection I came up to care for Casen her 1  and 1/2 year old while his Mommy And Daddy were in the hospital having baby brother #2.  That was an experience in itself.  Hanging out with a one and 1/2 year old  Casen, day  and night is something I will never forget.  So much fun!   And so much constant attention!   I totally enjoyed myself and I totally am thankful I had my kids when I was young!  We hung out at the parks,  walked the dog, played lots of games,  cooked and cleaned and visited the hospital to meet his little brother.  It was pretty exciting.  

 I am so glad that I did this also.  With tears I choke up remembering my sister Jill.   We have so many lessons of life we learned together growing up and the lessons from her life as she endured the cancer treatments and operations over 4 years.   Most importantly I remember her selflessness.   No matter how bad she felt someone was always having it worse and she reached out to them --Meals, a hand, a friendship call,  whatever she could do.    Jill was always there.  Together we were able to pull together so many family reunions over the years.  Getting 12 Grandkids and their family all together plus my Uncle's family is no easy task.   But we did do it together, and now we see the fruit of pulling together and supporting each other.  

Something else that touched me last  week was at her church Cornerstone.   The pastor talked about Nehemiah and reaching out into your commmunity and family.   I realize how in our family over many generations,  we have reached out to each other.   Over the years acts of selfless caring for each other is the glue that helps make our family close to each other and want to stick together.  For me to see how God has used me in other lives touches my soul.  We truly are HIs Hands reaching out to our own family and friends.  ( My Nehemiah lesson). 

One more thing,  today the birthday day of my "Bonne Mama".  My Grandmother Laure Scribe  was born Nov.4 1894.  Quite a long time ago.  But I remember her a lot these days.  I have translated her memories ( 200 pages)  into the beginning of a book.  If you read this far, then perhaps you would enjoy the book I am working on.  I am only to chapter 8 at this time.  I have re edited 1894- 1918.  More to come.  Check out BonJourBonneMama.com    Let me know what you think.   Its been a work in progress for the last 2 years.       Love to all especially to my family.   LH

Hello End of Summer,

It has been a very busy time since my last post.  August and now September has seen us all over California and now we are in Hawaii.   What a privilege to be able to travel like this.  We are enjoying the life we have together for this period of time.   For myself, I will try to catch up.

Since Fritz and I have this new old 1927 Buick, it has been fun to experience different car shows.  The biggest one we have ever hear of is the Grand car show of all in Carmel  August 15-20.  We joined some friends up there to see 100's of fabulous old cars, and watch the Vintage car show at Laguna Seca.  Included is a picture of Fritz next to a car originally owned by Steve McQueen a favorite  movie star of the "Great Escape".    Then we were up to Napa to visit with my sister Nicky and her husband Tom.  We cruised the river in their boat.  Then the next day we made our up to the Sierras to Lake Tahoe.  The peacefulness of sitting on the lake, watching the clouds, stand up paddle, or birds cruise through the skies was just heavenly.  We were able to see my cousin Laurie, and her husband Justin, and play with their little one Leo.  Then off to Mammoth and our cabin maintenance times.  Fishing for Fritz,  lake side for me again.  Biking and Hiking are my favorites here.    We headed home in time for a boat cruise in the harbor.  and visit with many friends.   Needless to say, "we were never home", it seems.

So now at the end of August we prepared to make a special trip to Orange county.  It was Steve 's 60th and we had very special plans for him.    On Saturday of Labor day weekend, we had a first ever gathering of all the Harnsberger's.  19 of us.  Steve's kids came down from Idaho and made this "the big surprise".  Jennifer and Link's family and our family complete all the Harnsberger's that we know.
Soooooo special.  What a day! Steve's surprise was his little grand daughter Erica walking up behind him and tapped him on his shoulder and said " Hey Mister, will you come play with me?"   He turned around wondering what was up, saw his Grand daughter and all his kids who had walked up behind him.  Needless to say , we were all full of happy tears for Steve to be with his family and share this moment with all of them.

A few days later Fritz and I were off to Hawaii for our 38th anniversary.  We had a few days with my nephew Kyle and  his Aimee in Oahu, visited the USS Arizona National Memorial park, and had a nice afternoon on the North Shore.  2 places we had never been to.  Then on to Maui and a very restful quiet week with surf, sunsets, turtles,  and beautiful beaches.  Fritz is off surfing right now.  We especially love the warm waters, compared to our cold ones in SB.

In the midst of all this, my dear cousin Chuck Robert's, Harriette's husband passed away early in the morning of Sept.4.  from stomach cancer.  He was a very dear man, gentle, loving and a wonderful father to 4 great kids.  I had a chance to walk around the hospital floor with the two of them  before we left on our trips. I (we) had no idea he was so close to his final days.  He always said good bye with a kiss to the cheek, a sweet comment and a thank you.  His passing included the most beautiful sunset of the year in Santa Barbara, surrounded by his family.  What a special tribute to a special guy.


I remember summers of the Past 1990, 1996, 2000 and 2006  that particularly stick out in my mind.  I think this is one of the those summers also.  Life is very full, and every day has special joys or sorrows.  I am intent on thinking, remembering, and learning from it all.  I am glad for this time of reflection that I have each day in Hawaii. and I am making the time to write and reflect.  I am also writing my Grandmother's memories -- "Bon Jour Bonne Mama".  I am sure my past English teacher/nuns would be shocked to see this.  I was never the creative writer.  But God Rest and Bless their souls.    So if you have read this, you are really reading my personal reflections.   I am thankful for my life and what I can enjoy.  Yet the greatest joy comes form helping others,  Being a part of their lives also.  Reaching out, and forgetting about myself, and letting God use me to touch someone.  An elderly, an invalid, a toddler, and young mom, or one of the special ladies at the rehab center where I volunteer each week.   That's where my ministry lies,   I remember one of the early bible studies Kate Smith taught on Titus 2"  The older shall teach the younger".  So this is where I am in life now.    I enjoy the travels,  and being places I have never been.  But more importantly are the friends and people we meet.



   Billowing clouds,  rainbows and sunsets are a part of our days, each day here in Maui.  It truly is a paradise here.     Thank you Lord for each day you have given us.

Hugs and Kisses to everyone,

Lorette  

Hello Summer blogger friends,

It has been a very busy summer this year.  We have had lots of company and friends and places and things to do.  I am very blessed by the opportunities we have had.  

In June we had a relaxing trip to Mammoth, our only trip so far.  Then a nice Father's day weekend with Tina and Ryan, and next a birthday weekend with Rachel and Johan and all their friends.  

Then in July we Celebrated the 4th by being in the Montecito Village 4th of July parade, as you can see from the pictures.  Carrie and her family were with us for the week.  What fun we had.  

The following weekend, Fritz had a boat trip and I attended the French festival with a dear friend Nichole..  Next we had company with old friend and new friends who stayed in our studio the rest of the month.  Tina and Ryan were up again  for his birthday,  And next we made a trip down to San Diego which included a visit with Grandma and Steve, visit and dinner with the kids, Horse races in Del Mar, Art shows in Laguna Beach, checking in with Phil and all his hard work on his house, and more visits with friends down south.    Day in and day out, we have been blessed with many friends and family visiting.  

August has started with a big Fiesta weekend.  Lots to look forward too this month.    Its been great to be in Santa Barbara so much this year instead of our usual driving back and forth to Mammoth or up north.  Though we missed having a family reunion this year in July, we are all looking forward to September and our next family gathering for nephew Sean's wedding day.    

Memorial Day Memories 2012

May 28, 2012
Happy Memorial Day!           ( American Cemetery -- Normandy France)
 
 " Greater Love has no man than to be able to give up his life for another".  I am thankful for the note today at church addressing how it is important to remember those who have been lost, giving their lives for the life of others.   Being a student of history and WW2 I have learned so much about all the wars that have been fought, and are being fought now.

Memorial day brings back memories for me of going to Forest Lawn in Glendale for the Memorial day services.  Both my Grandfather's fought in WW1, with my Bonne Papa  a prisoner of war through most of 4 1/2 years. 1914-1918.  My Father and his brother served in WW2 and my brother was in Boy scouts earning his Eagle badge then.  I have a picture in my mind always of the 3 generations walking forward and saluting the flag.  My brother was the bugle player then.
This is how I spent my birthdays growing up.  I am a Memorial day baby.  And now after all these years its pretty special to think I can celebrate my birthday on such a special day.

One of the most touching places I have ever been is the American Cemetery in France, above the Omaha beaches of DDay.   I went there in 2004 with Rachel and 2 of her friends.  There were over 350 unknown soldiers here.  Young men who were never able to see their families again, or perhaps even have a family.  As we were walking around I met 2 such elderly men, who had actually landed at the DDay beaches.  I don't remember their names now.  I think one was Jack.  He had landed on June 6 or Day 2.  The other elderly gentleman had landed one week later.   They were touring with Operation Overlord I believe.  It's a tour group that took former Veteran's on battlefield tours with their families.  They had been to the Dover shores, and now were in Normandy.  What an experience for all of them.  I am sure they are gone now, almost 8 years later, but the memory lives on.

Back to my story though now.  I had said thank you for serving.  I was honored to meet them, heroes from WW2.  ( I just think of every VET as a hero).    They told me they were not the heroes.  Those men buried there in the fields were the heroes.  They had given the ultimate sacrifice.  They  had had lives well lived.  Families, children and grandchildren.  These men in the field, each buried under one of the white crosses never had a chance.  They are the heroes.  And their were there to honor the fallen heroes.

  I remember my Dad,  my grandfathers,  and Uncles.  My Dad was in transportation Corp in Belgium for the Bulge.    Uncle Clem was a tank driver, and was in battles from  Cherbourg all the way to Germany and VE day.  Uncles Joe, Clem, and Uncle Mike were in Battle of the Bulge.  Joe was shot the first day in battle, but survived.     I think about those who did not make it back.  My Uncle Alain, Mom's brother, who died because he was part of the Belgian Resistance.    He lived for 2 1/2 years in the concentration camp system, as a laborer.  He was sent to a camp called Sonnenberg a political prisoner camp.   He never made it back.

  I do remember, and I honor these men because they understood the meaning of serving their country.
Now today. ....   Memorial Day, I like to reflect back on that time.  I understand better now than I did as  young girl.  Do remember those who have gone before you.  It's not depressing  but honoring.    I am glad to have the memories of different Veteran's events honoring our fallen.  And I am glad to share my birthday with such an honor. 

And I will pray for those who are serving us now.  Especially Cousin Charlie!     That is an honor too.     LH

Our Boston Trip May 2012

Our Boston trip now comes to a close.  Getting ready to hurry and wait.  We are on standby for an earlier flight back to LA.    We shall see if we are so lucky. It's overbooked by one right now.  Sooooo  I thought I might as well take the time to reflect about the week.  

Looking back -- Friday.....

I think one of my highlights of the week was browsing the art galleries of Boston with Dorian on the famous Newton St.   We saw so many beautiful examples of different types of creative expressions in art.  I loved many of the galleries we went to.  But we only got to 2 blocks worth of galleries  before it was time to head back to our apartment.  Fritz took us for a nice sail in the little harbor near the Boston Half shell.  ( and MIT  sailing center).   Then off we went to Graduation for Johan.    

This last Friday  was filled with fun, and friends for Johan and Rachel.  After so many 1000 of hours of research and writing and editing,  Johan is finally a PHD.  Onward to be professor hopefully soon.  He is in the process of applying to different fellowship options.   Boston University graduated 6500 students altogether.  There were 205 PHD students. Eric Schmidt was the special speaker -- Ceo of google.  His message included  -- "this graduating class is more connected than any generation ever,  anywhere".  I do see that with this generation.   All our children  stay connected with friends all over the world.  With texting, skype, face time, face book,  cell phones, smart phones, and computers and Ipads, we have a whole new world.  With our 60's generation,  Fritz and I are  always just trying to keep up.  I think we are doing ok in the department.  We shall see if we can keep up with all the new technologies.  

Saturday we were happily off to shop in Boston. Rachel's knows all the places with great deals.  And then I was taking Fritz back to the art galleries.   That evening we had a fine party and celebration of Johan's accomplishments.  joined by his many friends as Rachel had arranged.  ( I mentioned about this in the blog before)       

Sunday we slept in.  The kids were up very very late.  Fritz and I walked in the beautiful Boston Gardens.  Dorian and Fred went bike riding along the St. Charles river, as Fritz had done the day before.    We just relaxed.  We did make a trip to the Isabella Gardner ART Museum in the afternoon.  It is a 3 story home full of art work collected over a lifetime.  Tapestries and sculptures, paintings of all kinds. Sort of a San Simeon Hearst Castle on a small scale.      Very small but enjoyable.  

Monday morning we were up early for a good start to Martha's Vineyard.  I must say, moving out of the apartment was quite the accomplishment.  All over Boston students were moving out of their apartments, getting ready for their trips home.  We just had suitcases to lug down stairs.  They had so much more.  Anyway, we rented a car, and then made our way back to the Beacon hill apartment, to lug 6 floors down all our suitcases.  I think there were 12 of them, plus all the handbags, shopping bags,  plus our left over groceries, etc.  Needless to say, we did not fit into a chevy Tahoe.  No worries.  a Mini van was a better fit for 6 people plus luggage and cheaper by $40 a day.  Yeah! We saved over $100 on this deal.    and then......  off we go.  Onward to Wood's Hole, in the boot of Cape Cod.  

We made it in plenty of time to meet the Ferry, drive a car on board ( new experience for us for sure)  and pleasantly make our way to Cape Cod  and Martha's Vineyard.    If you have never experienced the East coast, let me tell you that the first thing I ever noticed was the forests of green trees and bushes.  Whether you are driving  or flying.  the Land is mostly flat.  And Green. Bright Green in the Spring like we have experienced.  Weather changes from sunny to foggy, to beautiful at this time of year.  Humidity is unbearable  in the Summer.  BUT WE ARE HERE IN SPRING!  So wonderful.     Also you will notice the beautiful homes all neat "Salt boxes".  Cape Cod style is really a style. aged wood siding, or bricks.  Lots of white wood trimmed windows and doors.  And shuttered windows everywhere on every house.  No stucco walls like California, or mix of styles like in Santa Barbara.  No Italian villas, Spanish colonial styles and early or late Calif.  houses.  Just Cape Cod style.  I do find I like the continuity.  Adds a lot of charm to the area.  

Martha's Vineyard is the same.  It is an original fishing, whaling town from the 1600's.  In 1999 I went on an East Coast trip with Casey and Jill, and their 2 younger kids.  We went to Martha's Vineyard for a very short ferry ride, 5 hours wandering around Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, had a bowl of great Clam chowder and headed back on the last ferry of the day.  At that time, I had told myself,  I want to come back here.  It was one of the charmingest little cities I had every experienced.  I loved it.    In 2009 I had a girlfriend trip back here with marilyn ( celebrated 40 years of friendship)  and now finally I was able to take Fritz and at least part of my family back.       I can see why people have 2nd homes in the vineyard.  It really is a wonderfully peacefull place to visit, or live.  The Vineyard has about 15, 000 year round residents, and grows to about 80,000 in the summer.  Plus all the day visitors from the East coast looking to cool off along the coast.  

So in Martha's Vineyard we discovered grand cuisine Island style --- I loved the crab cakes at the Atlantic fish company. They are a work of Art.    Clam chowder and the lobster rools, Tomatoe Bisque and not to forget the truffle fries!  An expericence not to forget.    Needless to say we ate everything.    We stayed at the family compound of a friend.  This farm has been in their family I understand for 200 years.  It is heaven on earth to me.  So peaceful and relaxing.  I felt so at home. 

Tuesday was a nice day to take a scenic drive around the Island.  Its only 6 miles long, full of beaufitul scenic places to see.  Especially charming lighthouses.  After experiencing so many different weather conditions in our few short days, I can see why the light houses are so important.  There was wind, rain, fog, and quiet areas on the island, changing very quickly from place to place. 

Tuesday night we decided that it would be our special night to cook again.  When you are with Dorian and FRed.  They like to cook culinary delights and they like to eat well.   Soooooo   Fred made some wonderful Austrian style veenersnitichel (sp?)  and Dorian made a traditional Holland style Belgian Endive and ham dish.  I will try to replicate this next week for sure.  Rachel created a lovely strawberry whip cream cake.  It was most similar to the cover lately of Martha Stewart magazine.  

Our last day,  Wednesday, the sun came out  beautifully.  Perfect day for a nice bike ride.  Off we went to Edgartown and we road bikes around the cute little town. Then off of Chappaquidick island.    This island is small and quaint with miles and miles of sandy shoreline.  We biked to a hidden Japaneze garden called Mytoi.  A peaceful place to walk around.  Then we rode on to an area called Podge???  Not sure. But anyway,  this bridge became sadly famous when one of our past MA senators sadly had fatal episode here back in the 70's or early 80's.   It was a very narrow bridge, and very shallow water.  How someone drowned here is very surprising indeed.  

We continued riding around the island, going to the most eastern tip of the USA .  Closest to Spain.    then finally back to the Ferry to MV Island.  It was a 3-4 hour day of riding.  I am definitly the slow poke.  Tortoise and the hare..  I am the tortoise,  slow and steady, moving along and not at break neck speed.  But when we are all done,  guess who still has energy!!!!       

Thursday we are headed home.  It will be a very long day of travel.  Ferry crossing, driving,  waiting at the airport, long flights and bus trip home from LAx.  Right now I am typing away, thinking back through our week.  Thankful to be on our way home.  Thankful to have had the opportunity to experience  this special place.     

I think my dream would be to come back again, only as an artist, and bring other artist friends.  We all could paint all day some of the lovely scenes of the area.   I noticed an art school in Edgartown.  Hmmmmmm   Maybe for a future time.????  

Anyway, if you got this far,  that's pretty good.  Thank for joining me as I Journaled this far.  

LH

Happy Graduation Day for Johan!
 He now has his PHD.   Many years working on his dissertation to get this far!   He is an expert in European History, International Studies, and really an expert is all that is going on in the world daily.  You have a question?,,,,  You have heard of "Ask Jeeves". ... Well I say, "Ask Johan".  Watch out though,  you may get a 5 page answer to your question.  Be ready......

Just so everyone knows,  we are all so very proud of him.  It has been really a treat to be in Boston for this event with Dorian and Fred. Rachel  had been in touch with many east coast friends, who all showed up last night to celebrate with Johan and Rachel.  ( Rachel had planned a special surprise 30th Birthday and Graduation celebration for Johan).  The farthest friend came from Germany even. Amazing friends.

Special advise every one gives to Johan " Get a Job"........ Easier said than done these days. He has been applying all over the world actually.  Research fellowships,  teaching positions, etc etc.   We are hoping and praying for good opportunities for Johan and Rachel.   We shall see what their next opportunity will be.  ....  So if you have connections out there, be sure to let us know.

An Addition:   Johan's dissertation was "Party Systems change in the Netherlands: Intra-Party Cohesion, Discourse, and the Socio-Cultural Cleavage "  How is that for a mouthful!  Lots of research and over 50 interviews for the base of his work.

Tomorrow the adventure continues......  Off to Martha's Vineyard.  Rain or shine.  ....