My Own Blog

Since I'm pretty new at this and since I'm probably too old to be doing this sort of thing, I hope this all works out as it is supposed to.

Having said that, let me share with you some of the GEHRING NEWS. This photo is our family at a Luau in Hawaii. Pat was here on R & R from Iraq. He's holding MaryClare (4 yrs.) who just couldn't stay awake any longer. In the picture are also his wife, Victoria, there son, Victor and Irene & I.

As much as MaryClare is all girl, Victor is all boy. Grandma Irene is with him in this picture.

MaryClare

One thing that for which I'm pretty sure is that MaryClare is the first Gehring to be born a redhead and that's all from her mom. MaryClare recently turned 4 with her birthday being June 21. She is currently taking ballet lessons. Here she is as a castle guard in her latest performance in Kelso, Washington. She is also counting the days when her daddy (our son Pat) will be returning from Iraq. That should happen around the first week in August.

LINDA & TED

Who would have believed that 38 years ago, this girl was alone and wandering around the streets of Seoul, Korea? Now, she and her husband Ted are enjoying the warmth and sunshine of Hawaii. The times that we have visited them so far ( if I can remember) must total at least 12. If you ever get over there, be sure to visit one of their three hamburger restaurants, TEDDY'S BIGGER BURGERS. If you are unable to be there and if you live in the Puget Sound area, you can visit their new franchise Teddy's in Woodinville. Then, if you happen to be in Japan, you can enjoy a burger at the Teddy's over there.

I find it hard to believe that Linda is already retired at her age. Both she and Ted enjoy surfing along with the other pastimes of the tropics. Though Linda is retired, she still keeps pretty active with helping in the business and doing private catering. On a recent catering job, Rush Limbaugh was one of the guests.

ALL GIRL?

While MaryClare is all girl, as previously stated, she still enjoys competition and even getting dirty on occasion. T-Ball was never heard of or even invented when I was her age. It is much like baseball with he big difference being there is no pitcher. The batter hits the ball from a waist high Tee at home plate. After witnessing the "action" of this event, I would probably refer to it as "the reinvention of baseball." After all, why run to first base when it is just as easy to run to 3rd. Then, you're only 90 feet from scoring.

Bill - our firstborn

When I was a small boy of about 4 years in age, I had my tonsils removed. After the ordeal and ready to be dismissed from the hospital, I asked the nurse, "where's my baby?" In my very immature and small mind, I was with the understanding that a baby was what a person received at the hospital for being good and not putting up a fuss. After all, if the doctor gave me a stick of gum when visiting his office, a bigger prize was in order for having a tonsillectomy.

In this picture, Bill seems to have that "see what I got for being a good boy," appearance while holding his first nephew, Victor. I should add also, that Bill did have surgery a week ago. He's improving day by day, but, sad to say there was no baby to take home.

Bill lives 6 blocks from us and we really appreciate that. Whenever we need help, we can always depend on Bill to be there. I should also add that all of our children are very hard and dependable workers.

Tom & Amanda

Every time I look at this photo, I am reminded of the painting of American Gothic. All Tom needs is a pitchfork in his hand. The differences between this photo and the Grant Wood painting is that this couple appears to be much happier and younger.
Tom and Amanda live in the little town of Twisp, located in the Methow Valley of northeastern Washington. It is a good 4 hour trip from Seattle. In contrast to many couples their age, they enjoy a very simple life, while awaiting the birth of their first child. How more simple can two get than enjoying an evening of Monopoly from a game purchased at a local yard sale?

The little log cabin is the Lutheran Church that they are attending. Who knows? some day Tom might be able to use his Piano skills in this little parish of 17 members.