Announcing Theodore Cooper Anderson

Dear Friends,

We started Thanksgiving in the usual way, going out to Hastings
Wednesday to make stuffing and apple pies and watch Carolina trounce
somebody in basketball. Went to bed only to get up at 1:30 for a
lightening fast trip into the hospital.

Theodore Cooper Anderson was born at 9:36 Thanksgiving morning,
weighing in at exactly 8 pounds. Phew! We're home, eating leftovers
and feeling thankful!

Love, Sarah (and Eric and Lucy and Theo)

Fiona Greenbaum Howard

Becky's account of Fiona is such a rich celebration of a new birth, it should captured in our diary. It starts on August 7 when Becky gave us an update:

Still pregnant, still pregnant, still pregnant!
Hello out there. I guess the pea pod likes it in her little garden. So, I'm not officially due until Sunday (three days) but I have a feeling it is going to be later than that...yes, yes, I know this is pretty typical for the first pregnancy, but goodness if you know me at all you know that patience is not one of my virtues. I'm feeling great except for the not sleeping, tired thing, which, yes, yes, I know won't get any better after the baby...except then I can sleep on me belly! As Lisa put it, I wake up in the morning feeling a bit like a rotisserie chicken.
I am nesting and preparing and going out for night swims. It's too hot for me during the day 100-114! All is well, we are prepared, registered, set to go. Can't wait for the little pooper to make her debut. She is a little squirmy worm in there and I keep telling her that if she's uncomfortable she should just come on out and meet the world!
Love to you all,
Becky

Then on August 11 Becky writes:

Word from the womb [stop] baby having a good time [stop] mamma going beserker [stop] please send thoughts of labor [..don't stop]!
No movement yet, not really any contractions either. Mom is arriving tomorrow but I have no baby to show her...what am I going to do with an industrious Iowa farmer for days? Mom suggested getting a bushel of peaches to can, but no one here knows what a bushel is and we don't have cellars to keep canned goods in Arizona. We need a project! I think we'll re-pot all my plants. I started a second birthing painting to use as visual focus during birth...still seems like she's waiting for her grand entrance...what a little diva...I don't know where she would get that personality???
Thanks for sending thoughts of love and smooth labor...I've decided to pretend like my due date is next week...
Becky

Finally, Fiona decides to enter the world, and the announcement came from Doris:

Hi

News about new granddaughter and am forwarding pictures that Ted sent us. All of us waited and waited but she was attending baby school so could not attend her expected arrival. But now she knows how to eat and how to sleep.!! Baby and Mother AND Father are doing well by all reports. Weight – 7# 8 oz (almost). Length (or is it height) – 20.5"Hair – yesLoved – YESBorn August 26, 2008 at 8:06 pm (night before we flew back to Iowa) We saw her and held her. And I have requested Michelle Becky's friend and travel agent to find me a ticket to return for my baby help/Grandmother trip. Last trip was vacation and retreat. Her name is Fiona Greenbaum Howard. A beautiful name for a very beautiful baby!
Love, Doris

And a September 11 follow-up from Becky:

It is WONDERFUL to have mom back out here to hold her and give me some extra TLC. We are having a great time of it here.

Fiona is such a good baby, eating well, sleeping well and never too fussy...so far. At her two week visit she is now 8 lbs 2 oz (she was 7.95 at birth). We are enjoying these first days and enjoying the ease of these first two weeks knowing it won't always be so calm. :-)

Anyway, it is nice to take life day by day right now and focus so inwardly and sweetly. I'm feeling great and healing quickly and easily. Ted is a wonderful partner...boy am I thankful not to have some rookie by my side! His calm and ease with her is relaxing and his willingness to run around for me attending to my needs and wishes is well...I'm sure fleeting...:-)! I'll soak it up while I can.

Hope this message finds you all healthy and happy.

Love,Becky and Fiona

Is It Going To Be a Boy?

Lucy was five weeks early, and Sarah is due in December so I asked them if the baby might be about to make the grand entrance. Notice Eric refers to he in his reply…

No news yet. You are right though that something could happen any day now. Sarah has her bag packed. We--Sarah especially--are hoping he comes sooner rather than later.

There haven't been many pictures of Sarah recently. But maybe you'd be satisfied instead with a picture of Lucy and friends on Halloween.

Eric

Robyn Joins J Alex at Randolph AFB

This news from Robyn makes us a bit envious:

I'm enjoying having slightly shorter days for the time being. It's still unbelievable weather here. It's so strange being November and yet it is still in the 80s. Plus I just thought I should let you know that we just paid $1.94 for gas today :) 

She joins J Alex in Pilot Instructor Training for 6 months. Her graduation date is March 4; J Alex graduates a bit later and will probably head back to Columbus AFB around March 23rd. Their address at Randolph is:

Lt Robyn or J Meinhard

1985 1st St. W. #2453

Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4312

We wish them both well as we follow their interesting careers.

Robyn Graduates and Heads to Texas with J Alex

Robyn graduated from undergraduate pilot school on 24th of October.
Two classes graduate each time, one of T-38 pilots headed for fighter/
bomber training and one of T-1 pilots heading for oher assignments
with tankers,cargoes, etc. Sometimes a pilot is asked to return as an
instructor pilot to Coilumbus AFB as both J Alex an Robyn were. They
will get their plane assignments after their 4 year tour of duty as
IPs at Columbus AFB. At graduation, the new pilot is awarded his or
her wings, there is a Breaking of the Wings ceremony at the Wing
Headquarters, and that evening a banquet.

Robyn's 4 parents and brother and his wife attended to witness
Robyn's graduation and the pinning on of wings. Then the announcement
came that Robyn was awarded the Distinguished Graduate of Pilot
Training; she was first in her class of T-1 students. That evening at
the banquet, Robyn won another award for Best of Academics.
Graduating top in her class is a pretty amazing achievement. Super
congratulations to you Robyn.

But another "award" gave Robyn and J Alex even more excitement. A
pilot had to opt out of Pilot Instructor Training at San Antonio
which of course is where J Alex is assigned. They asked the next
pilot in line but he already had things arranged and booked for later
and had to decline. So they asked Robyn, "Could you leave Monday for
PIT?" Yes, of course. How great she and J Alex will be there
together. So today they are packing Robyn for her move to San
Antonio. The PIT TDY assignment, a temporary duty assignment is for 6
months and is not change of station which means they will keep their
house in Columbus.

Robyn & J Alex Next 3 years

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! It has been quite the busy
time for J and I. J has graduated pilot training and I will be
graduating on October 24th (only 2 weeks, YAY!). With us finishing up
pilot training we have finally found out what our next assignment
will be.

As of last night it is official that J and I will be staying in
Columbus, Mississippi for 3 more years. J is going to be a T-6 FAIP
and I will be a T-1 FAIP.

A FAIP is a First Assignment Instructor Pilot. Basically, J and I
will go to San Antonio, TX for about 4 months of training to learn
how to become instructor pilots. The T-6 is the initial aircraft that
students fly in pilot training and then the T-1 is the cargo/heavy
follow-on aircraft.

We will be instructors for 3 years and then after that we will go on
to fly a different aircraft. We are excited for the chance to be
instructors and for the fact that we know we will be together for at
least 3 years!

Also, to celebrate living in Mississippi we bought a house. We moved
in a few weeks ago and are thoroughly enjoying house projects and
making it our own. We have a guest room so company is always welcome!
We're getting to know a lot more about the South so we can almost be
a tour guide!

Our new address is:
72 N Butternut Drive
Columbus, MS 39705

Our phone numbers will stay the same:
home phone: 503-922-2576
Robyn cell: 541-760-7068
J cell: 503-593-1881

Hopefully, now that we are winding down with training we should have
more free time to stay in touch with people more. We'd love to hear
from you!

~Robyn

Announcing (Finally) Fiona Greenbaum Howard

Hi   News about new granddaughter and am forwarding pictures that Ted sent us.  All of us waited and waited but she was attending baby school so could not attend her expected arrival.  But now she knows how to eat and how to sleep.!!  Baby and Mother AND Father are doing well by all reports. 

 

Weight – 7# 8 oz (almost). 

Length (or is it height) – 20.5"

Hair – yes

Loved – YES

Born August 26, 2008 at 8:06 pm (night before we flew back to Iowa)

 

We saw her and held her.  And I have requested Michelle Becky's friend and travel agent to find me a ticket to return for my baby help/Grandmother trip.  Last trip was vacation and retreat. 

 

Her name is Fiona Greenbaum Howard.  A beautiful name for a very beautiful baby!  Love, Doris

 

Kris & Doug PEI Steak

Tenderloin Steaks with Gorgonzola and Herbs and Roasted Garlic and Grape Tomato Pasta with Basil and Arugula
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray, 2007
Show:  30 Minute Meals
Episode:  Steak Your Claim

J Alex' is Asked to Return as Instructor Pilot to Columbus AFB

J Alex received his first operational assignment August 1st.

Assignment night begins with Happy Hour before the ceremony begins in
the ballroom. The guys wait at the side of the room before coming up
front one at a time.

Each airman is roasted (much kidding about J's name), and then his
assignment is flashed on the screen. J Alex sees the screen that
announces his assignment as a FAIP, First Assignment Instructor
Pilot. He has been asked to return to Columbus AFB as an instructor
to train new students in the T-6 trainer aircraft.

Then the squadron leaders present J Alex with a special ribbon for
the new instructor pilot to welcome him on board. They, of course,
have special interest in the assignments of the students.

It is bittersweet to have a new assignment and then have to part with
one's best friend and co-pilot. Chad is a heck of a nice guy and a
remarkable success story. He worked his way up through the enlisted
ranks, engineering school, family life, commissioning, and finally to
receive his pilot training and wings. He is assigned back to Florida
and his Reserve Unit.

Afterwords there is much celebration and discussion of the assignments among the students. Then the students head for a party arranged downtown.

J Alex will serve 4 years as an IP giving him a rich opportunity to accumulate the much coveted flying hours pilots need for advancement. Robyn almost certainly will also receive an instructor assignment at Columbus.

The fun part is they can begin immediate house hunting.

Kris & Doug PEI Steak

Tenderloin Steaks with Gorgonzola and Herbs and Roasted Garlic and Grape Tomato Pasta with Basil and Arugula
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray, 2007
Show:  30 Minute Meals
Episode:  Steak Your Claim

Doris' Pot Roast

I love Doris' pot roast, and it is always so much better than
anything I can do that I asked for her recipe although I am sure it
won't taste as good as it does in her house. But where to store her
recipe? Well, here would be a good place:

Oven 300 - sprinkle roast with salt and pepper - brown in oil.
Remove and
brown chopped carrot, celery and onion in same pan until brown. Add
minced
garlic, small sugar, for few minutes browning. Add small glug of left
over
wine. (from night before game of Golf) Put roast back. Add chicken
broth,
beef broth, thyme or savory. Then add enough water to bring juices
half up
on roast. Cover into oven. Cook 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Add root veg if
want.

Welcome to the World, Pia Maria

From Gianfranco, this happy announcement:

In the words of Homer Simpson...WOO-HOO!

Dear friends,

We would like to tell you all about the birth of our little girl!


Pia Maria DeLuca, born Saturday, June 14th at 12:25 am, 7.5 lbs.


Mara and Pia are doing great! Please keep our family in your prayers!

Gianfranco and Mara

Congratulations to you and your new baby girl. We have all been excited waiting for the arrival of Pia Maria. That was a long labor but already she's eating, a good sign, don't you think, of this new child's willingness to do the hard work of getting things right and her ability to figure out how feeding works? OK. Maybe I'm reading too much into the data but she is a wonderful child, and you, Mara and Gianfranco, are now parents! This is the 2nd grandchild for your Mom & Dad (sorry to hear of her untimely need for foot surgery; we wish her a speedy recovery), and the 2nd for D & G. You've surely made them very happy (and Sandy and me not just a little envious).

More on Our Ancestors—J.E.Vitt and M.Meinhard

Regarding the European trip, after Siegen Jutta took us by car to Blomberg for a visit at Alexander Meinhard's home. We spent three days with him before he took us to Eur Rail for the trip to Amsterdam. Alexander is a consulting engineer and goes all over Europe on cases. His specialty is making companies more productive. He is a pleasant person and very intelligent. He has done massive research on the Meinhards and has a large data base of Meinhard names and information. He said we were related. I don't know who the common ancestor is.

Both J. E. Vitt and M. Meinhard came to the U.S. after the failure of the Revolution of 1848. Both were involved in the reform movement. Their names appear together on the minutes of the Siegen Cultural and Commerce Society. Both emigrated in 1853. Michael wanted to be an American and had his oldest children study American history and English. Yes, I believe two oldest sons preceded him and the rest of the family by a few months.

Vitt had other family members in Missouri so it was natural he would settle there. The St. Louis and Missouri Valley area became a region with heavy German population. Vitt sold the Roetgen Estate to a Stangier. The Stangier family still owns and operates the home as a country inn as did Vitt. Mrs Stangier gave me and Ilene a tour of the home. The land is very rolling and scenic. Close by is a church that was built for the workers of the estate. It is unique as it is a dual church. One half is Protestant and the other Catholic. The steeple is in the middle. Such churches were to help bring about reconciliation of Catholics and Protestants after the long and bitter religious wars. There is much information about Vitt and Roetgen in articles published by the Siegen newspaper. Some of the information is fiction, but one article, of recent years, is reliable.

According to Helen Meinhard Ford, Vitt purchased two plantations that totaled 1,000 acres. They came with slaves whom Vitt emancipated. The land was divided up among his sons. Noted as a horticulturist in Prussia, Vitt became a breeder of pure bred horses in Missouri.

It is well worth the trip to visit the old ancestral homes. Jutta Achenbach-Kern is a delightful hostess and will do all that is necessary to make your visit a pleasant one. Jutta is a teacher of Englich in the Siegen Gymnasium (High School). Alexander is equally accommodating and gracious. His English is excellent.

Blomberg is another delightful town with an old section that is most interesting. You must have supper at the Die Lantere Restaurant located in the old Michael Meinhard home/bakery. It is Siegen's finest. From where I sat with Jutta and Ilene, I could see the outlines of an old bake oven. I thought about Great Grandfather Michael Meinhard and Great Great Grandfather Jacob Meinhard rising very early in the morning, firing up and putting loaves of bread in this oven.

Jacob Meinhard came over with the rest of the family but died soon after arriving at Troy Grove. He is buried in the family cemetery at Troy Grove.

Bob
(Robert Wilson Meinhard; At my age I am not responsible for any errors.)

The Birthday calendare is almost done

Here's the calendar before some of you gave me corrections. As soon as I can enter them, I'll republish this calendar.

^{Meinhard Birthday and Anniversary Calendar}

Name	Birthday or Anniversary	Age as of Jan 9, 2007
I have several changes not yet posted. Dick
Angela Chaffins	?
Paul Greenbaum	?
Erin & Chris Thompson	?
Shari Farris Rochelle	1/14/1964	43
Gordon Anderson	1/16/1947	60
Richard Meinhard	1/17/1943	64
Matt Meinhard	1/29/1972	35
Karla Capper	2/4/1962	45
Julia Capper	2/6/1961	46
Jeff Capper	2/21/1963	44
Eric Anderson	2/27/1977	30
Donna Meinhard	3/2/1937	70
Steve & Shari Farris Rochelle	3/6/2004	3
Chris Thompson	3/21/1962	45
Donna & Arleon Meinhard/Kelley	3/22/1985	22
J & Robyn Meinhard	3/25/2007	0
Elizabeth Anderson	3/27/1983	24
Jim Kelly	3/29/1956	51
Mari Howard-McGuire	3/30/1996	11
Matt Finnegan	4/3/1963	44
Chris Leopold	4/4/1974	33
Sandra Pellens	4/11/1944	63
Kris Meinhard	4/14/1948	59
Troy & Janet Meinhard	4/20/1996	11
Janet Meinhard	4/23/1971	36
Arleon Kelley	5/5/1935	72
Karl Farris-Chaffins	5/6/1991	16
Matt Greenbaum	5/7/1988	19
Gianfranco DeLuca	5/11/1979	28
Lucy Anderson	5/12/2006	1
McKenna Meinhard	5/13/2000	7
Tim & Deborah Kelley/Moreau	5/20/2006	1
Sam Meinhard	5/21/2000	7
Mark & Brenda Howard	5/25/1998	9
Duncan Howard-McGuire	5/26/1992	15
Lilah-Rose Farris Rochelle	5/29/2005	2
Dianne Farris	5/30/1959	48
Emma Capper/Kelly	5/30/1995	12
Mark Howard	6/4/1962	45
Eli Meinhard	6/5/2002	5
Matt & Shelly Meinhard	6/14/1997	10
Mara DeLuca	6/19/1981	26
Becky & Ted Howard/Greenbaum	6/21/2008	-1
Tate Meinhard	6/25/2003	4
Sara & Chris Meinhard Leopold	6/30/2007	0
Joseph Farris-Chaffins	6/30/1988	19
Dane Finnegan	7/1/1989	18
Lucy Greenbaum	7/1/1997	10
Aja Capper	7/2/1981	26
Scott Farris	7/5/1965	42
Jeff & Karla Capper	7/7/1986	21
Kate Meinhard	7/8/2004	3
Lisa Finnegan	7/10/1966	41
Robyn Meinhard	7/13/1984	23
Doug & Kris Meinhard	8/3/1968	39
Mara & Gianfranco DeLuca	8/4/2007	0
Ani Capper	8/12/1958	49
Steve Farris Rochelle	8/12/1961	46
Brenda Howard	8/15/1962	45
Richard & Sandra Meinhard/Pellens	8/15/1981	26
Eric & Sarah Anderson	8/17/2002	5
Doug Meinhard	8/19/1946	61
Dorothea Anderson	8/19/1947	60
Becky Howard	8/24/1969	38
Scott & Diane Farris	8/24/1992	15
Ian Capper	8/26/1995	12
Lisa & Matt Finnegan	8/31/1991	16
Emily Finnegan	8/31/2000	7
Doris & Roger Howard	9/3/1961	46
Troy Meinhard	9/5/1970	37
Seth Howard	9/9/1981	26
Ian Greenbaum	9/9/2000	7
Roger Howard	9/23/1939	68
Megan Capper	9/23/1985	22
Dianne Farris	10/5/1938	69
Deborah Kelley	10/10/1961	46
Sara Meinhard	10/14/1975	32
David Capper	10/17/1959	48
Debbie Farris	10/17/1963	44
Mallery Farris	10/21/2005	2
Shelly Meinhard	10/24/1970	37
J Meinhard	10/25/1982	25
Linus Farris Rochelle	10/25/2001	6
Kate Howard	10/27/1987	20
Kira Capper	10/31/1997	10
Lexi Finnegan	11/19/1997	10
Erin Thompson	11/22/1961	46
Karen Howard	11/28/1963	44
Sarah Anderson	12/3/1977	30
Tim Kelley	12/9/1963	44
Diane Farris	12/9/1964	43
David & Ani Capper	12/20/1982	25
Doris Howard	12/24/1940	67
Dorothea & Gordon Anderson	12/27/1970	37
Ted Greenbaum	12/28/1953	54
George Farris	12/28/1936	71

private:stream ^{- 1 -} Last printed 1/9/2008 10:34:00 AM

Christmas 2007

From Dorothea:

I am singing in the choir with Gordy at House of Hope—this morning and then tomorrow evening, Christmas eve. I am loving it! Seems funny for us to not have our kids at home. We will not see them until we are in Berlin, on the day after Christmas! We are excited. And then the next day, Eric, Sarah, Lucy, and Mara arrive for a week together. So, we will be sending Schone Grusse to you from Germany in just a few days. And, for now, a very Merry Christmas to all!

We talked to Mara and Gianfranco this morning, who were just coming from church services. Then tomorrow on Christmas eve they both have services beginning at dusk. Then Mara goes to Gianfranco's church, where she will help him with the children's choir for the family service and then sing in the 11 o'clock service. And she says that she feels just fine through all of this! Do all of you know that she is pregnant?!! We are just thrilled!

We have been making plans with Elizabeth for our arrival in Berlin. This year a lot of our family things are on her shoulders. What will eat, little stocking stuffers, German Christmas ornaments. Different for us and really fun! She will be with her German family—Benny, whom some of you met—on Christmas day and Christmas eve. And then we all come.

Eric got another chapter in his dissertation done last week. Getting ever closer! They are in N. Carolina with Neal's family, returning to NYC on Christmas day and then flying to Germany on the next day. Sarah was working on a wonderful video of the kids in her school when I was there last. It had been one of the so-called failing schools a couple of years ago, and now is one of the top 10 schools in all the boroughs, based on test scores. The kids looked so happy and engaged in the video. And then there is Lucy—what can I say! Such a complete joy for me.

We love you!
Dorothea and Gordy

From Doris:

Happy New Year! We had lots eating,…puzzles, (warning: Don't buy artists pictures on puzzles unless is a good puzzle maker too—but the Moose puzzle from Wyoming is done), snowmobiling, snowpeople now populate our back yard, artists and writers were busy writing and delivering messages (birthday wishes, questions about game playing, eating, menus), gifts and surprises that delight and excite, photos taken (already the times and events are fading - do our many photos blunt our ability to remember without aid), hot tub conversation, late night games and movies, talking, laughing, playing.

Now wipe up the tracks, vacuum up the tidbits left, wash the bedding, put
away and put away little treasures and count our blessings as we work.

Loving all of you and sending my greetings, Doris

Oh yes! Special greetings for Mara and her little duplicate. Take good
care!

From Donna and Arleon:

Arleon reported last year that he had temporarily flunked retirement and after 43 years t other endeavors in the Church had come back into “ministry”, i.e. pastoral ministry. Well, it happened again in 2007. You see, Donna had been appointed to a one-fourth time pastoral chre with two churches. After vacation this summer she decided she was just TOO old to be doing two services on a Sunday morning. And she asked Arleon to be her associate—well, the District Superintendent decided to make things kosher—Arleon better be appointed too. So, now he is appointed Alpha United Methodist church, a burgeoning congregation of 12 people on a good Sunday at what he figures must e about one-sixteenth time. He now shepherds a flock the same size as Jesus’. Consequently, he has great financial security, wealth and something to live for! And like Jesus, he will have historic global influence. He reports it is mostly fun.

One of he most exiting things that we are doing together is leading a process to create Elgin’s Future as a community. Donna chairs the organizing committee and Arleon is co-process leader. On Nov. 1, some 56 representatives of 20 of our 22 community organizations came together to envision “Elgin, 2023.” We now have several Task Forces at work on such as Economic Development, Main Street Revitalization and City Beautification, Quality of Life, Community Safety, etc.

Christmas Dinner

Roast Is Done

J Alex and Robyn are spending Christmas in California, first with Rob and Mary in Alameda and then down to Donna and John Banks in Morrow Bay. So now for the first time ever, we spent our Christmas eve dinner at Bruce and Mary Fishbacks—now so regular it is almost a tradition—without our son. Perhaps to compensate, we wandered around downtown Portland and had a Gorge Whiskey at the Hotel.

Brendon and His Cousins

Max and Brendon, a couple of nieces and a husband with their children, and us for the dinner. Not the large gatherings in past years but as usual sumptuous food and wonderfully decorated house.

J Alex Calls Us


The Bread and Ink was written up for Mary’s waffle window featuring Greek waffles. Brendon having switched to zoology is now taking his basic biology sequence. Max is tackling anatomy, sport psychology, and some random classes.
Opening Presents


One of the best Christmas gifts this year came from Sandy, “Music for Compline,” CD of music by Tallis, Byrd, Sheppard, and others. At 400 years old, perhaps a bit dated but I’m probably in heaven.
Sandy