Well, I think everyone would be in agreement that Daniel Flanigan is as cute as the day is long.

As for Becky's closet ownership - all I know is in the Dunlavy house, Taylor has a closet, a dresser and drawers in her bed - ALL FULL

I have half of the closet in our bedroom - dean has the other half AND a whole closet full in the computer room.

I feel like I should have more closet space :(

Good Riddance, Goodwill

I have cleaned out closets for two solid days. Bag, after bag, after bag of stuff to Goodwill. Little jammies that I thought I couldn't part with? Gone. Kevin's size 36"waist pants? Oh yeah, gone, baby. Formals dating from the early 90's? Gone, along with their dyed to match satin shoes (Oh My Word. Did I wear these???) The bizarre thing at our house is the closets themselves. The closet in our room? All mine. Will's two closets? One for Will and one for well, me. Aaron's closet? The hanging part is for him and the shelf is for, uh, me. The coat closet in the hallway? All Kev's. See, you thought I didn't share. Sure, he dresses in the foyer, but heck, it excites the neighbors.

Christmas Update -

Christmas today was very nice and relaxing. Edie's sister Marianne spent the night at our house and a large part of the day today. Mom suggested I am a polygamist. The suggestion gave me the shivers(ala Owen Meany - no not George Meany, the Union guy.) I made the traditional Shultz waffles and served Our Gang, Marianne and Edie's friend Jane. There was a wild frenzy of paper tearing - all were happy with their gifts (I got a hefty man's scale!) For lunch we had Mom, Marianne and later Frau and Amanda. No sign of Marti Dean Taylor or Vanessa. As I type at 7:15 Pm Edie is on the couch napping and the kids are playing in the family room. We really enjoyed the holiday. Looking back at last year, Edie was in a hospital bed in our family room, Riley spent Christmas morning in the ER with a nasty cut from his new Christmas knife and I wondered what the future could possibly hold. As it turns out, the future is pretty swell. May it continue to be. God bless us everyone. Lastly, I urge you to ponder the importance of the word "toward" in this phrase: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will toward men. " Toot

Christmas Eve Update - Mom Rocks

Merry Christmas Everyone. Here is an up date on Christmas Eve. Mom and Amanda came with our gang to church. We had a grand time and I think all enjoyed it. After, we returned to our place and had Mom's homemade potato soup with some cider and sweet potato biscuits. But the highlight was Mom singing Karaoke to Mercy Me. She rocked. Merry Christmas everyone.

Toot's Christmas display

Here's one of us at the Creation Museum. Aaron set the camera on timer and ran to his spot. It's the only family pic I have in digital format at the moment.

Can I post this without looking like a braggard?

Hey. As I said, I recently downloaded a bunch of stuff from my camera to the computer. As a person who is artistic and not "technolic" this is a big deal. I wanted to put a few of Aaron's pics on here. There are a bunch of them, so perhaps you can appreciate the fact that I'm only including a few?

Rube!!!!! So nice to hear from you Rube. Tell Dean that Edie wants him to bring a case of his finest imported champagne for the festivities at Toms. She said she wants to drink in the Saviours birth.

Count Olaf. I wuv him.

This is the most wonderful cat in the world. Now you can see why Aaron needs a double bed! We are trying to help The Count lose a few pounds. If it works, I'm thinking about trying some of the Iams prescription weight loss food myself. I'll, uh, let you know how that goes. I just uploaded a bunch of pictures from my camera to my computer, so I may post a few here in the next couple of days. Sorry if I overwhelm you with Figdom. It's not intended.

Christmas at Toots house

This is an open invite to come and spend some time with us on Christmas day. In order to make it easier for all, we will be setting up an all afternoon buffet. Figure on food being available from 1pm until evening. Come as you can as you will. No need to bring anything unless you want to. If you would preffer to land on a fixed time to meet that is fine too. Regardless we will be open to entertaining all day. I know some of Edie's family, (our 3rd child Marriane) will come by as hopefully will a friend or two. Hope to see you there! As for you out of towners - we will hang up a photo of you. By chance could The Lannings and NJ Shultz's post a Photo on the blog of your families that I can hang up for the day? That would be super swell. Hope all can make it either in person or in print. Marti, if you come I can walk you through some blog processes. Lastly all, I changed the blog so you have to sign in each time. This was done so rogue posters cannot get on the blog and post nasties. If you guys thing this is more hassel than risk avoidance let me know and I will change it.

I've heard buzzing's about why I've not been visible on the Blog - well, I'm totally green at "blogging" and don't really understand it. I don't know where you guys get all those cool little things you put in yours either which leads to a boring Mashdun blog message. There, I said it. Now, I will post again at a later date.
I want you ALL to know, that I have only spent $18 on Taylor so far for Christmas. I may be done - I may not - haven't really decided yet.

Cherrio!!!!!!!!!!

Rural Toot - Wisecracks encouraged

masontown library takes books

I just figured out (I think) how to make a new post. So, here goes. Do you guys remember the two green books "The History of Fayette County". Years ago your Uncle John gave them to your dad. They have been bumping around here since and no one seemed to want them, not even your uncle Bill. So, last week I sent them to the German/Masontown Library in Masontown. (German Township is a coal patch between Uniontown and Masontown) The lady called today that they received the books and were so appreciative. They are putting up a plaque with your dad's name and John's name since I mentioned that John had given them to your dad, youknow,donated by etc. I think your dad would be proud.

Have you hugged your hairies today?

I rescued a human today. . .Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. I rescued a human today.

The Deak

Kevin is officially a deacon now. He had to kneel yesterday for a long prayer...on his torn miniscus in his right knee. He said he was trembling from pain as the prayer kept going, and going, and going. I think the other Deac's probably think they got a quaker/shaker on their hands. Perhaps he should start talking with "thee"s and "thou"s, and begin crafting quilts and plain furniture.

I thought this was funny

more projects

Today? a "to scale (Hah!)" model of the Panama Canal, along with a diagram of how it works, a lock made out of cardboard and coffee beans, and a report about the canal and why it was important. Tuesday, Aaron had to dress up like Teddy Roosevelt and share two quotes from two different speeches, provide the background of the speeches and explain why these speeches were important. Two more projects due next week, one on Tuesday, one on Thursday. I am projected out! Frau: you read it with glee, don't you. Oh you who have passed through these waters....

catching up

Well, I have been a week or more away from the blog and have apparently missed quite a bit. Some comments - Fig glad you are better. Frau, you have lost your mind but the dogs are very cute. Home work, projects - who needs it? Parents apparently. I too like the idea about Mom's memoirs. I will get a hold of her since it appears she has not been here in a while. I will also give Marty a good shaking to get her on the ball. Lastly, I was glad to hear Obama is a citizen after all. Otherwise, I think constitutionally Rush Limbaugh would be the next president.

The Hairy Report: Chipedydodah & Birdie Boop arrive

Well, the new hairies came home with us Friday night. Chip is 8 lbs of fury with only one tooth, a fang that hangs out of his mouth so he is pretty comical looking. He wears a Cleveland Browns sweater or a jaunty striped one all the time and is very loveable. He gets cranky in the middle of the night if Birdie has more blankets than him and really lets her have it in typical grumpy Chihuahua form. He bares his gums and really speaks his mind! He has big sad eyes and enormous ears that Im quite certain on a windy day may send him sailing away like Piglet in the Very Blustery Day. He's darling.
Birdie is much smaller than she appears in the picture. She is not much bigger than him, but is a major butterball. She is extremely timid and we are taking our time gaining her trust. If Chip comes out and sits on my lap she comes too, but if Chip isnt there she doesnt move. They are extremely attached and she really watches out for him. Birdie is very sweet natured and flutters her eyelashes when you are snuggling her. This morning I changed her sweater into a trendy leopard print and she actually danced a little for me. I was thrilled. When she is outside if she comes back to the porch first, when I call for Chipper she runs back to get him. If they dont get adopted together they dont go. I dont think they could survive without each other.
The kennel gave me a case of canned food for Chipper and a big bag of Eukanuba for both of them. So we are off to a good start at Frau's house of Hairies. Or Hairyville USA.

It's not an appropriate 4th grade project

We, and yes I mean we, have finished with Science Fair '08. Five different playground surfaces have been tested for heat absorption. We have materialed, procedured, abstracted, reported, researched, graphed, tabled, hypothesized, concluded, glue sticked, pasted, cut out, colored and are now going to burn the rubric in the fireplace.

Mom's stories

Mom, we have a book with Dad's stories. Why not write a story from your own childhood here once a week, say every Sunday afternoon, so we can all have them as well....

Gods Hairy Children

You guys remember I lost my sweet Wunky over a year ago, but I've missed him so much since. I decided to take in two oldsters named Chippe and Birdie and foster them. They were dropped off at the pound in the overnight box, they are both 8 and have lived together for years so they need to be adopted out together. They were put in a kennel owned by a lady who works with Paws and Prayers (the shelter I foster for once in a while) because no foster home was available. I felt so bad for these two old timers to be homeless in a noisy kennel and plus Im a sucker for dogs in sweaters, so Im off to buy two more Christmas stockings for the newbies. Im very excited and am picking them up tonight to get them all settled and comfy before Monday. I've included their pictures at the kennel for you to see, I'll add more when they are all settled and wearing their santa hats. I figure since they like clothes hats might be ok too! tee hee

diverticulosis attack. PAINFUL!

You must permit a proud Father his moment of reflected glory. Last night at the Parsippany High School Football banquet, Joe won the most improved Freshman player award. This is no small thing. It is the award the coaches value most. Three boys were given it this year. There was no MVP award.

No one knew who would win the Freshman award, but as the coach described what this player had done to deserve the award, the players quietly began to whisper Joe's name among themselves while the reality dawned on speechless, embarrassed Joe. The coaches were all nodding their heads and grinning in affirmation of everything that Joe had achieved during the year, and the team heartily applauded and congratulated Joe as he went up to the podium to receive his award. It was awesome. I'm sure Joe will never forget that night.

Melanie and I are deeply thankful for everything God has done in Joe's life. In 6th grade at the Christian school in Nutley, he was personally devastated by rascism, hypocricy and violence, all while the clueless asst. principal tried to brow beat him into taking the blame, essentially for being a white kid. This was a confusing and very painful time for Joe and for us. We eventually took him out of there before finishing school, feeling that his very identity was at risk. The aforementioned asst. principal informed us of his belief that Joe's troubles will follow him into the evil public school. I nearly slugged him. What we had hoped to avoid from the urban NJ public schools ( fights, youth-race gangs, and bad academics ) Joe endured in the Christian school, What we hoped to experience in the Christian school ( personal safety, mentoring and high academics ) we have discovered aplenty in the public school. I cannot say how proud and thankful I am.

Yes, I do claim him.

Tonight the Cub Scouts had to give a three minute speech as part of their Communication Badge requirements. The other fellows chose skateboarding, sports, drum lessons...you know, normal stuff. Will's topic of choice? Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague. Too much History Channel!

The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya

My dream is to go here someday guys!

The Giraffe Manor is an elegant, personally hosted, small and exclusive hotel, famous for its resident herd of giraffe. The Giraffe Manor offers a rich blend of welcoming accommodation, highly trained and friendly staff, as well as one of Nairobi's finest kitchens.

Travellers from all over the world now make The Giraffe Manor part of their East African safari, the only place in the world where you can enjoy the breathtaking experience of feeding and photographing the giraffe over the breakfast table and at the front door.


The Giraffe Manor is surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest just outside Kenya's capital, Nairobi. As well as the giraffe, the property is also home to many species of birds, large families of warthogs and the elusive Bush Buck.


© Giraffe Manor telephone +254 (0)20 891 078, fax +254 (0)20 890 949, email giraffe@giraffemanor.com

Yes, I did find something way back the railroad tracks, but it wasn't a mine. It was the handmade cistern at an old homestead, made of small stones, that appears when the water recedes. I was walking back the railroad tracks, about 1/2 mile before the trestle where the small little bays and coves begin to emerge, when I saw to my right what is usually a sort of island with trees and vines etc. I walked over to it on dry ground ( about this time of year I think ) and something told me to get a stick and feel my way through the vines. Sure enough I poked through the vines into emptiness. I removed the vines carefully so I wouldn't fall and discovered a cistern about 8 feet deep and 5 feet across. I explored further and found the foundation of the old house as well. It was really quite a find. If I had fallen in, I would have been lost for a while before someone ( hopefully ) found me. Although the opportunity to eat my pork chop at home would have slowed the search efforts for a few days I am sure.

Click, click, click

One thousand, eight hundred, sixty-five miles and Thirty-two hours and seven minutes later, we are home. Yes, according to the car computer, we drove for a total of 32 hours and 7 minutes. According to the odometer, 1,865 miles. I acknowledge the redundancy, but heck, some things aren't grasped the first time around.

Mine in Deerfield

Tim, Riley is very interested in the history of minning in Deerfield. I don't know much but do recall you hiked back in the woods once and found a mine opening - or at least so goes my memory. Can you offer more around that with details such as what you found and where?

There shall be one piece of pie

Uncle Bill, stinkers, Eddie, 60 years old!, baby, brother-in-law, gravy safety, pumpkin pie, cherry pie, mince pie, lemon pie, chocolate pie, ground cherry pie, tree-cherry pie, peach pie, pumpkin torte, pumpkin cheesecake, buckeye bars, 18 chairs plates, mud, Sheffleton Road, squirrels for now and squirrels for later, Nieman-Marcus priced Christmas trees, Taylor at the kids table, T is for Uncle Toot, H is for health, A is for all the children and grandchildren, N is for new beginnings, K is for koala bears, kangaroos and ketchup, S is for squirrels, G is for the Gallapagos Islands (and God), I is for I am and you are (plus some other wonderful Uncleisms), V is for a voice to speak, I is for infant, N is for nieces and nephews and G is for all things good. We missed Tipash and beyond very much.

Rube!!! Where are you Rube!!!!!! Are you and Dean rolling around in a Vino induced coma of love over there in Rootstown and have forgotten your needy, neurotic family?

With Love

Looking out the window watching for my sister and her family to roll into sight...I cant wait to see you Becky, Kevin, Will and Aaron!

Turkeys have rights too

Turkey emotions running high

The thought of your meal of doom weighs heavily on my unburly shoulders. Turkey shaped tears flow down my cheeks and fall on my fluffy waist area. I felt guilty when considering my own anguish knowing that Mom wont make enough stuffing and wont care either, but what does it matter?? You, Melanie and the young herdlings wont be there to agree with my stuffing deprived monologue! Perhaps the guest of honor at said meal of doom will do take flight in protest of all things turkey. Hey, remember the year that the gravy sprouted wings and attempted to leave the pan? Things happen...

New blog features

I got rid of a few things and added two.

1. Masontown daily news. In the spirit of Rofosh this seemed appropriate.

2. Spell check feature. It will help gis lik mi spel betur.

3. Lastly, Tipash - remind me of the details around the cathouse. I remember this but not the details.

I have a new appreciation for the term mixed emotions. Joe can now bench more than I can, but in the interview with his coach at the end of the season those lovely words "college ball" united to that seemingly out of reach dream of "scholarship" came up. Can't a father hope, or is this coaching staff manipulation to make sure I bring him to the off season weight programs? Kate has more money in the bank than I do, but she is already pricing cars. She prefers clean silver cars that are faster than the blue dirty cars ( a veiled reference to my car I think ). The holidays are here, but I have to eat my wife's brother's wife's cooking ( I refuse to call her my sister in law in light of the meal of doom that awaits me). Later.

Why do you people live here?

We are packing for Ohio and going through drawers of shorts, dozens of footie socks, miles of short sleeve shirts and thinking, "we don't have Ohio clothes any more!" Socks that go above my ankle? A total of 2 pairs. Anything warmer than a fleece coat? A 1993 vintage. We went to the Salvation Army and looked for something warmer than a sweatshirt; not happening. So, when we come dragging in there with borrowed coats that are several sizes too small or too large, treat us kindly. And remember, if we were home, it's likely we'd be in shorts on Thanksgiving. Read that and weep.

The evil snow angel and Riley's broken arm

A full year of football could not harm him. Five minutes making a snow angel before school yesterday did him in. The cast will hopefully be off before Christmas.

Day in the Life of a public servant

Morning arrives...




Get ready for work, SO not myself in office wear!

Off to work I roar, ready for another productive day serving the citizens of Akron!

Yup, better get another cup to embrace the joy of public service!

Already hard at work at my desk...

The phone! Smile! Citizens love a caring city worker! It soothes the sting of tax dollars "paying my salary"

How I really feel about said call....

After a long hard day listening to calls about trash, garbage, litter, rats, food poisoning, bats, rats, sending out dog heads for rabies testing, hearing about vile smells, the findings of a persons ashes in an eviction, raccons, squirrels and evil spirits living in peoples attics, excessive dustiness from construction sites, naked people living in condemed buildings and animals left in repossed homes, birds flying overhead and pooping on someones car, and viewing pics of giant ice sculptures of personal body parts and whatnot, I happily shut off the computer and head for the vator....

SO HOW WAS YOUR DAY????

I jujst taught a reading class with my zipper down. Fortunately I was wearing underwear.

Very Awesome link - the human clock

Try this - enormous amount of work that the creator went to. Has a photo for every minute of the day - sometimes it is fun to try to find the time in the photo.

Moose Cholak Pics

For the uninitiated, here is Moose Cholak

I am proud to report that Joe has now fully demonstrated all of the essential qualities needed to one day assume the crushing load of lineage that he must bear.; I am now convinced beyond all doubt that he will be able to take the houndy pups legacy well into the 21st century. At the last Friday night game , the Varisty and the Magnificent Seven ( 7 freshman players who have been promoted to Varsity, quite a feat for Joe who had never played organized sports before ) were running through the tunnel that the marching band creates. It had been raining for 2 days and was drizzling then, when Joe, better known in the locker room as Moose Cholak, collided with some puny cornerback, got a cleat stuck in the other kids cleats and fell down, careening out of control toward the unsuspecting trumpet section. Fortunately the Titanic did not sink but got up and ran through the tunnel of trumpets joining his teammates. The trumpet section escaped unscathed. I have never been more proud.

Goodness Gracious, Great Balls of Fire

On Mondays at 5:00, my student Rachel comes for her lesson. This is the only time during the school week that the guys are allowed to play on the computer or watch t.v., so they are fully occupied while I'm with Rachel. This past Monday, at about 6:05, Aaron came to the piano and said, "Mom, there's been a little fire outside, but everything is fine now. We think some teenagers came and started a little fire and left. But we got it out, and everything is fine." So, I went outside and Will had that caca eating look on his face. "Will, have you been playing with matches?" "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The tears began to fall. "Where is the fire, Will?" He pointed to the cars, both with a full tank of gas. I went around the cars and AHHHH, and big section of the hillside was scorched. The trash can? Melted. The bicycle? All plastic pieces melted. The covering to the firewood? Melted into said wood. Lying on the ground is a little plastic cup and a flower pitcher. As it happened, about 3 minutes before, the neighbor came out for a smoke, saw the smoke, heard the crackle, looked at the guys and said, "Uh, fellahs? Do you need some help?" "WAAAAAAAAAAAAA," cried Will. So, Tracy brought her hose over and put out the fire. As she stood there, hose in one hand, cigarette in the other she said, "You know fellahs, I think you've probably learned a lesson from this. Number one, don't play with matches. Number two, little boys sometimes do stupid things."

As I've told this story, you can't believe the fire stories I've heard about other peoples children and childhoods. Amazing. I'll add some here later as comments.

Intrestin weather we're havin

Oz inspired moment. Its warm and fuzzy, no? I bet Fig feels like skipping with Toot through the poppies.

Giraffes and all things tall

Hello to all that are tall and all that are small. And also to Smurf. He is compact and rotund?

Welcome Timbertoes - come on Linkmeyer

Ok - Whimpy has now succesfully posted and I am exchanging E-mails with Frau to get her rolling also. With any luck, we will be at full utilization by end of day. Rofosh would be pleased.

Smurf is an eating machine

My Recent Visit with Smurf and Les

Last Friday, 10/31 I flew to Atlanta where I was picked up by Les Honson. Together we drove the 7 hours to Memphis to visit Smurf. I will post pics soon. Suffice to say the three of us while not what we were still maintained a chemistry and ease together that only comes from seasoned old friendships. It was great to spend the weekend with them.
Les has lost much - not just his hair. His work as a a construction guy is much declined so he is struggling a bit financially. Sadly his marriage is over and his kids hold him accountable. As such, while they spend time with him, they are somewhat estranged. He continues to have his passion for passion and his love of love. He is more suited to a storefront coffee bistro than a rooftop shingle job.
Smurf has gained much - not just pounds. He has a steady secure job which has enabled him to purchase a lovely home in a nice neighborhood. He also is Memphis royalty. There was no where we went where he was not known; this was particularly true of the buffet. The king of Memphis took us to a half Asian and half soul food buffet. There I consumed hog mawl and neck bone alongside rice noodles and General Tso's chicken. Smurf had four plates - this says much about his 350 pounds. I only mention his weight as he is most unhealthy. While I couldn't get all the details out of him, I think he may have congestive heart failure. His legs swell and his chest gurgles. I fear my 50 year old buddy may not live to 55. I challenged him with a weight loss goal for both of us. When achieved, I will go to Memphis and w will celebrate. I love Smurf and fear for him. Pray for him please. He remains hilarious and fun to be with.
On the drive back to ATL, somewhere in Mississippi, Les popped in some Toby Mac. We grooved to "One World" and knew we were still 22 at heart. I think I actually felt my hair grow for a second. It was great to be back in that zone for just a moment.

The Red White and Blue Household

Edie here: Just want to let you know it has been crazy around here with the election. Me being red - Tom and the kids blue and the goats neutral (white.) Just want to let all of you Mccain supporters know I neutralized Tom's vote but it didn't help - even though I didn't want four more years of Bush antics in the Whitehouse. I am scared of Obamas moral views and unknown associations but only time will tell. So, I rest in praying for the leader God put in place. PS... Tom has started to wear a turban and I fear there may be a sleeper cell in Mogadore. He is consolidating the animals into a democrat fatwa squad against all republicans - excluding family. See some of you at thanksgiving - happy holidays.

A post from Riley and Emily

Riley here: This is me talking about my big squirrel! He was a large fox squirrel. I shot the tail of one squirrel but he got away . Boy was the fur flying! Hope you guys all have a good time for Thanksgiving. See you soon.

Emily here: Riley committed his first murder. You should have seen the blood - gross! By the way - he is going to squirrel jail soon. It will take a thousand nuts to get him out so please start collecting for Riley.

All things Weiner Schnitzel Carmen Delilah Shultz

Who was Weiner S.C.D. Shultz? Ah, how does one describe the pitiful life that this poor pup endured. Many days, it was hell on earth.

Fleas? Oh yeah, but that was not a problem. The eureka took care of that. Lay her flat, back down, plug in, switch on, fleas up, dog under our evil command.

And food? We always made sure she up-chucked the best.....