FLOWERS FROM STEVE

Yesterday afternoon the UPS truck arrived here at the Odell's with a large box. The box was addressed to me from Pro Flowers via my son Steve. There are 61 bulbs that are planted in a basket. Here is the discription: Colorful, cheerful and fragrant hyacinth, narcissus, tulips and scilla are sure to bring the warmth of the spring indoors. This bulb garden is designed to grow and bloom after arrival, for optimum enjoyment. Bulbs arrived planted, in pre-budding stage, and ready to bloom in 2-4 weeks. Care instructions are included.

I can hardly wait to get them home to start them growing.

The picture below is what they will look like.

Today the UPS truck arrived again with a package for Sue, also from Steve.

Preparing the stems before putting them in the vase

It takes 12 to 24 hrs for the flowers to open up.

This is what Sue's flowers will look like when they are all opened up.

THANKS STEVE FROM MOM AND SUE

Sue and Sammy

Sammy went to his first check up today (6 days old). Dr. Green said he's doing very well and won't have to come back for a month. Here is Mommy (Sue) and Sammy

SUE'S COWORKER'S AT COLGATE U.

COLGATE UNIVERSITY

Sue, Katie, Sammy and I visited at the Colgate Campus today where Sue's works. It's a beautiful campus. This picture doesn't do it justice. Her Co - Workers, Boss, and the Dean of the college were all happy to see Sammy and also meet Katie for the first time. Sue will be on maturnity leave until the end of June.

Sue's Office

Sue and Dean Charlotte Johnson

Some of the Office Crew

BABY SAM'S WEIGH IN

Today Sue, Katie, and I took Sammy to be weighed at the hospital where he was born. He was 5lbs 15 oz when he was born and 5lbs. 12 oz when he left the hospital. Today he had gained back 2 oz. (he's 5 days old today) The nurse was very pleased and said that they are pleased if a newborn gets back to their birth weight in 2 weeks, so he is doing very well.

Finally got a picture with his eyes open. (Taken yesterday)

I'm enjoying every minute of being here not only with Sammy but with Kenzie and Kate as well and of course with Sue and Chris. Sue is feeling very chipper for giving birth only 5 days ago. Sammy only woke up once in the night last night, so Sue wasn't so tired. I'm fixing "requests" for meals. Last night roast beef, potatoes, gravy etc and tonight Chris requested Mac and Cheese, so that's about to go in the oven.

11 Grandchildren

This is our fire ring that we often sit around in our Adirondack Chairs and enjoy making s'mores and good conversation. 2 years ago there were 9 stones for 9 grandkids. Then Kate Odell was born and grandpa added another stone. In this picture you'll see that he has placed another stone for our newest grandson, Sammy, making 11 stones.

OUR NEWEST GRANDCHILD

SAMUEL MARTIN ODELL

Parents: Sue and Chris Odell

Siblings: Mackenzie age 7 and Kate 22 months

Born: May 8, 2008 at 9:09 p.m.

Weighing 5 lbs. 15 oz and 18 1/2 inches long

Hamilton Hospital, Hamilton, NY

I arrived here at my daughter's today, May 11 to see my grandson for the very first time.

I haven't made up my mind who I think he most resembles. They say his grandfather Cramer.

I'm sure I'll be taking many more pictures this week, so be "Prepared".

CHIMNEY SWIFT'S

This is the chimney on
Northville's Second St. where the Chimney Swift's dwell. The only remains of the Hubbell Glove Company is behind the chimney.

The picture below shows the birds diving into the chimney at dusk. There are fewer birds that come now, but at one time there would be as many as 400+. What a sight it is to observe.




Many people from all over the area , as far away as Albany and Schenectady and Amsterdam, come each year to observe the birds arrival. Each night during the summer months of May thru August there will be numerous cars parked and people standing watching them dive into the chimney.




For more information about these birds go to :

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Chimney_Swift.html

The man in the picture to the right is Don Williams a local historian, author and storyteller.
He was also the MC for the evening, retelling the story of the birds.

Every year on May 6th the Swift's arrive in our town and stay until mid August. The rest of the year they live in Peru, a 6,000 mile trip to Northville. A very interesting fact is that they arrive on the birthday of the man that owned/had the chimney built. Each day at dusk they circle the chimney and a then all together they descend into the chimney like a funnel. They cling to the inside of the chimney where they spend the night. These birds feed on insects while in flight

The birds are about 5 inches long and look somewhat like a cigar. Each year our village celebrates their arrival with music, food concessions, a story teller, and a general turn out of local folks who chat and talk about previous year celebrations and of course the latest scuddlebutt in town.


This year we a had a folk/country singer who entertained us through out the evening. Sometimes the local school bands will play or local groups.

Each year I ask the 5th grade art class to draw pictures of their intrepretation of the Swift's arrival. This year they worked together on one larger poster. This was hung where it could be seen by those attending the affair.

The Boy Scouts sold Fried Dough and Pop corn was sold by the Civic Association