Tag: Katelynn

2025 · Fourth of July

Addison Kaboom Town, Texas 2011 (1)

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Kevin, Courtney, and I went with the kids and a stroller full of coolers, blankets, and towels from a parking garage to the Addison Circle, which leads to the entrance of Kaboom Town. Addison opens the gates around 4 or 5 pm. The earlier we arrive, the better our chances are of getting a decent spot. It was a very hot Independence Day weekend. So, we adults decided to pick a shaded spot under a couple of trees close to the water fountains and the bathrooms. Once our blankets were laid out, the girls wanted to play in the fountain and cool off. There was still plenty of time for the airshow and fireworks. By the time the sun is behind the horizon, the kids can rest and watch the shows. It didn’t take long before Sara was hungry and wanted to eat a sandwich. Thank goodness, we always bring our cooler with us. Katelynn rested with her Dad on the blanket for a little bit before she decided she was hungry, too.

… to be continued …

2025 · National Day Calendar

National Christmas Lights Day 2025

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Before the invention of electric lights, families would balance candles on the branches of their Christmas trees—a risky practice that naturally led to several house fires. Electric Christmas lights were first invented in 1880 by Thomas Edison, who promptly strung them all over the outside of his Menlo Park laboratory. Because people were initially distrustful of electricity, it took another several decades for the invention to catch on. It wasn’t until 1903 when General Electric began selling pre-assembled kits of Christmas lights that electric lights became popular with people of all classes. Today, electric lights are an integral part of the winter holiday season, and certainly aren’t exclusive to Christmas. As we get ready for the end of the year, let’s string up our lights and celebrate. ‘Tis the Season’, after all.

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-christmas-lights-day/

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2025 · National Day Calendar

National Clarinet Day 2025

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Several theories regarding the clarinet. It is said that the clarinet evolved from the ancient woodwind instrument named the ‘chalumeau.’ The chalumeau is also said to be the ancestor of the instrument ‘oboe.’ Even today, a clarinet’s lower register is referred to as chalumeau.

The first clarinet is said to have been developed in the 1700s by German musician Johann Christoph Denner. It was composed in the key of C. Clarinets are typically made in the key of B flat today. Other modifications in the clarinet followed in the 1800s. For example, the mouthpiece was designed to face backward, rather than forward, which allowed clarinetists to play the instrument more smoothly. This prototype was brought forward by German musician Heinrich Baermann.

Later on, thirteen keys were added to the clarinet, giving the clarinetists the ability to play the chromatic scale. Thereafter, many new versions and types of clarinets emerged depending on the key used, the size, or the range of registers. The clarinet was used as the voice for the wolf in the famous composition “Peter and the Wolf.”

The clarinet produces soothing music, which is why it is used in various genres of music, including rock, jazz, and folk. It is said that Mozart loved the sound of clarinets. Clarinets are also used widely in military orchestras. Clarinet Day was established to recognize this remarkable instrument, a favorite among musicians worldwide.

Happy National Clarinet Day!

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-clarinet-day/

2025 · Dallas/Fort Worth

Kids Colony II Playground (Phase I), The Colony, Texas 2011

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In 1993, residents and businesses in The Colony came together to build a playground. There was lots of planning, fundraising, scheduling, and building – all done by volunteers! This little town in Texas made a great effort, and the result was a community-built playground named Kids’ Colony. The years and hot Texas sun took their toll on the expansive wooden structures, and the process of replacing the beloved playground began. In 2011, Phase I of the rebuild of Kids’ Colony was completed, adding a nature-themed play structure, pavilion, picnic tables, and benches. 

: https://www.thecolonytx.gov/472/Kids-Colony-Park

2025 · Halloween

There Was A Little Witch …

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Trick-or-Treat

There was a little witch
who kept her little bat
on the teeny, tiny tip
of her pointy, little hat.
She knocked on many doors
and cackled, “Trick-or-treats!”
while the little bat held out his wings
and gathered tasty sweets.
They shared a midnight feast
besides the Boo Lagoon,
Then flew on home to dream sweet dreams
beneath a candy moon.

by Penny Parker Klostermann

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2025 · Halloween · Throwback Thursday

Halloween Season (Part IV) 2010 – 2011

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2010

Katelynn loves going to the pumpkin patch because she can jump in the bounce house, go on hay rides, and pick a pumpkin. Sara just enjoyed crawling around between the pumpkins. Every pumpkin had to be tested by giving it a good slap on top. We also went to the Pirate Days. Unfortunately, “Boo at the Zoo” got rained out on the day we went to the Fort Worth Zoo. But it wasn’t the end of the world, either. The girls got out and had fun, anyway.

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2011

Aww! 2011 was one of my favorite Halloween Seasons of all time so far. Katelynn had a crush on “Marvin, the Martian” and wanted to marry him. That’s right. She loved this Looney Tunes character so much that we had to get her a plush Marvin. She said she wanted to become an Astronaut and be the First Woman on Mars. Over the years, her idea of flying to Mars has changed. But she still wants to be a Paleontologist, now.

Sara was the cutest little garden gnome I’ve ever seen. It was her first Halloween, and she could walk to the houses. But she still had a hard time catching up with her older sister. Her little feet were not fast enough. So, she called Katelynn to wait for her: “Kaitin, Kaitin! I want to go T’ick-o’-T’eat with you!” Sara wasn’t scared of any monsters either. Since we always made a big fuss out of Halloween, she must have thought it was normal.

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… to be continued …

2025 · Halloween · Throwback Thursday

Halloween Season (Part III) 2008 – 2009

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2008

Katelynn wanted to help me with the pumpkin carving. So, I’ve got her a little pumpkin she could play with and get the pumpkin guts out. She always loved to say: “We need to get all the pumpkin yikes out!” And then she played with the gooey inside of the pumpkin.

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2009

Sara was only twelve days old when we celebrated Halloween in 2009. She was such a cute little Pumpkin. Katelynn wanted to help with the pumpkins again, while her little sister took a nap. Katelynn was very proud of being a big sister. She really enjoyed taking Sara out for her first Trick-or-Treat. All bundled up, we walked through the neighborhood and collected candy on this cool October night. The fresh air was good for the little munchkin.

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… to be continued …

2025 · My Texas Garden Journal

A New Fence Pole & An Old Dismantled Shed ~ 2013

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One of our fence poles didn’t have a cap to cover it. When it rained, the pole collected water. Over time, the metal started to rust through and didn’t hold up the fence. It also didn’t help that Ranger always peed on it. So, one Saturday afternoon, Kevin got the materials to fix the fence. He dug the concrete block up, which was huge. It took us both to lift it out of the ground. Once the new pole was in place, Kevin poured the concrete to keep the pole in place.

While the concrete set, Kevin dismantled the old rusty shed that was here before we moved into the house. All it did was attract rats. We had to get rid of it sooner or later. We had that extra space and enough room to trim the trumpet vines. In the meantime, Katelynn and Sara collected the rest of the twigs from the Mimosa, which was cut down three days prior. Our cats made sure that we all did our chores.

2025 · DIY · Halloween

DIY – Diddlina “Trick-or-Treat” Bag 2005

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Katelynn’s “Trick-or-Treat” bag, I made for her.

Diddlina is Diddl’s girlfriend. When I was younger, I collected everything about Diddl and his friends. I even made my own journals by drawing pictures of them. In October 2005, I created Katelynn’s Trick-or-Treat bag myself. The bag I had from a previous occasion. I imaged the concept, traced it, and then glued the tracing to construction paper. The broom got some tinsel I found in an art supply store. I used a black pen to color the face, hands, feet, hat, and costume, giving it character. And voilà, Katelynn had a Trick-or-Treat bag like no other.

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2025 · Halloween · Throwback Thursday

Halloween Season (Part II) 2006 – 2007

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2006

… This Halloween season was completely different from last year’s. Katelynn was excited to go to “Trick-or-Treat”. She knocked on the doors with a happy “T’ick-or-T’eeeeat”. Since she couldn’t pronounce the “r”, the neighbors thought she was adorable and gave her a lot of candy. After three houses, we had to walk home to empty the bag before we could go out there and get more candy. Oh my, so much candy and no meltdowns anymore.

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The Munster Mansion in Waxahachie, Texas

In 2004, I heard about the Munster Mansion Replica when I watched VH1 while I was preparing dinner. I talked to Kevin about it. And one weekend, we drove from Dallas to Waxahachie. When we found it, we looked at it. The owner, Charles McKee, waved at us, and we waved back.

A couple of years later, I read in the Dallas Morning News that the McKees have these weekend tours right before Halloween. Kevin and I got a babysitter for Katelynn, and down we went to Waxahachie again. They used the big parking lot in front of a local school. A school bus and a limousine were busy around the clock, picking guests up and dropping them off. It was a long wait. But once we were on the property, we had a lot of entertainment. One of the firebreathers asked me to pull a nail out of her nose. I replied, “… before this happens, I will pass out.” Everybody in line was laughing. 😊

Once we made it inside the mansion, we were not allowed to capture photos or record any film. It made us pay more attention to the tour as well. If you like to see photos and documents, you can go to the official website and check it out for more information. Here is the link:

https://www.munstermansion.com/

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2007

In 2007, Kevin had to go to Trick-or-Treat with Katelynn. I was still recovering from a knee injury and would rather stay at home. It was fun. Katelynn was dressed in her “Snow White” costume and received plenty of candy, while the neighbors and I were busy giving out candy. I have to admit, I missed the door-to-door walk that year.

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… to be continued…

2025 · National Day Calendar

Kindness To Animals Day 2025

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Pets, particularly dogs and cats, have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, alleviate loneliness, and promote exercise and playfulness. Caring for an animal can help children become more secure and active as they age. Pets can also be a valuable source of companionship for the elderly. But, it doesn’t just end with pets. Being kind to animals is a great way to get connected with them on a deeper level out of respect and understanding. Being kind to animals is good for you, those around you, and the animals themselves.

In the Philippines, Carlos Polestico Garcia, a lawyer by profession, entered politics when he was elected to the House of Representatives to represent the third district of Bohol. He later became the eighth President of the Philippines. He was known for being a teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, and political economist who was passionate about animals and wildlife. So much so that on September 30, 1958, in the City of Manila, Garcia issued Proclamation No. 537 declaring the fourth day of October each year as Kindness to Animals Day.

The proclamation emphasized the importance of instilling the virtues of kindness, justice, and mercy in all living creatures and condemned all forms of cruelty to both men and animals. Garcia called upon all citizens and residents of the Philippines, government officials and employees, public and private schools, churches, and civic organizations, to observe this special day with ‌programs and ceremonies so that all people can get involved to showcase their compassion for animals.

: https://nationaltoday.com/kindness-to-animal-day/

2025

22 Years

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May this special day bring endless joy,
unforgettable memories,
and boundless opportunities.
Always remember, we are here for you every step of the way.

Happy 22nd Birthday, Katelynn!

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2025 · DIY · Halloween

DIY-Halloween Costume 2004 🐑

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Katelynn as a little lamb (2004)

In 2004, I saw a little lamb costume for Katelynn. She was so cute. Unfortunately, I made the hat piece a little bit too big. But that was okay. She had a lot of fun getting candy on Halloween night.

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2025 · National Day Calendar

National Daughters Day 2025

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National Daughters Day is a day to celebrate the gift of daughters. Dads and moms have different, but very special relationships with their daughters. And that is to be celebrated. This is a day to cherish our daughters. The initial reason for creating National or International Daughters Day was to erase the stigma in some countries attached to having a girl instead of a boy child. But in developed countries, Daughters Day is a day to celebrate the joy and wonder of having a baby girl and raising a daughter.

:https://www.nationaldayarchives.com/day/national-daughters-day/

2025 · Throwback Thursday

Goshen Fair, Goshen, Connecticut ~ 2021 🎡

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Goshen Fair Entrance

Kevin, Katelynn, Sara, and I visited the Goshen Fair yesterday morning. The Goshen Fair happens annually on Labor Day weekend. With Fair rides, prize-winning livestock, vendors, and food trucks, there is much to see and taste. The girls were excited to go on all these rides. Due to COVID-19, it seemed like an Eon for them to enjoy a day at a fair. We ate some fair food. It was nice to get something, not necessarily fried, like at the State Fair of Texas. Kevin got some popcorn and munched on that while we walked around. The livestock was so adorable. One of the roosters’ cock-a-doodle-dood every time someone entered the barn. I guess it was his way of greeting everyone. The piglets were so cute. And the Llamas reminded me of Disney’s “The Emperor’s New Groove”. There were also cows, alpacas, bunnies, sheep, and many more animals.

We also wanted to support some local businesses. I’ve got some honey and found out that the lady who owns the beehive is from Watertown as well. How much more local can it be, getting fresh honey from a backyard beekeeper only two miles down the road?! Katelynn got herself a nice alpaca poncho. Sara couldn’t get enough of those fidget poppers. And before we left, I bought a felt pumpkin guy. I’m such a sucker for Harvest, Autumn, and Halloween decorations. All of us enjoyed the few hours at the Goshen Fair. With the beautiful weather and perfect temperatures, the fairground got crowded quickly. It was time to leave.

Vendors, Rides & Food

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Goshen Fair’s Price-winning Livestock

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~ 09/05/2021 ~

2025 · National Day Calendar

International Talk Like A Pirate Day 2025

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All you bilge rats, Aaaaaarrrrrrgh! As you are out and about on September 19th, don’t be surprised if people are saying, “Ahoy Matie,” “Avast,” “Aye, Aye Capt’n,” “Land ho!” and many other pirate-like phrases, because it’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day. 

While ordering your coffee in the drive-thru, ask if they have a change for gold bullion. Try testing your pirate language out at the library when asking for the location of Moby Dick. The pirate language always fares well in rough seas. Settle a debate with “I’m right or I’ll walk the plank!” To polish your persona, practice a swagger, limp, and squint. Long days at sea give pirates unique qualities.

:https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/international-talk-like-a-pirate-day

2025 · National Day Calendar

Spalding Baseball Day 2025 ⚾

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Baseball is one of the most popular American bat-and-ball games played between two teams. Each team consists of nine players, and they take turns batting and fielding. The game ensues with a pitcher, a player on the fielding team, throwing the ball. A player from the batting team tries to hit the ball with a bat. Baseball is a game where we can see thrilling moments like a flashy home run, a super grounder, and shocking strikeouts. Dramatic moments and fascinating statistics make each game worth watching.

When we talk about baseball, Albert Goodwill Spalding is a person that we cannot ignore. His contributions to the game are beyond words and worthy of being celebrated. He played baseball throughout his youth and played his first competitive game with the Rockford Pioneers. It was a youth team when he joined in 1865. After seeing his impressive 26–2 victory over the Mercantiles, Rockford Forest Citys approached him. Spalding was only 15 years old at that time. He played for Rockford Forest City for five years.

In 1871, Spalding joined the Boston Red Stockings after the formation of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players. The Boston Red Stockings were a precursor club to the well-known modern Atlanta Braves. He was highly successful there and won 206 games. He retired from the game in 1878 at the age of 27. Even after retirement, he continued as the president of the White Stockings, in which he was also a part-time owner. He was a major influence on the National League. Spalding’s career-winning percentage is the highest ever by a baseball pitcher.

:https://nationaltoday.com/spalding-baseball-day/

2025

National Aviation Day 2025 ✈

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National Aviation Day on August 19 should make us stop and think about the power of flight. Yet, some scientific and technological marvels become so commonplace that we seldom take the time to re-examine their revolutionary impact with an open and inquisitive mind.  In just a handful of generations, aviation went from pure, pie-in-the-sky speculation to a mundane reality that inspires about as much wonder as a trip aboard a Greyhound bus.

It’s that ho-hum attitude to the miracle of flight that makes National Aviation Day such an excellent national observation.  Plus, it takes place on  Orville Wright’s birthday!

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-aviation-day/

2025 · National Day Calendar

National S’mores Day 2025

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While the origins of National S’mores Day remain unknown, s’more, the great American camping treat, has a long, delicious history. The first mention of such a treat was in the 1920s in a book of recipes published by Campfire Marshmallows, home of the original marshmallow and still in business today. At that time, the recipe was called a ‘Graham Cracker Sandwich’ and suggested the treat had already been made popular by the Boy- and Girl Scouts. Later, in 1927, the Girl Scouts published a similar recipe in “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts,” but they called it ‘some more.’ Finally, in the late ’30s to late ’50s, various recipes gave the name as we know it today, s’mores.

The ingredients for the original s’mores are one marshmallow, milk chocolate squares, and two graham crackers. The traditional method for making s’mores is by a campfire, and it’s hard to beat that experience. Part of the fun is each person searching for their own long, sturdy stick capable of holding a mound of marshmallows over the fire for toasting. Then comes the toasting debate — how toasted do you prefer your marshmallows? Of course, this leads to a full-on psychological evaluation. Do you set your marshmallow on the fire and blow the flame out once it is burned? Do you allow your marshmallow to hover over the flame and toast to a less-than-charred yet caramelized state? Do you barely get the marshmallow tan? Whatever your preference for marshmallow toastiness, the end result is the same — huge smiles and full bellies. Enjoy your time today with family, friends, and the gooey goodness of s’mores!

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-smores-day/

2025 · My Texas Garden Journal

The Greenhouse In Texas ~ 2013 (1)

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My greenhouse arrived toward the end of February 2013. It was a Thursday. And on the following weekend, I began to build the greenhouse kit. To my dismay, I noticed two frame pieces were broken. I had to call the company the following Monday and wait for the pieces to arrive. UGH! That sucked.

In the meantime, Kevin fixed the chain-link fence and gate poles for the garden space. It’s an area to prevent the dogs from pooping in our garden. Katelynn and I cut a bush down and pulled its roots out as well as we could. Once she found a worm, she was too busy playing with it, so she was not much help to me dig roots out of the ground.

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2025 · National Day Calendar

National Sisters Day 2025

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A hug for the big sis.

National Sisters Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. Nothing can quite compare to the bond that sisters have, and this is a day to treasure the closeness that forms as you grow up together, sharing your secrets, your dreams, and all the fun times. Sisters have a deep connection that grows throughout childhood and remains strong throughout life. National Sisters Day is a chance for you to spend some quality time with your sister and to cherish the connection that you have.

Resource: https://nationaltoday.com/sisters-day/