Ed and his "60s!"

This year marks a milestone for Ed as he enters his 60s on April 27th. To launch this period of celebration, we planned a surprise party for him on Saturday, April 12th as friends from our town, community theaters, school, and the Knights of the Silver Sword mixed wonderfully together to compare stories of how Ed came into their lives.

My niece Christine and I were able to keep him "in the dark" until about three hours prior to the party. This is when he walked into the house to see the dining room set with food and the back room set for beverages. He was still puzzled until he saw his baby pictures set around as decoration and finally put everything together. It was a good thing because we desperately needed his help in getting the house ready!

I can't thank Christine enough for helping to keep me sane over the past few weeks. Its interesting that I can plan major global events involving thousands of people but tend to FREAK when a small event is in my own home.

Also, we are fortunate to have as our friend, Steve Peters. Steve is a VERY talented artist who captured this event with a lot of amazing pictures. He is gifted with a special "eye" that is able to capture the sparkle of each individual in his photos. Also, he had a bit of psychedelic fun with a few of the photos that are included as well. His photos along with a few of our own are available in our album on our Picasa web site. We hope you enjoy them. If anyone else has photos to share from that night, we would LOVE to have a copy of them.

If, after seeing the photos, you're wondering WHY there is a chocolate covered lawn mower? Well, while birthday gifts were not required, we did suggest that "tithes and offerings" of a chocolate nature be designed with imagination and creativity - a dangerous thing to tell our friends. There were many amazing designs that included a chocolate "cake" made of chocolate candy; a plunder bag appropriately monogrammed with "Mine" that featured security devices (two mousetraps); and an amazing chocolate trifle topped with chocolate covered espresso beans. BUT the winner was what you see in the pictures. Our dear friends, Dan and Carol McAfee covered a small child's toy lawnmower with a myriad of chocolate candies. Ed made a point of informing them that he also has a 36" deck mower in Chicago that they could work on as well (hint hint).

Surprisingly, the time went by VERY fast and everyone left in the wee hours. When the house grew silent, we were privileged to realized how blessed we are with knowing and loving these people. Thanks to all!

This a VERY nifty device!

I came across this really NIFTY office item and wanted to pass it along to you.

This rack allows you to store your DVDs and CDs in a standard file drawer. It is made of hard, durable plastic and easily snaps together. I have one for each of two file drawers and each rack holds disks having electronic data pertinent to the files in that drawer. Plus, it allows me to place numerous CDs and DVDs out of sight. Each rack holds 24 disks in slim or regular cases. Finally, it is priced at a VERY reasonable price of approximately $4.00. If you Google search "Media File Rack/CD Holder," many distributors will appear.

Personally, I recommend Discount Office Supplies. I love working with this office supplies company! I have ordered twice from them and they deliver within a couple of days. Their shipping prices are very low and they use UPS.

These are perfect for home OR corporate offices.

Pass this along to other office supply geeks who may benefit from this item!

Let them eat cake!

One of my very dear friends (my "Good Goon") married his sweetheart on February 16th. As our gift to them, we offered to make their wedding cake. The event had a Valentine theme and approximately 50 people were expected to attend.

The heart-shaped cake was French Vanilla in flavor and torted with white chocolate pudding. The icing was white in color and very lightly flavored with buttercream-mint. In the center, a white chocolate "jewelry box" held roses and the entire cake was lightly "dusted" with an edible white glitter that sparked nicely under the lights.

I must (immodestly) say that I was quite happy with the results. Perhaps one always produces special cakes when making them for special people. I have decorated cakes for over 30 years and interestingly enough, it is one of the very few artistic projects with which I can go from original concept to constructing the final project with my hands. Its like sculpting. I call it my "therapy." Enjoy!

WACKY Weather Wimping???

Weather-wise, Tuesday night was "entertaining" to say the least!

During the day, we had enjoyed unusual temperatures in the low 50's (12 C). At 7:30 p.m., a cold front moved into to produce a fierce storm with straight line winds in excess of 80 mph (approx. 128 kph). In two hours (21:30), the temperature dropped from 54F/12C to 28F/2C. Then, the horizontal rain turned to snow with blizzard-like conditions. It was wild! I believe the final report was that the temperature dropped 40 degrees in just six hours.

Last Night (Thursday)
ALL day long, we were hearing the reports of "gloom and doom" and how we were to receive up to 10+ inches of snow. Bread, milk, and eggs were flying off the grocery shelves! A friend of mine once commented on how curious it was that, when it snowed, everyone gets the urge to make French Toast!

We wake up this morning to two inches of snow and a little ice. This is the second time this winter that the weather reporters gets everyone all stirred up to have nothing! I supposed it is preferable to NOT having people prepared and having the opposite occur. Still, its frustrating. I suppose I want one GOOD snowstorm before winter ends. There's still time...

Greensburg's Famous Tower Tree (and Erdmann Family Tree?)

Ed and I were returning home from Cincinnati along I-74 and impulsively decided to exit at the Greensburg, Indiana exit to take a peek at their famous tree that grows out of the top of their courthouse tower.

For those who are unaware of this phenomena, the first tree sprout appeared in the early 1870s and its descendant presently grows majestically from an opening in the tower. Historical details are available at this "website". Pay special attention to the last paragraph where it describes the theory as to how the tree is watered! ;>

The square is amazing. It is two or three times the size of Lebanon's square and FULL of businesses. Yes, you have offices of attorneys and title companies, but there were craft supply stores, hardware stores, etc. that were BUSY! It seems rare nowadays to have the traditional courthouse square that is ALIVE. Some day, I would like to return just to shop.

THEN, we parked on the east side of the square and, as we got out of our car, I looked up to see our last name, "Erdmann", featured on top of one of the buildings. It was eery! I couldn't' help myself. I entered an attorney's office and explained my curiosity. The staff was wonderful in referring me to the county's genealogist, Mr. Russell Wilhoit.

I located his email address and wrote him to inquire the origin of the Erdmann family. He was wonderful! Immediately, he compiled some photocopies of obituaries of the Erdmann family revealing that Charles Erdmann was originally from Switzerland and came to Greensburg from Cincinnati. He opened a cigar factory that was called C. E. Erdmann & Sons. One of the sons was George E. Erdmann whose name is featured on the building that hosted their business. George's son, Morris, moved to Hammond, Indiana and I can't help but wonder if Ed's family originated from there. We'll definitely have to pursue it one day.

In any case, one never knows where an unplanned adventure may lead them. We began searching for a tree and may have found a family tree at the same time!

If time allows, always be willing to turn off the main road to see where a road less traveled may take you!

The Secret was presented on "Oprah" and is endorsed by a long list of respected and established individuals. Its message should not be challenged and it only makes sense.

I began reading the book "The Secret" over six months ago. At the time, it sounded too easy and/or perhaps I was too cynical at the time but, in any case, I put it down. Recently, I have been working to redefine my life. Part of that process was to rid myself of negativity and I picked up the book once again. Also, I acquired the DVD that portrays the book's content in a video format. I have decided to practice its teaching.

What is the Secret? The Secret is the law of attraction. The Secret explains with simplicity the law that is governing all lives, and offers the knowledge of how to create—intentionally and effortlessly—a joyful life. This is The Secret to everything—the Secret to unlimited happiness, love, health, and prosperity.

I invite you to look into it. In just a short time, I have already begun to feel its positive effects. Some may "poo poo" it and this I respect. In any case, I have nothing to lose.

I believe we are meant to share the good we are given. I am happy to have done so with this posting. Good wishes!

Grandfather Moves In With Us

Thirty years ago, on Christmas Day 1977, Ed's father walked into his house to be greeted by the beautiful sound of traditional Westminster chimes. This serenade was coming from the new grandfather clock purchased for him by his children: Ed, Susan, and Nancy. Prior to his passing in October 1983, Ed's father told him that the clock was to be bequeath to him.

Its been many years, but last weekend, the clock ventured from Chicago to its new home in Lebanon, Indiana. It now stands majestically on our stairway landing below the century-old stained glass window. It seems as though this "spot" was meant for the clock. I cannot adequately describe the experience of hearing the quarterly and hour chimes as they delicately echo throughout the house. Ed's father was a warm, remarkable man and we think of him with every chime.

If given apples, make APPLESAUCE!

Click on each picture to enlarge.

Yesterday (Saturday) was beautiful! The weather was perfect and we decided to go to Anderson Orchard. in Mooresville, Indiana to pick apples for applesauce and apple pie filling.

This is a wonderful orchard where, as children, my mother took us to pick our own apples. The rolling hills of rows of apple trees is beautiful in their many fruitfilled colors. If you're stressed, it is a wonderful place to go to listen to the slight breezes rustling through the apple trees. You reach up and pick the fresh fruit from the tree. Dusting it briefly on your arm, you bite into a juicy burst of flavor that you rarely experience from store bought fruit.

I feel sorry for the Anderson Family because, due to the late spring frost and the summer's drought, their trees only produced 25% of their usual yield this year. BEWARE! This situation may be reflected in local stores as it pertains to the midwestern crop yields. Its interesting in that, while the yield is smaller, the taste intensity is better. Go Fig!

Usually, we pick one bushel of Cortland apples for our applesauce and one-half bushel of Jonathan or JonaGold apples to prepare as apple pie filling. This we did and, today (Sunday), the house hosts a delightful aroma of cooking apples as we prepare to can the jars to store in our cellar for a delightful treat this winter. I'll work on the apple pie filling tomorrow since it takes longer is a little more labor intensive.

This past weekend, they also held their annual Apple Festival where they feature activities for the kids and a hugh tent of booths featuring arts and craft items made by local residents. Local non-profit organizations have food concessions and, of course, they are selling APPLES! It was packed. If you're "shy" of crowds, I recommend watching their calendar each Autumn and plan to visit one weekend other than when the festival is scheduled. Then, you can truly enjoy the purity of the serenity of the orchard.

Trust me, it serves to cleanse the soul!

WRTV's Todd and Trish at the CKS Railroad!

Todd Wallace and Trisha Shepherd will soon join WRTV as their new anchors. To launch this new partnership, WRTV are touring througout central Indiana to visit sites and people one-on-one.

On Sunday, September 2, they visited our railroad (CKS Railroad) in Knightstown, Indiana. They arrived in their signature RV and spent just over one-half hour with our crew and passengers.

They are really very nice people and I'm eager to see them debut for their nightly 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 11:00 p.m. newscasts. Information on their touring schedule is located on the website. Scroll down to the schedule and you should soon be able to click on the September 2 CKS Railroad link to see a slideshow of their visit.

Enjoy!

Ed Has Made It To Print!

For YEARS, we have teased Ed over the fact that, while he has attended the Feast of The Hunter's Moon for close to 20 years, his image has never been captured to archive this fabulous event. Since there are hundreds of interpreters and thousands of visitors that attend each year, it wouldn't seem out of the ordinary that Ed wasn't in the "right place at the right time." However, why it is then that the first time he brings his niece down (Kim), her image is captured on the next year's brochure AND event poster. The next year, our second niece (Chris) arrives and the local news station interviews her on camera that evening.

Welllllllllllllllll, it has finally happened! Ed's "mug" is featured on the printed brochure advertising the 2007 event. The work of John Condreay is magic and he has supported the event with remarkable photos for years. I have contacted him and, hopefully, will be able to order prints from him.

Come and see Ed at the Feast this year. I will be working the pumpkin patch at the railroad this year so I'll have to miss the daily activities but look up Ed in the camp of the French Military. I'm sure he'll autograph your program if you ask!

By the way, he has trimmed his beard since and it looks MUCH better!

Its All In The Family!

So, how is this for a family portrait?

Sorry, but I seem to have become obsessed by the Simpson website (see below post)

Get SIMPSONized!

I am about to introduce you to a site that will: 1) distract you for what you SHOULD be doing, and 2) amaze you with the final result.

This is a website called Simpsonize Me! After a quick and easy registration, you upload a photo of yourself (or someone else) onto the site. Then, you can edit various features that closely resemble the subject that will add the body type, clothing style, tatoos, jewelry, facial hair, etc. When completed, you have a "Simpson-like" cartoon of the subject.



Here is the photo that I submitted that resulted in the cartoon you see at the top.

WARNING - This is a very cool site and it WILL distract you from work so play with it at home and allow time to have fun!

Catch Up On Your Comics!

Are you following a comic strip and missed a day?

Want to catch up on a comic but you don't subscribe to a newspaper?

NO PROBLEM!

Bookmark this link: Comics and you'll never get behind again.

You might even find a comic strip from your past that didn't know still was active.

Have fun!

Summer Burger Ritual

August has OFFICIALLY arrived!

Each year, we plant 18 tomato plants to include some beefsteak varieties that, of course, ripen in August. When they do, we prepare two perfect onion slices, two perfect hamburger buns, and, of course, two large 1/4 pound hamburgers. The burgers are grilled and placed on the buns with an onion slice for each.

THEN, with respect and great ceremony, Ed selects the holy, sacrificial tomato from the garden and it is sliced into thick slices, two of which shall be assigned with one for each burger. Finished, the artform stands almost six inches tall.

A cold root beer is prepared and it is time. Amongst many rude noises, the August harvest is welcomed into the Erdmann household. NOW! Its time to can salsa and ketchup!

Two Train Robbery Dates Remain!

Mark your calendars for August 19 or September 16 - OR BOTH! These are the last two days that the Carthage, Knightstown and Shirley Railroad has scheduled train robberies this year.

For many years now, we have been honored to have the members of the Great Lakes Freight and Mining Company visit our railroad one day a month from May to September to interact with the passengers on each of the three train rides scheduled that day.

The Knightstown Banner is featuring a link to a wonderful video created and edited by their staff member, Stuart Cotton. Click on this link (Robbery Video) that will take you to the homepage of the Banner. Then, click on the photograph of the robber to take you directly to the video.

RESERVATIONS - If you plan to come out to enjoy one of the robbery rides, PLEASE call the train depot to place your reservations. Call (765) 345-5561 (or toll-free at (800) 345-2704 if you're in the state of Indiana). If you receive the answering machine, advise that you want to place a reservation for the train robbery and leave the following information: Last Name - Telephone Number (with area code) - Date and TIME of train ride - Number of Adults (aged 12 and over), Children (aged 3 to 11), and those aged 2 and under. Each train ride will last about one-and-one-half hours.

TRAIN FARES - Adults = $8.00...... Children = $6.00....... Aged 2 and Under = FREE

QUESTIONS? - Visit the website CKS Railroad or email me at lerdmann@sbcglobal.

Clifty Falls State Park - You HAVE to go!

CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO ENLARGE

For years, I have heard wonderful stories of the Clifty Falls State Park located in the southeastern part of Indiana along the Ohio River. Ed and I talked often of going but it never seemed to "happen."

Well, recently, I have been in great need of some mental "R and R" to recharge my creative "juices." What I wanted was a clean, yet remote, primitive campground where we could pitch a tent and "detox" ourselves with Mother Nature. The natural amenities of this park not only met expectations but also exceeded them beyond belief.

When we learned of how wonderful the weather was to be this weekend, we knew our time had come to getaway. We left early on Friday morning and drove the two hours to the park. Anticipating a possible sell-out for the nice weekend, we picked out our campground immediately and pitched our little two-person tent before setting off for some serious hiking.

WARNING!
THE EVENT PLANNER AND TRAVEL CRITIC IS NOW KICKING IN!

HIKING:
Most of the trails are modest to extremely rugged. Only a couple of trails are available to allow you to see Big Clifty Falls and Little Clifty Falls as well as Tunnel Falls without too much effort. Anything else, you want to be in moderately good shape and be prepared to take your time. The scenery is beyond words and if you can manage to hike down to Clifty Creek, you are in for some spectacular scenery.

CAMPING:
The Park features two camping areas: one (A) with full individual electric, water, fire-ring, and dump stations with shared shower facilities and the other (C) is primitive with shared water and vaulted (non-flush) toilet facilities only. We stayed in the primitive area where each site had a fire-ring and was well designed for privacy. The grounds are beautiful and immaculately maintained. At night, we were "deafened" with the orchestral sounds of the insects singing and the same was true in the morning when the birds performed. Honestly, we couldn't have purchased a CD with as beautiful sounds as what we heard. It was amazing.

Truly, these campgrounds are perfect for singles, couples, and families and are perfectly designed to accommodate all these groups. Children can safely ride their bikes on the camp drives and the playgrounds were so attractive, I wanted to play on them. The vaulted restrooms were very well maintained but always bring your own toilet paper as they always seem to run out.

Note: Ed and I took our map and highlighted the campsite numbers of what we determined to be the best camp sites in both areas. Click on this picture to download and print. The yellow highlighted sites are the ones we recommend and those yellow sites with "stars" over them are the best! If you're unable to print this map, email us at lerdmann@sbcglobal and I'll send a .pdf version. This map also comes in handy when placing your online or telephone reservation or if you wait to register upon arrival. NOTE FOR 2009 - Although their online reservation page indicates that they are open for camping year-round, online reservations may be made for the dates of March 1 through August 27, 2009. Go to this website - read the page - click "Start" at the bottom. When the second page opens, select "Clifty Falls" among the options and go from there.

OTHER INFO:

PARK POOL: The park has a very large pool available for a minimal charge per person. There are sections for small children, the general "masses", and a diving area, and there is very neat water slide. Again, everything is clean! I had to look hard for the slightest cigarette butt anywhere in the park! AND, there is a walking trail that connects the campground directly to the pool so you don't have to drive.

CLIFTY FALLS INN: If camping is not your thing, their new remodeled Inn is perfect! It sits on the bluff overlooking the City of Madison, Indiana and the Ohio River. They have their own pool for guests of the Inn and a full dining room that serves incredible food. I stopped in and talked with the desk staff about the facility and was very impressed. They are open year-round and also cater to companies for meetings and small to midlevel events.

MADISON, INDIANA: Don't forget to allocate two to three hours to visit the historical rivertown of Madison, Indiana that is only one mile away. Your park pass will allow you in-and-out privileges so you won't have to pay to return. This town hosts a couple of wineries (love those tastings!), a railroad museum, and loads of varying scaled restaurants and antique stores. Drive around the historical section to see the beautiful houses that have been maintained. I was VERY impressed in that this town has NOT been spoiled with tourism but has graciously allowed it to co-exist with the day-to-day activities of real town activities. The ambience of the city is charming yet comfortable.

QUESTIONS?
If you are considering a get-away to this beautiful location and have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at lerdmann@sbcglobal.net. I would love to help you enjoy the same wonderful experience as we did.

Safe travels!

BTW I DID finally graduate!

I apologize for not having posted in so long. With the holidays and job hunting, I have been keeping very busy!

I did want to say that I finally did graduate although it is still taking some getting used to. After seven years of continual study, it is strange to not have a textbook in my lap or not be able to work on fun projects because of a pending assignment. Yes, I have my freedom and I'm a little disoriented on how to use it.

I am hoping to be able to post a PowerPoint show of the train graduation party and pics from the commencement ceremony that took place in the RCA Dome. With all the pics, it is "heavy" so I'm working to adjust it. PLUS, trying to FTP it to my parents web server is proving to be somewhat "educational" as well.

Check back here for it. I'll try to keep this updated as best I can. Thanks for understanding!

Final Falcon Post

This is my last posting about the Peregrine Falcons nesting over Monument Circle. A quick update is that the chicks began flying over one week ago. Sadly, we have lost Hokie and Lieber and one chick is "missing" as of the last blog post. One male (Kinny or Poston) has been seen flying quite well under the supervision its parents.

To catch up on the progress, you can access the blog at: Falcon Blog

I have enjoyed following this family over these past months and look forward to it again next year. I hope you have enjoyed the experience as much as me.

Chicks to fly soon...

Everyone is watching and ready to "pick up chicks" if necessary.

Our four "little" wonders are due to fledge out soon and there is concern about them landing in and around the monument circle and the street below.

I really don't know what I will do when they are gone. (sigh)

Check the links below for updated information and the "live-time" camera shots.

Falcon Chicks: Yesterday Was Banding Day!

Check out this video (with sound!): Falcon Chick Banding Video. The Department of Natural Resources came out to check and band the four falcon chicks that are presently nested over Monument Circle. It was determined that we have two males and two females.

All the bands we refer to are the black over green bands on the left leg of each chick. The names selected for each of the birds were determined as follows:

Kinney band is W over 53 (male) – submitted by Debbie Garcia from Indianapolis, IN. We felt there was no better way to honor the patriarch of the Indianapolis baby peregrines over the last 13 years – and on his way to becoming the most productive tiercel in the Midwest - than naming one after him. As Debbie said in her submission “…should be named after his dad…because his dad has done such a fine job being the ‘proud’ dad from the beginning when he had his turn sitting on the eggs. I will never forget the night he put the eggs in a row to lay on them. Kinney is ‘super dad’.” We couldn’t agree more Debbie – if there was such a thing as agreeing 500%, then I’m there. We will call him Junior during the fledging season in order to differentiate between him and his dad when calling out a name, but for the record books, he will be documented as Kinney. Now, if he turns out to be half the falcon his dad is…wow!

Poston band is W over 54 (male) – submitted by the entire Poston Road Elementary School, Principal Betty Maxwell, Martinsville, IN. The Poston Road Tigers caught falcon fever the day the first chick hatched because they were enthusiastically celebrating an Arbor Day celebration when word came baby number 1 had arrived. As their entry stated, “…the school, the staff and the entire community feel that Poston is very special and will soon soar high just as we aspire and inspire our students to do….Our entire school has embraced the Peregrine Falcons”. You inspire us with your passion you Poston Road Tigers and I hope falcon Poston continues to inspire you and falconheads of every age, everywhere!

Lieber band is R over 10 (female) – submitted by Alison Brown, Ansfelden, Austria and Carmel IN. This name has a two-fold meaning. Lieber means “beloved” in German – well, doesn’t that sum it up for many of us and how we feel about these birds? Lieber also happens to be the name of Colonel Richard Lieber and as Alison documented about him “…was crucial to the development of the Indiana State Park system and a pioneer in the protection of wildlife in our state.” Everyone, particularly Hoosiers, should be proud and thankful for the work of Colonel Lieber – if you have time, google his name and read a very impressive record of his life and the impact on natural resources conservation he had nationally and locally. We’ve come a long way in protecting the wildlife and lands that surround us humans thanks to pioneers like Colonel Lieber and honestly, what could be more wild and beloved than one of our baby falcons?

Hokie band is R over 11 (female) (my apologies for the original misspelling of the name - it was in no way intentional - thanks and sorry but thanks to everyone for noticing) – submitted by Gayle Doucey, Greenwood, IN. As Gayle so succinctly and eloquently put it: “In the memory of Virginia Tech. Let their spirits continue to soar on the wings of a falcon.” The name Hokie has the same first two letters of a word I believe sums up what the world still has, even with all the events we see unfold before us on an everyday basis: hope. So we hope that Hokie will have a long and fruitful falcon life and contribute to the continued recovery of this remarkable species known as the peregrine falcon.

We will continue to watch them over the next couple of weeks to see when they will fly.

Click here to see the live-time Falcon Cam of the nest: Falcon Nest Falcon Nest

Click here to see the live-time Falcon Cam of the ledge overlooking the circle: Falcon LedgeFalcon Ledge

I'll be sorry when they leave and it is over for the season.