SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER!


You can tell when summer is almost over. Bizzy and Charles goes back to work. Becca heads back to school (a second grader this year! Wow, is the time flying or what?) The temperature starts to dip below 60 degrees. The boats come out of the water after Labor Day Weekend.  The piers come in by the end of September. . .

And, Grandma and Grandpa leave for Arizona.:(

We know we all will miss Grandma and Grandpa, but Becca says she will miss them more.  By the time our lake residents were ready to leave, Becca was riding the bus to their lake house nearly every day just to get that much more time with them.

We helped them get the houses shut down (the one to Grandpa's right - on his left as you look at the picture, and the one in the background behind Grandpa) and ready for the winter.  Our lake house remains ready for whenever we wish to head to the lake on a long weekend for some much needed relaxation.

--

Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff

Knox High School Principal

Piano Going Well For Becca

Becca shows us her skills after only two lessons.  She is absolutely having fun learning the keys, practicing notes, reading music and conducting her Hanon scales.  Enjoy!

AT THE BAND COMPETITION

Knox High School's marching band, the Red Brigade, competed at Goshen Sept. 9, and placed second overall (a first top three at their first meet in several years) and also earned Best Overall General Effect.

While waiting for the band to take the field, we sat in the stands and goofed off.  Here Becca shows her excitement while waiting to hear the band's latest production.  We asked her to show us how to prepare for the flute and this is what we got!

 AT THE BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL


Becca loves riding horses.  Whenever we hit a festival or fair, Becca heads straight for the pony rides.  Whenever she rides, however, she rides pony-sized horses.

This year, at the Marshall County Blueberry Festival, Labor Day Weekend, Becca found the big horses.  Here, she's being led around the ring.  After about a 10-minute ride, she gets off . . . then proceeds to ask for a horse - for the next 3 days!

We love her, but have no room for a horse right now.  Besides, we know a few people who have horses, so invitations to ride with them come from time to time.

After the ride, Becca thanks the man who helped her and takes off her helmet.

TO THE FOOTBALL GAME WE GO!


High School football season has begun. While on the way to the first game of the season, Bizzy snapped this picture of Charles driving.

Our beloved Knox Redskins got off to a great start, trouncing the Winamac Warriors 55-6.  Then things got a little hectic, with the Redskins losing the next three games against powerhosue opponents North Judson, John Glenn and Jimtown.  Looking at 1-3, Knox traveled to LaVille Friday, Sept. 16, and snagged another convincing win, defeating the Lancers 41-16.

Five weeks in and we still have Homecoming at the end of the month and away games the first two weekends in October.

Wish us luck!

HARVEST FESTIVAL IN KNOX

Whenver there's a festival in the area, Becca loves hitting the carnival rides. Here she's riding the giant swing that goes around, and tilts at the same time.  The girl gets carsick whenever we go to town, but put her on a merry-go-around or a swing and a way she goest!

The Knox Harvest Festival occurs on the last weekend in August.

PIANO LESSONS BEGIN!

Becca began Piano lessons this week.  We were hoping to start her at the beginning of the summer, but, as you know, fun gets in the way.  Not to say that playing piano isn't fun; it is!  

Bizzy's assistant band director at the high school got married over the summer and his wife was a band director at a major high school in South Bend, that is until she moved to Bass Lake to get married.

She offered to teach Becca and leaped at the chance. Charles got the piano tuned and Becca began her Hanon scales.  She's loving every minute of it!

COLTON'S BIRTHDAY


For Colton's 17th Birthday we all went to Pablano's Mexican Restaurant for a taste of home.  While there, the employee's all sang "Happy Birthday" (the American version) to Colton and placed a huge plate of fried ice cream in front of him.  It was so delicious, Becca stole a couple of bites.

A few days later, Colton headed for home.

BECCA SURFING AT VBS


This summer, Becca got the chance to attend Vacation Bible School at Eagle Creek Church with many of her friends from school.  Here she's sitting next to Gabe, who's in her class at school.

Of course, it helps to have your parents teaching the science crafts portion of the VBS program.  Biz and Charles were asked to help out and got to be there to see Becca participate in all the activities.

We all had so much fun we're planning on being there next year as well.

BREAKFAST AT THE FARM WITH COUSINS


Becca was able to go out to the Sanders Farm (Uncle Rod's) and have breakfast with her cousins, Vinny and Carmen Garcia. Here they are shown sharing a cardboard box, playing together and having fun. They must be pretending they're in a boat at Bass Lake! Ah, imagination! What would we do without it!

OFF TO THE FAIR!

One of our favorite things to do in the summer is go to the Starke County Fair. Here, Becca and Leslie visit the Conservation Clubhouse. Becca likes going here to try and fish for a goldfish. Her Uncle Chris has been taking her fishing and teaching her how to fish, so Becca thought she'd try out new techniques in fishing.

Becca also likes going to the animal buildings. Her favorite is the pig pens. Although the picture says contrary, "Something smells!" Becca can't wait to go see the animals.


We've been told that Yellow House has enough property to put in a pig pen and Becca could raise a pig for 4H when she's older.  We're just not sure we want to go through that. Charles has a hard enough time trying to get a garden to grow.

Elizabeth "Biz" Ratliff

While driving to Valpo to see the movie "CARS 2" Becca pops over the seat to have her pic taken with Aunt Leslie!

We watched the movie in 3D and then went for a bite to eat at Red Robin. For the most part, we had so much fun!

COLTON LEARNS TO FLY!
"Why can't I?" asks Becca.


After straightening the basketball hoop, which suffered a blow by the snow plows this winter and was skewed off-center by about 10 degrees, Colton sets the hoop to regulation height and practices his dunk.  He reached the rim earlier in the week, and here is showing Bizzy (who took the shots and video) and Becca, sitting atop Titanic, still on the trailer at the garage, how he does it.

First, Colton takes a run at the hoop, dribbling as he is supposed to.


He takes his allotted three steps. . .




Stretches the ball up with both hands . . .

And, SWOOOSH!!! Nuthin' but net and hands!

As you can see, Colton is pretty far off the ground. His next learning objective? The Alley OOP!

BECCA ENJOYS DIP IN LAKE!

Every chance Becca gets, she jumps in the lake. What can we say, she's a fish!  I guess that's why she keeps telling us that she wants to be on the swim team and not the basketball team. Although, she has enjoyed playing basketball with her cousin Colton, just as much as she has enjoyed frolicking in the lake with her Uncle Claude E.

Here, Becca gives a thumbs up after swimming under the pier. We keep telling her not to do that, but she says she can hold her breath long enough.

A NICE SWIM!

Becca and Uncle Claude enjoy a cool dip in Bass Lake between the piers.  Becca loves nothing more than swimming in Bass Lake, except maybe swimming with a buddy!  We have certainly enjoyed Uncle Claude and Aunt Kasey's visit during the middle part of June, sometimes hot, sometimes cool.  Uncle Claude helped get boats and jet skis running and tubing and lake activities has been a part of the everyday functions.

OFF TO THE MINT FESTIVAL!

We all enjoy going to the Mint Festival, held every June on Father's Day Weekend, in North Judson.  Becca loves going and enjoys all the activities, especially the pony rides. Every year, afterwards, Dad has to contend with the one question, "When can we get a horse?"

While at the Mint Festival Becca enjoys getting her face painted. She chooses a different design each year, but it always looks similar to a cat face. Afterwards, Becca found Colton and posed for a picture with her 'brother'.

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 BECCA LEARNS TO MOW THE YARD!


Dad went out the other day and began mowing the yard at the new lake house and Becca decided it was time to learn how to mow!  Because the yard is smaller than the one at Yellow House, Dad had to get out the electric push mower. As you can see, it can be pretty difficult to mow while trying to drag an electric cord behind, but Becca manages to do it.

Now, everytime Dad mows, Becca is right there to help.

MOWING THE LAWN AT SUNNYBROOK!


Right after Memorial Day, Biz and Charles closed on the lake house they've been trying to buy. The grey house in the back, now dubbed "Sunnybrook" as in "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Cottage" is the new summer vacation residence of The Ratliffs.  If you look closely, the brown house on the left is the cottage occupied by Biz's Mom and Dad, the Sanders.  We were lucky enough to buy the house right next door so that we can be close to Mom and Dad.

Becca has decided that one of her new chores at the lake house is helping Dad mow the lawn. Dad is happy about that!

As you can see, she is also happy about helping out. Life at the lake is not all about swimming! As Mommy says, "First, we work, then we play!"

OFF TO THE CONCERT!

Here, Becca is wearing one of her favorite dresses as we get ready to attend the Spring Choir concert at Knox High School. Among the many things Becca enjoys, besides dressing up, is listening to her mommy's students sing and perform concerts. Every time Bizzy says its time to go to a concert, Becca is in her closet looking for the perfect dress to wear.

Off to the Zoo!

For the end of the year field trip, Becca went with her class and the entire first grade to Potawatomie Zoo, in South Bend, for the day.  She had lots of fun petting animals, exploring the habitats, and being outdoors. Here she can be seen with her friends (from class and the zoo:).

Biz measured her the other day and noted that Becca has grown a full inch just since early March - in two months!  Becca still remains nearly a full head taller than most of her classmates.

Happy Birthday Bizzy!

As my Momma always said, "Never send a Bundt to do an Angel's job!"

For Bizzy's birthday, Charles tried to bake Bizzy her favorite cake - an Angel Food cake. So, rather than use one of her two Angel Food cake pans, duh!, he poured the batter into Bizzy's fancy swirl Bundt cake pan. . .

The cake batter overflowed in the oven, puffed out of the pan and refused to pop out when it was done cooking. Luckily, Charles had the foresight to put a cookie sheet beneath the cake, so cleanup was minimal.  The result, however, can be proudly seen in this photo.

Bizzy says this one takes the cake!

BECCA EARNS ALL As AWARD!


The first grade held their awards ceremony and Becca earned all As for three of the four quarters!  Becca did get one B during the school year, in one quarter, but the award is based on three quarters during the school year.

Here, Becca is shown with her first grade teacher, Mrs. Brown. Becca has loved being in Mrs. Brown's class.

Next up: Second Grade!

 

A Bald Eagle rested on a tree branch on Grandpa's  meander land.  Rumor has it that it is nesting near the train tracks a few miles away by Yellow House.  We're keeping an eye out for it to see if it comes back our way. Grandpa says its watching the Carp as the fish come in to the shore to nest.

BECCA AND GRANDPA

Becca and Grandpa share a moment prior to Becca heading off to Blue Room to watch a movie. She really loves all the old-time Musicals Grandma has on the shelf. Her favorites include "Singing in the Rain" and "42nd Street" both of which she had watched several times.

BECCA AND GRANDMA GOOF OFF!

Becca and Grandma goof off at the lake.  Becca is in her jammies and getting ready for bed (albeit early!) and was in the process of saying goodnight!  Bedtime, however, was still a couple hours off as Becca goes into Blue Room, relaxes on the bed and watches a DVD of any one of a dozen musicals Grandma has on the shelf.

 BECCA IS READY FOR A RIDE

Becca shows off Mommy's new car as she gets ready to head to the High School to see the drama department's performance of "Fiddler on the Roof," one of Becca's favorite musicals.  She has seen the Topol movie several times, knows the songs well and looked forward to seeing a live action version.

The Knox High School students performed very well, although Becca says it was way different from the movie, which stage versions usually are.  All in all, it was a very good play and we loved every minute of it.

CHECK OUT MY RIDE!

After having heard that Colton got a new ride (see the green machine below) Becca told Grandpa that it was time she had a new ride as well.  So, Grandpa backed the golf cart out of the garage and told Becca to hop on - in the driver's seat.

So, Becca got to drive the golf cart for the first time this past weekend.  Good thing it was a pretty cool weekend, because there were hardly any people around - in their cottages and on the street.

Becca pulled out of the driveway after picking up Mommy and Grandma and took off down the road - right back to the garage. It was too cold to go any further.

Now, Colton had been driving Chris' truck after getting his license, but the truck recently developed some issues and the May family traded it in on this gorgeous little green machine, which Colton gets to drive.

We hope to see more of this car and its driver this summer at the lake.

SHOPPING OUR WAY OUT OF TOWN

After we checked out of the hotel (and Becca got a final swim in) we headed across the street to the Yoder's Meat Shoppe.  The name Yoder is pretty popular in this area as evidenced by Yoder's Red Barn Shoppes, Yoder's Auction House, Yoder's Mercantile, etc. You get the picture. Here, at the meat shoppe, we stock up on the meats we'll need for summer, such as fresh Bratwurst, Jalapeno Bratwurst, Hawaiin Bratwurst, Smoked Bratwurst, pounds and pounds of hamburger patties, more cheese, particularly string Mozzarella (Becca's favorite) and Sharp Cheddar (white and regular) for use in the many meals Charles cooks.

Now that we are stocked and ready, we so desperately wish summer would arrive!

On our way out we stopped at one of the bulk food mercantiles where all the Amish do their shopping.  We are continually amazed by the amount of horse and buggies we see all around this part of the country.

We took some back roads on the way home to hit smaller, unique variety stores and I think I counted nearly a dozen Amish schools before we even left LaGrange County.  Amish children attend school up to eighth grade, but then do not have to attend any longer in order to work on the farm.

Here is Becca outside the Menno-Hof Museum in Shipshewana. Inside, one can hear the Amish-Mennonite story and how this unique society came to be in our country. As you can tell, it was really bleak and overcast.  Becca says, "Thank goodness for indoor swimming pools!"

We had a great time and headed out on our return leg to Knox.  We had so much fun shopping in Shipshewana!

Becca absolutely loves to swim. So, when we found a hotel with a heated swimming pool, hot tub and play facilities for kids, we decided we needed to stay over rather than driving all the way back to Knox. 

As long as Becca gets several hours in the pool, she's a happy camper.  Driving to dinner last night at Deutsche Keuken Haus in Middlebury (only 10 minutes away) Becca had a hard time staying awake. All through dinner she looked like she was about to fall asleep.

Once we pulled in to the hotel parking lot and walked in the room, she was raring to go!  So, it was back into the pool.  This picture, of course, is from the hour she swam after breakfast this morning.

SHOPPING IN SHIPSHEWANA

While on Spring Break, we took a day to go shopping in Shipshewana.  The trip from Knox is about two hours driving.  There is so much to do and see that we decided to reserve a hotel room and stay the night.

Shipshewana is in the heart of Indiana Amish country.  Along the road one sees horse-drawn carriages aplenty!  It's amazing that a people exist in our country that have virtually sworn to live the simple life. Now, we have seen Amish use power tools and farm implements to help around their farms, but for the most part, this is how they live.

In this picture you see Charles and Becca on the steps of the Guggisberg Cheese Factory, on the outskirts of Shipshewana.  This is where we buy our cheese blocks to last us through the year. Becca's - and Grandma's - favorite is the Garlic Cheese, which is great on crackers or wheat thins.  Charles' favorite is the Pepper Jack, or Pepper Colby Jack, or the Salsa Cheese.  He uses it with his Mexican food.  Bizzy and Grandpa likes all of them.  We also pick up fresh blocks of Mozzarella for our Italian food, and butter cheese by the bucket.

When we first started buying our cheese here, this was just a local operation, but was bought out a couple of years ago by an Ohio company. Now, the cheese is shipped all over the midwest.

THE WRITING TEACHER BLOG


I've begun a new blog. Yes, I know. "What!? A new blog?" Finding the time to write on the blogs I do have, QUE PASA and BASS LAKE BUNCH is hard, but something came up the other day that I just couldn't resist and am feeling the urge to begin yet another new project.

Rebecca turned 7 last month.  A milestone in and of itself, Becca is also expressing the desire to write. As we near the end of her first grade year, we are seeing her grow, becoming a high leveled reader (she's reading Junie B. Jones and Cam Jansen, both third grade leveled chapter books).  Now, she wants to write.

For the past several years, Becca has written (I should say scribbled) in notebooks and we've encouraged her to express herself positively, so naturally, keeping a journal would come next in her writing development.  What caught me by surprise is that she asked me to teach her how to keep a journal and the idea about me keeping a journal right along with her came to me like an epiphany.

So, go check out my newest blog.  It will contain mostly journal entries, right along with my daughter, but I will also use her writing, with her permission, of course, displayed in the blog. You can find it by going to the Links area to the right of this post, and click on "THE WRITING TEACHER", or just click on this link writingteacher2006.blogspot.com and enjoy.

The final goal of the blog is to explore how to teach primary students writing in order to bring about a change in their skills, to help them be better writers.  As I explore teaching primary writers, I want to record my thoughts and revelations, and hopefully become a better primary writing teacher.

Thanks for following!

Biz went to Chicago last week for a conference and got to stay in a beautiful hotel. This is a shot with her camera looking outside her window down on the Chicago River.

We don't get to Chicago very much, but when we do, it can be an amazing city to visit.