Longaberger

I've lived in the Columbus, Ohio area, off and on, for a total of 7 years and have never ventured the hour East to visit Longaberger. That is...until Thursday! My friend Joan, a former Longaberger consultant, and I travelled to Dresden, Ohio to visit Longaberger--a family owned business. Their office building is shaped like the Medium Market Basket, but is 160 times larger! The building is approximately 180,000 squ. ft. and 7 stories. The handle weighs 150 tons and is heated to prevent ice from forming. It truly is an awesome sight!

The interior of the office building is equally as impressive. The first floor is divided into areas showcasing how to incorporate the baskets into various spaces in your home. A grand staircase is the center of attention on the first floor. The top of the building is all glass and Joan indicated that one of the Longabergers wanted the ceiling to open like a basket, but logistically it would have been a construction nightmare.

After visiting the office building, we headed further East to visit the Longaberger Homestead. Joan and I meandered through the sale area, decided on a few purchases and then it was time for me to make my own basket!

My weaving assistant, Cindy, was incredibly friendly and has been working at Longaberger for 17 years! She typically weaves the larger pieces, specifically the oversize waste cans which typically take about an hour for her to weave. Let's just say, I'd probably still be there working on a project that large! We had Michigan fans next to us working on a "Go Blue" basket, so it seemed fitting that I should work on a "Go Bucks" basket for our basement Buckeye area.

I wove 3 rows of warm brown before weaving in "scarlet and gray" and then concluding with another 3 rows of warm brown.

After weaving the first several layers, I used a hammer and special tool to "tap, tap, tap" the "loops" in my basket. By tapping the loops, the woven bands are brought closer together, diminishing the spaces between rows.

I finished the remaining 3 rows of warm brown and then "tap, tap, tapped" again.

Cindy started the top band for my basket, and left instructions to tap into place the decorative tacks. I chose "OSU" on the sides and two footballs under each side of the basket handle.

Since, I'm clearly an amateur in basket weaving, Cindy was quick to fix my minor mistakes. She straightened a couple tacks that I couldn't, and then gave them a final "whack" to make sure they were truly secure.

The handle requires a special tool, Cindy took care of adding the handle to my Buckeye basket.

Joan and I with my completed basket! I'm so happy that I chose to make a basket--it was lots of fun! I have a new respect for the ladies who make baskets for a living. While it was entertaining to make one, I'm not sure I would have the extended patience to make more!

After basket weaving, we ventured to the Homestead restaurant for a yummy lunch. I loved noticing all the baskets tucked throughout the Homestead. The flowers are creatively placed in baskets and a HUGE basket of apples is the center of the small village.

I had a wonderful visit to the Longaberger Homestead and hope to return some day soon.

Fabulous Friends

Our best friends from Georgia travelled North for Memorial Day weekend. Our weather was picture perfect for the time they visited Columbus! The tree near the deck provides a natural umbrella over the table, so we enjoyed quite a bit of time relaxing on the deck, catching up with one another.

The Lengles were one of the first families we met upon moving to Georgia. Our neighborhood was a swim/tennis community and the boys thoroughly enjoyed the pool--summer 2003. We met Kathie and the boys one afternoon during one of our many trips to the pool. Evan and Noah became fast friends, even with our return to Ohio, their friendship remains strong. They were thrilled to be able to spend time together last weekend!

The Dads took the boys to the Westerville Rec Center for an afternoon of swimming while Kathie and I enjoyed shopping at Easton. Trey grilled hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill and we concluded our evening with s'mores and a game of "Dutch Blitz" for the adults. We discovered a new way to create s'mores--replacing Hershey chocolate bars with either a York peppermint patty or Reese's peanutbutter cup--mmmm--try it!

Noah and Evan tended to the fire making certain it was just "right" before our two families began toasting marshmallows.

Alexander, Evan, Kathie and Collin toasting marshmallows--creating the "perfect" golden brown marshmallow. Well, except for Alexander, he torched his :).

The ingredients, above, for the perfect s'more (below).

Sunday afternoon, after dining at "Mad Mex" on campus, we ventured to Huntington Park to watch the Columbus Clippers (Indians Farm team) and Ironpigs (Phillies Farm team). Just an aside--the Lengles are HUGE Phillies fans!

It was a very WARM afternoon and the boys quickly tired of sitting on the bleachers and baking in the sun. Above, the gang--all in a line--watching the game.

The "new" Clippers stadium is nestled in the heart of Columbus and the view from behind home plate is spectacular with the Columbus skyline setting the backdrop. Our family attended a game earlier in the season and the view from the stadium at night is truly breathtaking!

We don't get to spend much time with our Georgia friends--the boys' schedules and work keep all of us quite busy. But, we realize how truly blessed we are to have "family friends". Kathie and I enjoyed our time together and are busy reviewing our calendars trying to find another time when we can all be together again.

Dad's Visit

My Dad arrived Tuesday, May 25th for a visit before heading to his 50th high school reunion Memorial Day weekend.

Our time together began with Alexander's 8th grade jazz band concert.

Alexander has played the baritone for his three years at Genoa.

Following Alexander's jazz band concert, we went to Cici's for Noah's soccer awards and recognition.






















Noah with his latest soccer trophy (above) and his sports trophies in his room (below).

The next morning, we promised Noah we'd provide Subway for lunch. Poor Dad, I tried to prepare him for the cafeteria, but I don't think I was very successful! Boy, was it loud!

Following lunch, Noah and his classmates provided the 4th grade Wax Museum. The students were asked to select a historical character and provide information about their person. For those of you that know Noah well, he was encouraged to research someone other than Michael Jackson. Initially he was disappointed, that is, until he began researching Davy Crockett.

Each child had a "button" placed in front of them. When the button was pushed, the character "came alive". Noah began his portrayal singing "Davy, Davy Crockett. King of the Wild Frontier". Both Dad and I tape his segment, but the white noise completely overshadows Noah, so the video was unsuccessful.

Some of the other characters include: Marie Antoinette

Danica Patrick

Mozart

and, Albert Einstein

After recovering from our Alcott activities, we attended Alexander's 8th grade "Evening of Excellence". Alexander earned his 2nd year 4.0 and was awarded a silver ribbon for his hardwork. In addition, he also received an Honor Roll certificate and Scholar Athlete award.

Alexander with some of his 8th grade friends.

Thursday afternoon, Dad and I had no school obligations, so we met Uncle Marion (91) and Aunt Ruth (90) as well as his cousin Linda and her husband John for lunch.

When we weren't attending various school functions, Dad and the boys found time to toss the football and shoot hoops. In addition, we also played Scrabble and Sequence.

Dad, we're happy we were able to spend a few days with you before your trip to Logan. We thoroughly enjoyed your company and the boys are so happy that you were able to attend several of their school events. We love you and Mom very much--thanks for visiting!