Postings to YouTube

Last year I rewarded myself with a new JVC Camcorder--model GZ-MG630. Very easy to operate and extremely small and compact. Around that same time I created a YouTube account but never really uploaded any videos. All the videos I've created since last year are safely stored on my PC with appropiate portable HD backup.

Yesterday--2-19-10--I decided it was time to upload vidoes for all the world to view--but specifially family members. My first attempt was a 2 and half minute video of Mattie playing in the snow. It was 193 mb in size and took hours to upload and never completed the process. I knew something was wrong. So, after some research, I realized that my PC came with Windows Movie Maker which can change the file type and compress the size. After a little pratice, presto--success!!

As I write this, I have uploaded 6 videos with more on the way. So, if you would like to view--please go to YouTube home and under search put in: TheJvonc After it goes to my account, click on the TheJvonc id and all my videos will come up!

Hope you enjoy!

Granddaughter's First Note to PapaJohn & Mimitutz!!

I couldn't resist!!

When I got this "thank you" note last week from my oldest grandchild--Maya--I knew it was special. At 9 years old, this is the first note I have received that was written completely by her own hand--and what excellent penmanship!!! What a sweet and tender message. Shows a lot of great character at such an early age. I am very proud of her!!

So, I knew I had to scan and save her note in a special folder for many years to come.

So Maya, if and when you read my BLOG, I want you to know how special this note is and what it means to Mimitutz and me.

BTW, I always thought Mimitutz and I rocked, but thanks to you Maya, I now "know" we do--:o)))

Thanks sweetie and we love you!!!

Valentines Day--2010

Valentines Day is very special to Carol and I. It was that special day in 1991 that I proposed to my sweetie and she accepted! We were married a little over 6 months later on September 20th.

Ever since 1992, we have tried-very successfully I might add, to make Valentines Day special. In fact, we started a tradition that continues to this day. We alternate the responsibility each year for deciding where/what we will do and to surprise the other. And just an additional note, this was our 19th time to celebrate Valentines Day!

So it was that 2010 was my turn. Weeks ago I had ordered and paid for our tickets to the Georgia Aquarium on line including parking in the covered lot next door. I advised Carol this morning to dress warm and wear good walking shoes. Our tickets were for 11:00 and we left Mattie behind around 9:30.

As we traveled on I-20 toward Atlanta, Carol and I played the guessing game--she made some good guesses including the Atlanta Zoo, Jimmy Carter Library, etc. It was just in sight of the aquarium when I surprised Carol with this years' surprise. Carol was ecstatic as we had said many times we wanted to visit the all famous aquarium.

After parking the "Tutzmobile" on the 3rd parking level, we prceeded to the entrance. We felt at home as the first thing we did was have our photo taken by a professional service--this is very similar to the professional photographers that roam cruise ships.

We entered the aquarium around 10:30 and spent probably at least 2 and half hours. We had so much fun, taking photos at every turn. Families with small children were everywhere and so friendly--we had serveral folks that took our picture with my little Fuji camera, and I in turn took photos for others. We saw everything there except the 3D movie--we felt it would be somewhat anti-climatic after seeing so many live fish in the various tanks.

We did however stop in the gift shop. We found our obligatory christmas tree ornament and lapel pins. Carol found a couple pieces of jewelry and shawl. Just before we exited, we stopped an purchased from the photographers booth the photo taken of us as we entered the aquarium. We brought the package that included a large print, 3 smaller ones, and small magnetic picture frames for 2 small prints -- all for $30.

After leaving Atlanta, we thought we would eat lunch at Longhorns but unfortunately the ones in both Conyers and Covington were way too busy with minimum 40 minute waits. We settled on a 10 minute wait at Appleby's in Covington. Carol chose fried shrimp and I had their chicken alfredo--it all was good. We returned home round 3:00.

Once again, we had a great and special Valentines Day!!

Henry Grant Liddiard

Here is aunt Tracy holding her newest nephew in the hospital with Henry's little head sock on!!

Henry Grant Liddiard has arrived!


Henry and his dad Evan.

What a cutie!!

Proud mother and son!

GREAT NEWS!

Henry Grant Liddiard was born to proud parents Tabitha and Evan at 3:41 pm on Monday Feburary 8th, 2010. Henry weighed 10.1 pounds and is 22 inches long. Mother and son are doing great and should be coming home in a couple days. Henry is my 4th grandchild and 2nd grandson. He was born in the city of Arlington, Va.

Tabitha and Evan were accompanied by my youngest Tracy and her husband Odie--both also from the city of Arlington. Tracy is also expecting a son and is due in early April.

Mattie Home From Ms Becky's-Jan 29th, 2010

Mattie gets groomed about every 6 weeks. Over the years, our groomer Ms Becky, has refrained from placing a bow in her hair simply because Mattie quickly "shakes" it out! Last week was an exception. When I picked Mattie up, there she was in her full glory and with a hair bow to boot. I could not resist but to come home and take photos. Here are two of my favorites!