Posted on March 27, 2010 by Patti Kohrt


Groundhog Day countdown banner

Posted in Stuff | 1 Comment

Message for my Parking Lot Detail

Posted on March 20, 2010 by Patti Kohrt

Hello Boys and Hannah:

Below is the schedule.  Our job is simple and our priority is this: help the flow of traffic in and out of the parking area, making sure no car is blocked and that all avenues of exiting are open at all times. The City requires we keep a 20 foot aisle open between rows and there is one (1) “no-parking area” near the main gate. There are security guards on the premises, so if a problem arises, we will have help. Please be mindful of children running loose. Excitement is all that is on their minds and they are not thinking about moving vehicles. Do not hesitate to stop a vehicle if you see a potentially dangerous situation.

Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and bring some water bottles or snacks with you. IPods are fine too.  If anyone of us experiences problems with a patron of the carnival, I expect us all to respond in aide. You never know what kind of fruitcakes are out there. I will have chairs that you can sit in when activity is low. Four hours is a long time on your feet and it’s hard on your back.

I have tried to split shifts evenly between all of you so everyone has an equal chance at the money. If you try it and decide you don’t want to come back, I can respect that, but please let me know so I can cover the hole.  Paydays appear to be Sunday nights at the end of the night.  If you are not there at that time, find me and I will get your envelope to you.

Finally, attached is the schedule I have given you. This is flexible as long as I know ahead of time.  After two nights, we have had several compliments on our organization and ease of traffic flow!  How cool is that?  Everything we do, whether it is the big things or the little things, we do with excellence!

Here is the schedule.  It is subject to change as far as traffic.  If traffic is low, you might be let off early. I doubt you will be asked to stay any later than what is shown.  DRESS FOR THE WEATHER!!! As I write this, the front is moving in right now.  I don’t know how the weather affects what we are doing, so please remember the missing Beatitude from Matthew Chapter 5 of the Bible: Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape.  I appreciate all of your willingness in this. We have been having a great time so far!

Thursday 18th: 6 – 9  Hannah

Friday 19th: 6-10 Chris and Mike

Saturday 20th: 2-6  Mike and Randy

Saturday 20th 6 to 10- Chris and David

Sunday 21st: 2-6 Chris and David

Sunday 21st: 6 to 10 – Mike and Randy

Monday 22nd: 5:30 to 9:00  Hannah and Art

Tuesday 23rd: 5:30 to 9:00  Hannah and Art

Wednesday 24th: 5:30 to 9:00 Omar, Art and David ( I will not be there this day)

Thursday 25th: 5:30 to 9:00 Omar, Art and David (I will not be there this day)

Friday 26th: 6-10 Chris and Mike

Saturday 27th: 2-6  Mike and Randy

Saturday 27th 6 to 10- Chris and David

Sunday 28th: 2-6 Chris and Davis (I will not be there until about 3:30 so you guys will have to handle it without me for a while)

Sunday 28th: 6 to 10 – Mike and Randy

Posted in Life | Leave a comment

Today is a strange day.

Posted on March 6, 2010 by Patti Kohrt

John has just left and is taking Hannah, Adam and Jeremiah to Corpus today to see a Christian metal concert (is there REALLY such a thing????) with Disciple and Decyfer Down at a church.  Its a one day trip, with a total of 5 hours of driving time.  The strange part about it is… I don’t know what to do with myself.  We all wish for days where we could have “just one day for ourselves” and we dream about all of the things that we could be doing when we don’t have to do for others.  The last few days I have been planning all the “stuff” I could get done today… IRS junk… carpet cleaning… car washing…. and now that they have left… I’m thinking a nap is in order!!!!!

Posted in Life | 2 Comments

What a bummer

Posted on March 3, 2010 by Patti Kohrt

I was bummed to come home yesterday to find that my hedgehog, Chloe, whom I have had for the last year and a half,  was to be the next resident of the pet cemetery in the back yard. 

Chloe in the backyard 028

I’m not really sure what the COD was, but all I can hope is that she didn’t suffer.   Other housemates that have gone on before her now reside in the cemetery too.  There is Peanut the Hamster, Bacon the blind and deaf Guinea Pig, and Sophie the Rat.

IMG_1598

Hedgehogs are very entertaining, but really difficult to get close to. The are tame, but they never really “warm up” to anyone.  Chloe had gotten so big, you had to handle her with oven mitts because of her quills.   And then there was the wiring chewing that can get on your nerves real quick when all of a sudden your computer mouse stops working.  She liked to hang out out in the back yard, but you had to watch her as she had become quite the escape artist.  I doubt that I will go out and get another hedgehog, but Chloe was definitely an interesting addition to this zoo.

Posted in Images, Life | Leave a comment

Christopher Edward Butler, Jr.

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Patti Kohrt

 scan0004

 I wish I understood. 

I really do. 

I like to think that God and I are pretty tight, but I realize that He doesn’t always have to tell me why He does the things He does. 

Still, it would certainly help me if He did.

Christopher is an example of that.  Twenty four years ago (can it really be THAT long ago?) this blessing my sister named ‘”Christopher” showed up on the scene, complete with all the sounds – and smells -that come along with a new baby.  He was such a beautiful baby and we knew right away he would be popular with the girls when he grew up. 

scan0002

 I tease Christopher’s mother, Judy, that I am her “non-biological sister” to which she promptly tells me to “shut up.”  (Note to Judy: I thought it was against the rules for the younger sister to boss the older-yet-wiser sister around????)   While it is true that I am actually not blood-related at all, thirty some-odd years ago, God put this wonderful family in my path and they became my surrogate family, accepting me with all of my blemishes and flaws. So biological or not, we are sisters.  Tammy and I used to tease Judy that SHE was actually the adopted one.  THAT didn’t go over well at all with Judy.

scan0003a

For one reason or another, Christopher was raised away from the town I live in, so I haven’t seen him in a quite awhile and most of my memories of him are when he was very young.  He always had a smile on his face, and a hug to hand out.  He and Megan (my oldest) would keep busy for hours playing together or watching TV.  When she got a swing for her first Christmas, Christopher felt it was his job to push her in it.  When it was time for her first birthday party, he was my right hand, handing her the next gift to open.  

scan0001

This last year, Christopher and I reconnected on Facebook, as many have.  As I studied the pictures he had on his profile, I couldn’t help but notice those same loving eyes that used to look up at me with excitement when it was snack time.  I was so proud to hear of his life, the things he had accomplished and how things have worked out for him, serving to protect this Country, and my way of life.

11240_1302499965168_1310537549_877559_4058874_n

A  little over a week ago, I found that I missed a call from Tammy at 4:00 am, and thought she had lost her mind and wondered what possessed her to forget about the seven-hour time difference between us.  As I listened to her message, I will never forget the distress in her voice when she said “Sister, something really, really, really, really, really, really bad has happened to Christopher.”  A phone call a few minutes later would tell the details of the car accident that would lead to Christopher leaving this world a week later from the injuries sustained.

Now, I know God.  I am a licensed minister and I can marry people, and bury people, but I’m not gonna lie – I have had a lot of questions on this one.  I recently attended a funeral for one of Megan’s friends, where I watched, in standing room only, several hundred young people who had come to mourn the loss of a precious young man.  One of the things that got my attention was when the Pastor that was officiating said: “Some of us are appointed to stay a short time on earth, and some of us are appointed to stay a long time on earth.”  Then, I noticed on the Facebook page for Christopher, that his brother Jonathan, posted the scripture out of Ecclesiastes:

For everything there is a season, And a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal;A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away; A time to tear, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate, A time for war, and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

 

It became clear to me that “time” is not to be taken for granted.  If anything, the thing I think that would honor Christopher’s memory  the most is to take Jon’s scripture and realize that we all need to take “time” serious.  If we have unforgiveness, we need to forgive.  If we have something or someone we need to embrace, then we need to offer the hug.  If we have something on our heart that we need to speak, then it’s time to talk.  It’s time to tell people what they really mean to us, before it’s too late. 

 

Accidents happen.  Tragedy occurs.  Opportunities are missed.  I always thought now that Christopher and I had reconnected that I would have time to tell him how special he was to me as a child.  But, I blew it.  I waited too long.   I ran out of time.   I don’t intend to make that mistake again.   Some of you will be hearing from me very soon.

Note to Christopher:  Hold down the fort until I get to where you are and then we will have eternity to talk and catch up.  Until that time Bubba, I miss you and I love you.  ~ Aunt Patti

Posted in Family, Life | Leave a comment

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

Posted on December 27, 2009 by Patti Kohrt

I found this on the net while looking for a bible study… and I LOVE it!  — Patti

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style  ©By Sharon Jaynes

 http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/11623744/

 

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family – it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of your way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails.  Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust.  But giving the gift of love will endure.

Posted in Life, Stuff | Leave a comment

Guatemala – Ten Years Later

Posted on August 22, 2009 by Patti Kohrt

Ten years ago this summer,  I had the opportunity to visit Guatemala on a Missions Trip with the kids from the Church.   We spent about 10 days in the Country, roaming from ministry site to ministry site, always performing at the very least three times a day, sometimes up to  five or seven, depending on the size of the crowd and where we were.   The name of the drama was “The Toymakers Dream”.

 

 Scan0002

Bottom row: Denise, Me, and Morgan – Denise and Morgan were trees, shrubry, gates and walls.  I was “The Tree in the Garden”, part of the wall and “The Cross”

Row 2: Jessie (Toy), Matt (Adam), Josh and Ashton (The Bad Cats AKA Pharisees)

Row 3: Hal (Leader), Amy (Toy), Weldon (Satan), Denee (Eve),  Miriam (Toy), Jessica (Mary), Megan (Toy), Elizabeth(Toy), Liz  (Toy) and Lisa (Leader)

Top Row: Joey (God) and Jerry (Jesus)

This picture was taken in Panahachel, and the backdrop was Lake Atitlan.  The volcano on the right side of the picture is Atitlan.  The lake is about 1,000 feet deep in the center and this was the view from the top of the three- story hotel where we stayed.

 

Scan0013

Beside our team, we had interpreters with us, and William, our bus driver, who hung out with us the entire time.   We all came to love William and he bonded with us as well.

I think one of the hardest things to get used to at first was the food.  We were told not to refuse anything as it would be considered an insult, but there are just some things I couldn’t get past.  Several of us learned early on how to arrange ourselves at the tables so that all we had to do was eat what we wanted off the plate and pass it to the next person so they could eat what they wanted.  The trick was in the passing of  the plate, because we did not want to offend anyone. 

 

Day one consisted of flying into the Capital, Guatemala City.  We literally stayed next door to the Presidential Palace at Hotel Centenario.   That night, we performed in the square.  Needless to say, all you have to do is show up in costume, turn on the music, and the people come.

 

Scan0010

 

At the end of each ministry site, we would give an altar call.  The response was always overwhelming.  All of a sudden, all of the “things” we have here at home, all the of “opportunities”, all of the “stuff” we deal with, seems very insignificant when you look into the eyes of people who have no hope – until we arrive on the scene.  With us, we bring a message of love, redemption and hope – the message of Salvation. 

The people of Guatemala are a very caring people.  They are loving and extremely gracious.  All you had to do was smile at someone, and it didn’t matter if you couldn’t communicate verbally or not.  Grandmas would open their arms to you for hugs, children would teach you games and hang all over you, some would even compete for your attention.   We were certainly an odd looking bunch, but the very first lesson I learned with this:  Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape.  Sometimes you gotta step outside your comfort level, cut loose and trust God.

Posted in Creed, Life | Leave a comment

And the show must go on…

Posted on August 22, 2009 by Patti Kohrt

HESTER, Joanne Siegrist Day, 80, of Brandon, Fla., passed away Friday, August 7, 2009. She was born October 13, 1928. Joanne is survived by her son, John Hester (Yvonne); daughter, Joanne Demere (Butch); seven grand-children; six great-grand-children; and a special friend, Melanie Jones. She was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy Hester; her parents; and her son, Elden Joseph “Joey” Day. She was very active in the Order of Eastern Star and was worthy matron of Lake Wales, Mulberry, and DeSoto Chapters. She was mother advisor for the Rainbow for Girls in DeSoto and Lake Wales Chapters. She was a member of the Women of the Moose Chapter 1218 Jacksonville. She was a circus performer and appeared in the movie “Greatest Show on Earth.” Joanne produced many shows for charity. By her wishes there will not be a service. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or The American Heart Association in her honor. Please sign the guestbook at www.TBO.com “And the show must go on.”

So I go to the www.TBO.com to see what has been put in her guestbook:

“Great Show, Joanne”

“Joanne will be missed”

“Joanne will be missed by all of us who had the wonderful experience of knowing and loving her. She was a very talented lady and I will never forget her willingness to share it with others.”

“Joanne was a great person, barrel of fun and will be missed by all.”

“What an amazing woman. Joanne will be greatly missed”

“Nana, I’m glad we had the opportunity to get to know one another when I got older. You were a wonderful great grandmother to my daughter - she loved you very much. We will think of you often and miss you always”

“Joanne has touched many with her love for life and making things happen. I hope we can honor her by making the right things happen in years to come. She can not been replaced, but leaves many, many happy times with everyone she came in contact with.”

Now, you have to understand, I am not posting all of this, necessarily to pay tribute to this woman, afterall,  I didn’t really know her.  The extent of our realtionship, other than being there at my birth obviously, is only four or five years old and existed through email.  I am posting it because this is it – this is “my” legacy.   Except that it’s not.  Not really.  It is the legacy of my three siblings that stayed with her through their life.   Wierd.  It definitly messes with your mind- kinda like: “what came first the chicken or the egg?”   but more like  “she’s your mother but she’s not.”

It’s funny how sometimes, things catch you off guard and you find your soul is being haunted by more “what -ifs”.  Sometimes, its better to just let those things go.  Still… it would have been nice to have known time for her was drawing to a close, things might have been handled differently. 

At any rate, it certainly was a show.  Maybe not the greatest on earth, but definintly a show.  Godspeed Joanne.  I hope you are finally at rest.

Posted in Heritage | 1 Comment

Joanne The Mom 1929-2009

Posted on August 8, 2009 by Patti Kohrt

I got word today that “The Mom” passed away in her sleep somewhere in the night on Thursday.   We have never spoke, and I have only heard her voice in a voicemail one time when a hurricane was threatening us here in the Valley.   It’s been four years since we found my birth siblings,  but by that point, she had done so much damage to her kids, that anyone hardly talked to her anymore.

I have to say that I think I am the luckiest out of the six of us.  I was adopted at birth and was raised in a very favorable family.   My mom always raised me with the knowledge of the adoption and even tried to help me reconnect with the siblings once I got old enough.  In the end, there just wasn’t enough time for her, as she passed away just a few years before making contact.  What a bummer too – she always had a special place in her heart for my sibs. 

I always said that if I ever met Joanne, I would thank her.   I am grateful I was able to do that, even though it was in the form of email.   We had exchanged several emails early on after the reconnection, but after that, it was just jokes forwarded from her on her mailing list.  But that’s okay.  In the end, I am glad that I was given that chance to tell her what I always said I wanted to. 

I don’t know where she stood with God, so I have no idea what she believed or didn’t believe. She died alone except for one of her friends that I guess was her caretaker.  Now my prayer is that she is finally at rest and no longer tormented by her past actions and decisions.   

In a weird sort of way, maybe this will help everyone heal from a lifetime of hurt.  God knows, they deserve a break. 

Posted in Heritage | 1 Comment

The Boys are back in town…

Posted on August 2, 2009 by Patti Kohrt

Okay, well,  maybe not back IN town.  That’s not accurate either.  Two of them are and I’m not sure that one of them ever left at all.

People have always asked me why I don’t attend my High School Reunions.  It’s not that I don’t want to, but it’s always been my observation that if I wanted to keep up with anyone from that time period in my life, then I did.   Only I guess I didn’t do as good as a job and I thought I had.   It’s taken me a lot of years to realize that while that was supposed to be the best time of my life, I was still reeling from my dad’s absence and the hole that left in my heart. 

This last week, one of “my” boys  found me (good ole face book).  And because Johnny – sorry I think it’s just John now – found me, I was able to reconnect with his Mom and Dad, and one of his brothers, David.  This family was so special to me through the years.   I still have a monopoly board in my china hutch that their mom gave me when they moved to another state.  It was from one night when all five boys decided that instead of playing monopoly, they would write all over the board with the various things they were thinking and talking about that night.   I kept it because I thought if I ever needed to blackmail one of them, at least I had some collateral.    They were my protectors, my confidants, and most importantly, my friends. 

Because of reconnecting with David, I found Richard… and Page…  I had found Tim several weeks ago. too.    It’s been so much fun this last week.  Catching up on what’s transpired through the years for all us.   For some of us, we have had the fairytale life, and for some of us, there has been heartache along the way.   But this week has taught me one thing…  we are survivors.  Time may pass and some things may change, but a friend is a friend forever.    Welcome back boys… I missed you!

Posted in Life | Leave a comment