Bossens' Weblog

Asa Speaks!

bossens — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:38:43 +0000

Asa’s first word: doggy

Words that came soon after: nooo, Daddy, Mama, hi, bye, and peek (as in peek-a-boo)

Favorite book: “Hop on Pop” by Dr. Suess ~ He will fish this book out and bring it to us to read to him.

He has stood on his own for a few seconds and he walked holding my hand for the first time today!

The Roots and Shoots Homeschoolers Evironmental Fair

bossens — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:20:13 +0000

Emma’s First Art Opening

bossens — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:09:57 +0000

Amphibian Hunting!

bossens — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:02:58 +0000

Yard Work

bossens — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:37:51 +0000

A Passover Sedar with Abby’s Family

bossens — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:21:33 +0000

Thanks Abby and Carl!

A Visit to Sara’s Western PA Roots

bossens — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:45:52 +0000

Many of my friends have heard me share stories about my family’s history in western Pennsylvania. Branches of my Mom’s side of the family tree date back to Revolutionary War times. They were no doubt some of the earliest European homesteaders and farmers to settle in the Allegheny Mountains.

My Dad’s side of the family tree is equally as rich — early Welsh and Germen settlers in West Virginia & on my Grandma’s side more recent emigrants from Slovakia. My Great Grandfather 10 or 11 times removed is Zackwell Morgan, after whom Morgantown, W VA is named, and an ancestor that I share in common with the comedic actor, Don Knotts! Maybe Dad and I can can visit those beautiful West Virginia sites together sometime.

All of houses and barns pictured in this post were built by relatives from my mother’s side. The land pictured is land that was once my family’s farm. My Mom’s sister Linda, Linda’s husband Joe, Mom’s cousin Dave, and his family live in modern houses on original land. Most the 400+ acres has been divided up and sold off to folks outside the family.

My Mother’s surname is Crumrine — one of the oldest names registered in Green and Washington Counties, PA.

While Mom, Asa, and I were out walking we ran into my Mother’s cousin Dave. He shared the sad news that the 1861 house and 1881 barn built by George Crumrine have been standing empty for over a year. The last residents of the house (not related) up and left one day without letting anyone in the family know. They left behind their cat and many belongings. The house and land have been sold to a gas miner who is now drilling for gas on the land (see the red structure pictured) as the historic farm disintegrates. Seems criminal. Certainly is heartbreaking.

Unfortunately, I was not able to make it to Richeyville on this trip. Richeyville is the little company town where my Dad grew up. It’s tucked in the mountains above the Vesta No. 4 mine where my Granpap Edwards worked. I did find this link to a very neat site documenting the history of PA’s old mines and company towns –

Richeyville & Vesta 4 mine

I’ll get some pictures of my Dad’s old house on our next visit to my family in PA. The great thing is it’s only 3 hours away from Cleveland!

A trip to Pittsburg’s Children’s Museum

bossens — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:07:52 +0000

Asa’s Bday!!

bossens — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:46:01 +0000

An afternoon nap under a blanket made by Great Grandma Jane.

The Birthday Boy!!

Happy birthday to you…

Make a wish!

Easter (Eostar)

bossens — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:31:58 +0000

Our Eostar eggs – The Goddess Behind Easter

Dulce de Leche

Our alter — Emma and I blew out the egg yolks ourselves.

Emma’s peep wedding.

A day of sunshine!!