*a red-haired hobbit meanders into the Square, idly dancing a jig*

My, there certainly are some new additions here! But the Square never fails to be the same old, same old.

For those who have never met me, I am Ruby Gamgee, chronic absentee of the Town Square and the NarniaWeb forum in general. I tend to make public appearances in infrequent spasms. But I am glad to see you on here all the same and I hope you are all enjoying yourselves.

To those who do know me...it is wonderful to see you!

I will try and catch you up briefly on all things pertaining to myself that you may or may not care to know. First and foremost, my sister is getting married in about fifteen days. And I might be a little bit excited! Yes, I am going to be a bridesmaid, but better than that I get to play the piano for her bridal procession!

And then school resumes in a few weeks as well. For me, this will be my third semester of college or the first half of my second year. Two more semesters and I will approximately be halfway completed with my collegiate career. Let me tell you, I wish I was finished with it yesterday. Not really. I actually do enjoy myself very much, but a lot of the classes are just frustrating. I love my music classes and my music lessons and my choir...but the classmates, the gen eds, the stress...not so much. Ah, well. I am developing a lot of detrimental life skills, no doubt, and learning a lot along the way.

In other news, I picked up playing the accordion on the side. I have recently gotten into Irish music. I have always loved Irish folk music, but last year I started playing it and you could say I am a bit addicted. I play my penny whistle and my accordion to no end and I just received an Irish bodhran (drum) for my nineteenth birthday! Whoop-whoop!

Life at the moment entails a lot of nannying and saving for college tuition.

And...that pretty much summarizes my life thus far. 'Tis good to be back, but now I must be off again. God bless!

*Sonny wanters in, rubbing the sleep form his eyes.* Good mortereve, everyone... *he mumbles, then yawns.*

Oh my goodness, I'm not even sure the last time I posted in here. Myabe last year, or the year before...!!!!!!!!! I can't even guarantee that I'll come in again any time soon. Good to see yoy, Aunty Jo, and everyone else!

This past couple years have been crazy for me. You know how they say that after the deth of a loved one you're not suposed to make any major life changes? Well, in the 2 1/2 years since my father was killed in a car accident, I've moved, made a huge lifestyle change, entered a new relationship, moved again, lost my job, moved again, and then got a new job! WHEW! I think I'm settled pretty well for now... but I know at least one move is coming up in the next year, and possibly an international move for a year! Life just doesn't stop being interesting!

Well, seeing as I am actually at my job, I suppose I should wander back out of the Square and get something done. Blessings, all!

After long hiatus, the Announcers of NarniaWeb are pleased to announce a special edition of the hi-jacked Ruby-Winter Hour of Insanity!!!

*the curtain rises to reveal the almost familiar faces of Mel and Valia*

Good morning everyone! We're so glad to be back looking out at your confused... err... smiling faces!

We're so happy to see you all again like this. And I didn't even have to borrow any wings to make this appearance!

Yes, this time I came out on a set of wheels.

A very spiffy set of wheels too! Not stolen borrowed, I think?

...Yes... I brought my Grandma along for the ride.

Which was very nice. She's been a trooper about all our crazy plans, even if she decides to sit them out. Like going to the children's library which was being remodeled...

I found that a very fun adventure. Books make my heart sing and my fingers itch with eagerness to discover what's inside. The only problem was deciding which one to read first!

A good problem to have! I'm glad you enjoyed it; it was a polite way of dumping you on your own for an hour or two while I went to a work meeting...

...Wait. You dumped me there? I thought you said that was a special treat!!!

...well, you got to read three more Newbery Winners, right?

Yes, but you brought me there under false advertising!

No, more like not-completely-honest advertising. They still had books!

If the library didn't have books it would be a something else, you know.

An empty room? ...at least they were still open, even with the new carpet being put in!

Yes, the librarians were very nice.

They were. And then we did get to quickly see another library, and go to an used bookstore and those weren't false not-completely-honest advertising.

Hang on, I'm getting a message from our producers. Um, they say we should stop talking about false advertising. Our sponsors are getting nervous.

We have sponsors? Wait, is that what these notices are about? The Chocolateers of the Town Square? And the Ruby-Winter Masonry & Music Company?

Yes, we're supposed to read them at the end.

*reads through them* Well, whoever came up with these advertisements can't write. They sound ridiculous. I'm not reading them. Just go buy their stuff, people!

I think that's a glowing recommendation myself. And anyway, I would think everyone knows about the Town Square chocolate tree...

True. And anyone who doesn't quickly finds it.

Well, we're running out of time, so we'll have to say goodbye to everyone. Goodbye!

Yes, we have to go meet up with some other Square Onions, so au revoir! ...emm, see you later!

*credits begin to roll as a spiffy maroon car rolls off the stage*

Meltintalle as herself and johobbit
Valiant Archer as herself and Pattertwigs Pal

Wait, did we forget something?

Umm, yes, we probably did. Hmm...I can't think what. It'll come to us in a minute, I'm sure.

*a text notification sounds*

Have you two seen Twigs?

Ooh. Ooh.

*a muffled voice is heard from the trunk of the car*

Hey, are we there yet? It seems like I've been in here for days!

*the curtain falls*

Oh my, Valia and Mel (and Twigsy ), what fun! And why was it necessary for Twigs to travel in the trunk, may I ask? Or maybe I shouldn't. Goodness, how I would love to be with you guys today at lunch. What a delightful group with whom to spend time. ENJOY!

Ruby! So grand to see you here! And how exciting about your sister's upcoming wedding. It was 15 days away from when you posted, which means it must be very soon now. Also, hurrah for your new musical acquisitions, wonderful!

And Sonny, so good to have you back in the Square as well! So many changes in your life, wow! I will never forget the day I heard about your dad.

Well, August is here, which means the worst of the heat of summer is over, whew! Yet, aside from those couple of icky weeks in July, the summer has been cooler and wetter than usual, as predicted by the Farmers' Almanac. Still, I am looking forward to the autumn season, one of my favourites!

Guess what I found? Chocolate trees!

They're Christmas-y, but they'll do.

For the festive season, I often make a chocolate log, which I could honestly eat all by myself. But refrain.

Well, happy day to you all!

Oh my, Valia and Mel (and Twigsy ), what fun! And why was it necessary for Twigs to travel in the trunk, may I ask? Or maybe I shouldn't.

Well, there are two reasons I can think of as to why a person might be in a trunk: being kidnapped or stowing away.

So, the question then is ... was this voluntary or, uh, not?

I have a question, Aunty Jo. Do chocolate logs come form cutting down chocolate trees? I think my mouth is watering right now... O_o

I had the adventure of taking the bus to work yesterday. It's about 32 minutes by car... and over an hour and a half by bus! I only needed to make one connection, which was good, but I had to stand at the bus stop for about 20 minutes one way, waiting, and the other way was half an hour. *sigh* Also, on the final bus, there was some angry dude on the phone yelling and swearing. The bus driver actually told him to chill out or get out. It was quite uncomfortable. I was so glad when I got home and off the bus!

I left at 7 AM and got home at 7:30 PM. Yeah, I prefer driving!

*races in wearing a rain coat, and finds a dry spot to sit*
Is it raining where anyone else is at? All I can say is, I hope all the rain comes now, so it's pretty (yet, not too hot) in 17 days.
What's in 17 days? well, let me tell you. But first...

1) Sorry it's been so long!!! and that I haven't read all those pages from then to now, and replied. I feel bad about it, honest. But yeah... I'm here now, so it's all good. Right?

2) Guess who's coming to see me in 16 days, for the express purpose of coming with me to the thing in 17 days? That's right, Nweb's own Avra!!!!

Ok, back to what's been the main (some would argue "only") thing on my mind the last few weeks... the upcoming 15th annual Safe at Home Softball Classic! EEEEPPP!!!!!! *falls over, and decides to stay down* What? it's safer that way! Would you rather I fall off the chair?

I know, I know... some of you have heard me go on about it already. And some have even heard it in past years. I'm sorry. But you all know me well enough by this point, that you know when I'm excited I get kinda... one-track minded.

And yes, I AM excited. But in my defense, if there were certain families you were close with that you only saw once a year, and that day for that year was coming... you'd be pretty excited too.

But yes. I get to see the Arndt, Balassi, and Holman families in 17 days! HOORAY!

What for? Good question! Like I said, the annual softball classic. It was started and is run by, the Arndt family. If some of you think that name is familiar, and not 'cause of me mentioning them, then you might have seen them on TLC's Kids by the Dozen show (in 2007).

Who are they?
A fun and awesome family of sixteen. Yup, you read that right... fourteen kids! All single births, none adopted, only one girl (11th born)! They are very strong Christians, and are some of the nicest people you could ever meet. The boys are hilarious, and smart. And Mary-Elizabeth is such a darling and helpful girl. (it's hard to believe she's 16 now!)

I figured I'd say that much before saying why I'm so excited. Yeah. So... they're really big on softball. And they have their own team! All of the boys except the two youngest play with their dad. But the second youngest will be eligible to play next summer! (they have to turn 14 to join the men's league) And the youngest will be able to play in four years. *sniff* My babies are growing up!! I remember when they were real little, and my job at the Classic was to watch out for them while their parents and siblings were busy!

The "What", the point of this ramble:
In 1999 they started the softball classic. I forget why. All I know is that the Balassi kids told me in 2004# that I "must" come, that I'd love it. And they were right! I've been going and helping ever since!

Mr. Arndt has referred to it as "a big family picnic for the community", and I tend to agree with him! I mean, there is a co-rec tournament going on the next field all day long. And there is the home run madness derby (one year the oldest Arndt boy won!). Kiddie (carnival?) games for the kiddos! And you watch the "FamTeam" (as they call it) play a triple-header in the evening, against three different teams! Oh, and you can get pizza, ice cream, and soda (or water)! Not too shabby, eh?

I've had a couple jobs over the years (including watching the younger ones). But the main job that has happened every year? That Philip (7th born) has said I've gotten so good at that "they probably wouldn't remember the orders the way you do" (in reference to if I was replaced) about? Getting them, meaning the boys and Dad Arndt, food and stuff! It's a busy job. I mean, not all of them are hungry at once. and even if several are at once, that's a few trips, as again... 11 of them are on the field. (well, 12, including their dad)

But it's the kind of work that's fun... kinda like when I'm at camp. ya know?

Whew, that was a LOT of talkin'! Sorry if that bored you all! I'm just SO excited and impatient. And I really wish that you all could be there with me, because it's uber fun. I think you'd enjoy it! Anyway, I can always tell you stories if you like. and those of you that have me on facebook, there will always be pictures!!

ahhhh, can't it be right now?! I miss my boys. I miss my Wizzy*. I miss the parents. And the Balassi and Holman families. I want to see Avra. I WANT MY CLASSIC!!!!!! *mock faints**revives*

Sheesh, if you read all that, you deserve a reward of some kind!!

#Dad and I met the Balassi family (of 7) when we did a community theatre production of "Fiddler on the Roof" together in St. Louis. I became real close with the kids... Nick and Joey in particular. And Nick is the one that ordered me to come. "Some friends of ours do this every year. You should come, seriously, you must. You'd love it".
*Wizzy= what the boys call their sister. A habit I've picked up myself, after several years. (what can I say? I've known them nine years!)

....................
I must leave a shout out for Avra. I mean, she doesn't even like softball, and yet is coming anyway! Why? She really wants to see me, and she likes to make new friends (and there will be plenty to make while there!). Isn't that awesome of her? As if I didn't already find her awesome because of shared interests, she goes and does this. So, Avra, dear? YOU ROCK, I LOVE YOU!

EDIT:
Holy cow! I totally forgot! And this is HUGE: sometimes Cardinals players come! I've met a handful of past and present Cards, including: Reggie King, Ray Sanders, Adam Wainwright, Jeff Suppan, and Jason Motte! Pretty sweet, huh?

This year we're having: former Cubs pitcher Randy Wells, Christian artist Leann Albrecht, and Team USA softball player Rusty Bumgardner!

EDIT2:
Apparently Avra can't come after all... something came up with her family. Hugs to you all the same, Avra! And the thought of you coming, even though it didn't work out, really meant a lot!

*an odd but strangely familiar figure walks about the edge of the square.... then enters headed to the good ol' chocolate tree for a snack before commencing*

Well, howdy do fellow Square Onions! Certainly has been a hop skip and a jump since I have been in here!
I hope that all of you are doing just fantastic! I have been doing very great lately, I did my normal summer trip to Colorado this year which was very fun. Though this year I only stayed a month which is a little short for me but that is what I felt like God wanted me to do. So now I'm back in hot Florida, though I have gotten pretty 'used' to it now. But it is nice to be home

Many blessing to you and yours!

*leaves reading over the Ruby-Winter hour of insanity, with much enjoyment*

Whoa, Sonny, I can see why you prefer driving, wow, what a difference!

I have a question, Aunty Jo. Do chocolate logs come form cutting down chocolate trees? I think my mouth is watering right now... O_o

I wish.

So, PA, did you know Avra pre-NarniaWeb? Sorry she can't come, after all, but it still sounds like you're in for a pretty exciting time.

Hey, Benjamin! So good to have you drop by! Were you in the mountains of Colorado at all? That is a State I have always wanted to visit, but have not ... yet.

So, it's the weekend again, and nearly mid-August! One of our sons is going camping/canoe tripping next week in Algonquin Park with a bunch of guys for four days. August is a better time to camp where we live because the evenings are generally cooler than July, and this month also means fewer bugs.

Happy, safe weekend to all!

Welcome back, Benjamin!

So, PA, did you know Avra pre-NarniaWeb?

Nope, met her here... sort of. I saw her posts but never really began talking with her til she stumbled across my "ministry blog" one day. (a couple years ago now) We talked on there, and through email and facebook. And I've seen her on here since. But yeah, we don't really talk on here. Weird, right?

but it still sounds like you're in for a pretty exciting time

Well, I think so... but I'm utterly biased after this long!

It's kind of funny, actually... I've spent nearly every day for the last week or so, talking on gmail chat with James (6th) and Nathan (10th). And emailing off and on with Philip (7th, as mentioned in the last post). And the odd thing? They're not sick of me! I mean, Nato even said " I'm glad you taking the time to chat! I mean "You're" ", when I told him that if he got sick of me he could tell me to get lost

It was so funny... yesterday I got a text message from Nick Balassi, and he said in it that he was super excited for the Classic. My response was "Thanks, Nicky!! I'm super excited too... you have no idea. Don't believe me? Ask Nato " Nick: "Why Nato?" me: "Cause I've been talking to him (and James and Philip) almost, if not, daily lately and me and Nato have been counting down the days together. haha!" Nick: "Ah I see " I think I followed that up with "Yeah yeah I know we're dorks "

It's fun that I'm not the only one super excited. And not the only one missing everyone else... they miss me too!!

Would you guys want me to tell you what happens at the Classic? I mean, I know it's sixteen days away, but still. Thought I'd ask. *shrugs*

Yes Aunty Jo my brother lives at 8,500-9,000 feet up in the Rockies so it is quite majestic up there! It is a very beautiful state, you'll have to make it by there some time.

Thanks Anna

--Benjamin

Sounds like a neat place to live, Benjamin! Do you get to visit him a lot?

Guys, I'm not trying to bore or annoy you, I hope you know that. Anyway, I know that even with all that rambling, you probably still aren't getting the whole picture.

I mean, sure... I talked a bit about who's there. And a bit about what's there. But I didn't really explain why I keep going back. I mean, sure... it being the only day each year that I see those families has a lot to do with it. But it's not the only reason. Maybe not even the main one.

I'd like to try and explain it myself, but I'm not quite sure how to approach it. Luckily for me, Luke (4th born) once wrote a blog entry about it. And we pretty much think of it the same way... and he words it better.

Here is a sample of that post, and if you want to read the rest, go here.

A long time ago, Dad started referring to the Softball Classic as a “slice of heaven.” I finally understand what he means by that. Initially when I hear that term, I think that that’s an awfully lofty statement to make about our little silly softball event at a city park. After experiencing this year, though, I can see how that description fits.

There is something in the air on Softball Classic day, and it’s hard to describe it. Maybe that’s why I don’t feel like I’m a great salesman for the Classic, because I feel like you just have to be at the park to “get” what the event is all about. It’s finally becoming clear to me what makes the Classic the Classic. It’s more than the Cardinals, and it’s more than our softball games. There’s something else going on.

Somehow, for that one day a year, Laderman Park becomes a safe area. That’s the best way I can think of explaining it. People feel safe. Not just physically safe, but safe to be… real. I don’t know why it is, but people seem to let their guard down. They’re not afraid to be silly, to smile, to laugh. They just have a good time, and they’re not too busy worrying whether or not what they’re doing is officially cool.

It really must be a tiny glimpse of heaven. Everybody is still unique, is still very much themself. Yet… something is different. People seem to feel free to be real. They don’t sense the need to impress you.

When I reread that post tonight, I nodded... and a slow grin crossed my face. And I whispered... "That. That is why I go."

I mean, sure... I love watching the triple-header, and having the chance to meet Cardinals in person. Yeah, I love joking with the boys... and chatting with Wizzy and their parents. I love catching up with the Balassi boys (their sisters don't come anymore). I love meeting new families, like when I met the Holman's a few years back. But it's more than all of that. Much more.

So, do I go on and on about it? Sure. But I think it's because they had the right idea when starting it. We really all feel like a family. Whether the FamTeam wins or loses doesn't matter. It's spending the afternoon and evening, out in the park... together with God's family. It's talking about the good and bad stuff from the past year. And it's about making new memories, and friendships, that will last for all time.

You want to know why I go? Because, just like at camp, it feels like I'm home.

Comments, questions, inquires to make me stop? Let me know here or by pm. But I'll still be excited, impatient, and waiting on the edge of my seat for these next fifteen days to go by. And, if you think of it, could you pray we don't get rained out and have to reschedule? The forecasts for that day are making me nervous!

The Classic sounds like a lovely time, Anna. I enjoyed reading about it.

I have been a little tired lately. Having a hard time falling asleep sometimes at night. This morning I woke up at 6 AM, which is 6 and a half hours earlier than on Saturday! Also, I had a bad dream, so today I've been exhausted both mentally and physically.

But I had trail mix with chocolate chips and M&Ms in it, so that helped me feel better!

Hung out with a new friend Friday night, and that was fun. Two other friends are coming to town to visit us this week, and we're pretty excited about that! Even though we have no plans.

Played Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception last night. This is my second time playing through. I'm definitely doing better than the first time! I discovered online mode, and that was fun, but I'm still pretty bad at it.

OK, that's it for now!

Sonny, sounds like you've been having a nice time lately, despite being so sleepy! Hope you can get proper rest from here on out! I know what it's like to be tired/not rested. Not fun. I'll be praying that you can sleep!

The Classic sounds like a lovely time, Anna. I enjoyed reading about it.

Really? So, does that mean you wouldn't mind if I talked about it some more?

Anyway, we're thirteen (soon to be twelve! ) days away now! We can't really believe it. So, I was just talking with Nato, and said "Gosh, is it possible that these days seem to be flying by... but sooooo slow at the same time?" And he answered me with "I know! It's weird!" So, yeah... life can be so strange!

I don't know if I've told you guys about my knee... but it's swollen and sore. (long story, if you must know I'll pm it to you guys or something) So, prayers about that would be nice. I kind of am tempted to hope it heals AFTER the Classic... it's all Philip's fault. He put the idea in my head, by saying "If you still feel sore on Classic day, don't worry--- you won't have to move. We'll just bring you pizza and ice cream in between innings."

I mean, it was so sweet! Made me suspicious too. (for a reason I will tell you when it ISN'T my bedtime ) So, I'm going back and forth on how I feel about that... which I will delve into tomorrow. haha! (this is FAR from over...)

Sorry for the cliffhanger, but I don't want to be too tired tomorrow! See ya!