Butler Reunion 2009

I feel like I have been attending the Butler Reunion for almost all my life. I guess there is no perfect attendance award because all that attended the Reunion this Sunday are living proof life goes on well after the first Butler reunion was organized so other than Jackie no one else could have made them all!!!! I am guessing the reason the reunion was started was to share part of one day out of 365 with relatives you don't see that often and even if you are thinking "thank goodness" it is part of history that you make each time you attend. Today a few stories came out which I never heard before and some good laughs as well. Who knew Phyllis has a piece of a 1920 something fruit cake from her mother's wedding cake??? She said her mother asked her to see how long you can pass it along. I guess as a third generation Butler descendant that is how I feel about the reunion and I would like to believe that I would continue to make the reunion even if I didn't host it. I know Grandma (Emma Butler Traynor) will rehash stories and ask me 1000 times how many came and it was so nice to see so and so. I think Stacy says it best when she says that once it is gone it is gone and you miss it. She said even if it is the same story and spending time with relatives she would give anything to have her Grandmother back by her side attending. I am so glad you all could make it and here is to many more times like today in the future.

Calm down. Don't get over excited. If you didn't receive the flyer, here's the Reunion info (in case anybody actually reads this blog).

Emma Butler Traynor turns 98

Gram, Nana, Aunt Emma or whatever you want to call her, well now you can call her another year older. She still boast that she's younger than Aunt Carol. We had a nice brunch at Jeff & Rose's house to celebrate another mile stone for her on January 1st even though her birthday was not until January 3rd. She is still independent and keeps us on our toes. If we slip up she lets us know that as well. We count our blessings that she can still live independently for the time being anyways.

Pre-Christmas Concert

Shortly before Christmas Jo Ann and I had the opportunity to get into the Christmas Spirit by attending a Christmas Concert put on by Transform a singing group from the parish that plays guitars, drums, horns and keyboards. It was a snowy night and only a small crowd ventured out. Needless to say other than a few bathroom breaks it was time to reflect on how truly lucky we are to be able to share times like this to really get into the Christmas spirit. The grand kids loved it and remained glued to the band for over 2 hours. Some even took up the invitation to perform with them on stage. After the grandchildren found out that Christmas brought them drums and guitars they plan to put on a concert in the Church. I hope God and Fr. Kennedy will see it happen some day. God bless and I hope they don't inherit my music ability....thanks Dad.

Not strictly a Butler family-related item, but those familiar with the Sackets Harbor/Silver Shores cottage scene probably remember Billy Evans, Naomi's backyard neighbor, and shoreline summer "assistant mayor". He died unexpectedly at his home in Florida, and was found by his neighbor David Prahl, on Dec 23rd . His obituary is in the Syracuse Post of Thursday Jan 1, 09 and on the net at obits.syracuse.com/

Emma Butler Traynor - Emergency Surgery at 97

After being sick for most of this week, we took Emma (begrudgingly) to the Doctor's where it was determined the abdominal hernia that she has had for several years was strangulating. The Doctors never wanted to operate on it because of her age. However, being a true Butler she proved to them age doesn't matter. On Friday evening around 9:30 p.m. she underwent surgery and pulled through with little or no problems. She is doing fine and is expected to come home from the hospital Sunday. In fact the surgeon thought he could have done it as an out patient and sent her home the same day. We were all kind of glad that didn't happen. It has been a long weekend and she is exhausted but I thought the family might want to know.

International Butler Reunion......eh!!!!

The Butler Reunion has gone international with relatives from Canada coming down. We will take a few eh's and white socks with sandals as long as the Canadian items show up on the bargain table. My son-in-law loves his new chair but you know those hockey players it doesn't take much to please them!!! We will work on having an exchange bank next year for you Sue as well. Because you are family I know you will be willing to exchange that funny money at par......right? That's what your brother said!!!! Thanks for coming.