Harvest Time

Harvest Time and Fall color are rapidly coming together in Northern Ohio. The sharp morning sun hit this field just right to bring out all the rich color.

Back On The Road Again

I'm baaaaaack.....back in Ohio having recovered, somewhat, from the Dawn of a new member of the big family (see below :-).

There is just a lot of quiet scenery to take in, like this Victorian Mansion in Carey, Ohio....

And this placid Corn Row near Marion, Ohio...

Meanwhile, its seasonal change in Ohio as the crops get ready for harvest. Enjoy the scenery.

Our Little Dawnbreaker

Our little Dawn(breaker), Taleh, and her momma and dada came home today just before noon. The little 6lb 10 oz bundle of joy looks like a big burrito all wrapped up. She is just a sweet little thing, just like her mother.

I am sure all the pictures of little Taleh will proliferate the web as the days do by....

Jameh sweetly and serenely welcomed his new little sister, and the new picture-perfect fair family of four fananapazirs foster fervent prayers for their future.

:-)

Here She Is!

Introducing, Taleh Maria Fananapazir!

Momma and dada are doing well. Katrina had a natural childbirth. Taleh is Arabic and means, "O, Rising One" (from a Baha'i prayer), and it also means "Dawn". Maria is Rosana's middle name and is a prominent name from her side of the families. The name convention continues a "tradition" by Nafeh and Katrina in naming their children for both families (Jameh's full name is Jameh Tyson Fananapazir ... Jameh means "O, Unifying One" or "One Who Unifies").

And, all the signs are good! Katrina had a natural childbirth and just did soooo well.

And, the parentals are all very happy, too.

We will know her weight and length soon. We are all soooo happy!

We Have Liftoff!

Katrina and Nafeh ushered a new addition to the Fam at 1p.m. today...we still don't know the name of the little sweetie...more news as it develops.:-)

Katrina - Off To The Races

In our family, we ARE a village, and thus we are all involved when it comes to expanding our ever-growing circle. Katrina indicated to all that she was going into the early stages of labor yesterday just before noon, and all avaiable members of the 'fam' began the migration to Nashville.

I arrived from Ohio, and Rosana and Brian drove up from Huntsville, and Alicia and Brian drove up from Auburn, and Karen and Lameh headed Tennessee way from Cumberland.

One issue...was Katrina REALLY ready! So to help move that process along, those here went for a walk to a nearby park on a steep walkway for about a mile.

After a nice brisk walk in the dark, we headed back. Jameh wasn't sure what all the fuss was about.

This morning Katrina really hit her stride and about 6:15 headed out for Vanderbilt Hospital. And thusly shall we all shortly.

Stay tuned for news!!!!

The Highway 30 Express

It has been a long, long two weeks. So instead of the wonders of Day Two...it is now the end of Week Two in Ohio. Thank goodness the State of Ohio four-laned Highway 30 which has become the Tyson Expressway (always at 65mph, and the highway patrol is ALWAYS on hand to make sure I observe the local customs).

I have been the FEMA spokesman for the media in four counties in the eight county Ohio flood and tornado disaster (Aug. 20-28). It has been fairly tiresome...12-hour days for two weeks. But also somewhat enjoyable in that the media folks are good to deal with, professional, and focused on helping their readers and listeners.

This is a pictue taken by a FEMA photog at WXML Radio in Upper Sandusky where I do a weekly radio update.

I drive, almost daily, between the cities of Mansfield, Ohio - to Tiffin, Ohio - and to near Marion, Ohio (for those keeping track on Google Maps)...and points in between like Bucyrus, Carey, Galion, and such. This is Corn Country for Ohio with a lot of wide-open spaces and scenic farm settings.

I have also been over to the other side of the disaster to help out when the events were too numerous for one person to handle. In this FEMA photo I am chatting with the police chief in Blufton, Ohio along with a Community Relations guy and a local reporter. We were sharing stories about the relief effort.


I usually talk to editors/reporters at seven daily newspapers, three weekly newspapers, six radio stations, and a TV station...so I am on the phone a lot, and driving a lot!

This means visiting the disaster recovery centers in the four counties each day, too. I see a lot of people. I think that the victims here are getting the help they need...but a lot of the recovery is just due to how well organized the emergency management folks are here, and how self-reliant the people are. Their attitude reminds me a lot of the attitude on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and in Kansas.

They want just enough help, and then to be left alone to deal with their own issues.

So, it has been intense...unfortunately, none of the hotels have kitchens in the rooms...but other than the creature comforts, it has been OK. More later.:-)