Written 40 years ago by dad…….Entry for January 19, 2009

Posted on May 15, 2009 by George C. Hartman

The year 1968 deserves a first class rating for the year set records unparalleled in the store history. Evaluating first the financial aspects; look at first of all sales almost $195.000 up almost $38.000 on 1967 which was previous all-time high an increase of 20% overall. Look at the other astounding figure inventory $78,700, looking sideways. Income $34,700 plus $23,000 increase from inventory.
The year 1968 was also one year for setting accomplishments. First and foremost a much greater devotion to God by attending daily Mass and Communion. Praying of Rosary daily. Continuous prayers for souls in purgatory were begun. The importance of God was realized and placed in its proper place___FIRST!
The year 1968 saw the addition of our ninth child. My sister leaving for California and other noteworthy events.
The accomplishments of 1968 will always stand for the greatness that they are in themselves. As 1969 begins you realize that you are at the pinnacle of world success because of prior work but mostly because of 1968!
It is important that for 1969 you strive just as hard and work toward new goals.
My goals are simple: For 1969 I will strive to be First, Humble as humble as Christ showed us. Second, To do good for all my fellow man. To continue to strive for greater success in business and improve my conditions whenever feasible. Finally to enjoy the past achievements, as there are things you want and have gotten, now is the time to enjoy them.

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Entry for December 19, 2008

Posted on May 15, 2009 by George C. Hartman

Well, it is almost Christmas. It snowed today here in Jersey and that can really put you in the spirit. But then it rained and everything was cold, wet and slushy. Ice water dripped down my back while I was waiting for the bus and I wasn’t sure quite what it was at first so I just screamed. Several people looked at me in disgust. My favorite movie for Christmas spirit is “It’s A Wonderful Life” Not only is the central characters name George, but he ends up on a cold snowy bridge in desperate need of help. How many times do I need to go to this damn bridge in my life? I miss when I was a family. I really miss my house and gardens, chopping wood for the fireplace. I am grateful, though, for where I am now. Right now, it’s not a cold snowy bridge. That movie “A Christmas Story” seems to be getting more popular every year. I love that central character Ralphie. He always reminded me of someone and then finally this year I figured it out.

RALPHIE and Brother GARY

Santa and Uncle Rebel

A Reindeer and George
How did Mom and Dad do it? Ten kids. Yet in all our “Twenty Questions” we all list Christmas as our favorite memory. It was never about money or toys (ok, so maybe it was) but there was never anything more magical then all of us being together under that tree in the morning.

SPECIAL THANKYOU: After Dad died, Gene Kaufmann and Danny Braza among others were there for mom to help put the toys together and help with all the work that can associated with Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

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Entry for December 5, 2008

Posted on May 15, 2009 by George C. Hartman

As evidenced, ALL our kids are getting bigger. Here from the Thanksgiving fireside, family gets together. Traditional oven turkey this year. Deep frying the bird has turned into an expense with the price of peanut oil. How are you doing Ann Hartman? What special things did you prepare for this meal?

More critters from the deep south. Actually I got my eye on that tiedye. Send one of them up this way bro !!

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Happy Bella Day……Entry for November 28, 2008

Posted on May 15, 2009 by George C. Hartman

Already TWO? The youngest of the clan. Wonder what she thinks of us all? LOL ROCK ON Bella Marie !! (pssst….her mothers birthday is the next day!!) And I forgot when Joes birthday is….

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WHAAAAAAZZZZZZ UP????????????Entry for November 25, 2008

Posted on May 15, 2009 by George C. Hartman

Whats Newz? You tell me. I have allot of brand new photos from OHIO that I can’t wait to post. Got some new Josh and Jonnie shots. And Belinda and Joe are always updating me with photos of their daughter. Nicole has sent me some new Maddy shots. Although I admit it is a little difficult to keep up with these growing kids—to darn fast—I CONFESS I have been goofing off in YouTube way toooo much. I really enjoy being strange…heee heee. Keeps ya’ll wondering.

Barb just came back from Germany and she has more ultra-exciting shots (yeah right) to share with us. LoL.
So I promise to update soon.
It has been quite a year for the family. Sadly our sisters sudden passage still lingers and probably always will. Brenda is with us, though, can’t you feel her spirit?? My heart goes out to little sister Bon Bon who has taken allot of time with Brendas little daughter “Becca” Thank you so much little sister for being there for her! It has dissolved some of the pain. Your generosity and Pauls will be rewarded one day I swear. For Bonnie has taken in our brother Glenn too.
Ann, Gary, Viki and Grant………WHASSSSSSSSSS UP?????? Actually I have been talking with Grant allot and he is keeping busy.
As the year winds down……think about where we are as a family. Really struggling, I think. It has been a hard year. But I honestly think it is God working towards us in the most amazing ways. There has been some health issues, hard losses and confusion yet we pray for each other and distance does not matter. I love you all and miss you with all my heart fellow Hartmans, family and friends…..it is my favorite holiday…..Thanksgiving……and as the snow flurries up and the wind streaks through the cold concrete of the greatest city in the world….it is all about Gratitude…..not just this holiday but everyday. Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels, if we take the time, no matter how troubled and crazy we might feel, we can find something to be thankful for.

Love, Peace to all.

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George’s dads……..Entry for November 23, 2008

Posted on May 15, 2009 by George C. Hartman

George’s dads……..Entry for November 23, 2008
George Poulo sr. wasn’t quite sure what was happeneing the last few years of his life. I was blessed to witness his children caring for and loving him. So many parents are just “thrown away” in America. I will never forget the way his eyes lite up when Barb walked in the room and he would take out his deck of cards and Barb would never say no to him. In the end, George, his son was back and forth, washing him, praying with him, bringing him the little things that made him happy.

To me at least, it was a shock, because he died so suddenly. Of coarse he was old but still he seemed healthy. Now, will life go on like nothing happened? We only seem to dwell in the tragic young deaths like our sister Brenda but as George said very calmingly: “it was his time.”

Once I askes him what he did for a living and he responded; “I don’t remember.” I thought that to be very sad. He always dressed in a suit and tie and he liked to shave. After 84 years on this earth he didn’t remember much but that wasn’t important. He was known his whole life as a very private man, secluse and with few emotions. He wasn’t very good at expressing himself especially at love (so I was told)

Someone asked me once; “You are a Christian, so where are all the miracles?”

MIRACLES?

“Yes, miracles, the world is falling apart where is God? Where are the miracles?

I couldn’t answer him…..at that time.

THERE ARE millions of miracles everyday. Most of them slip right by. They are not secrets but they are fleeting and innocent. Like the air around us, they are everywhere and we can’t live without them.

Miracles aren’t flashes of thunder and lightening, wads of money, walking on water, a brand new house………..ONE DAY we will sit in a darkened theater and watch our life rewind and we will see the very special effects that miracles have had on our lives.

IN THE END Mr George Poulo, born in December of 1923, his memory of 84 years on this planet a fuzzy blurry cloud, was able to look his children in the eye and say someting that had been lacking for over half a decade; “I love you”

Just one of those little miracle gifts from God.

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Brooke’s BIG Night….Entry for November 14, 2008

Posted on May 15, 2009 by George C. Hartman

From all the reports that I heard Brooke was spectacular as the lead, Laurey Williams. I am sure Brenda was smiling too. I am so very proud of her and so is everyone else.
Perhaps the most recognized play of all time, It was a box-office smash and ran for an unprecedented 2,212 performances in New Yorks Broadway. The title song became Oklahoma’s state song. The photos that came are awesome and I’ll put the rest up in Events as soon as my boss gets off my back.

All the sounds of the earth are like music,
All the sounds of the earth are like music,
The breeze is so busy it don’t miss a tree,
And an ol’ Weepin’ Willer is laughin’ at me.

Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day,
I’ve got a wonderful feeling,
Everything’s going my way.

You are awesome Brooke Thank You!

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Stability in the NFL and horses……Entry for October 24, 2008

Posted on May 15, 2009 by George C. Hartman

Horses should consume approximately half a bale (20 lbs) of hay daily, though this number can be increased or decreased depending on your horse’s size and access to grazing pastures throughout the day.

The NFL has become the NPL — the National Panic League. Head coaches are fired at the first sign of trouble: three have already been fired this season. Owners fire head coaches almost for sport, Snyder of Washington being on his sixth in 10 years. Assistant coaches are such vagabonds they should always keep their bags packed; many teams change at least one coordinator each season. Bad game? Let’s change quarterbacks. Finished in the middle of the pack last season? Let’s have an all-new offensive system. Bad punt? Get a new punter. One of the hidden laws of football is: Don’t Panic, There Will Be Plenty of Time for That Later.
If a coach has stability, he will make better decisions. If you have stability in your own life, you too, will make better decisions.

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The Choice is YOURS America !!….Entry for November 3, 2008

Posted on May 15, 2009 by George C. Hartman


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One of our finest hours….Entry for October 24, 2008

Posted on May 10, 2009 by George C. Hartman

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It was a stellar job with a tight deadline. Starting at the United Nations and traveling globally with our name on it. a new photographic exhibit at the United Nations headquarters to raise awareness about global conservation. The images on display depict wildlife and landscapes from the forests of Madagascar to the coasts of Patagonia.

Opening night was more then I expected, the news coverage, politicians, tuxes and hors d’oeuvres. I had never been to the United Nations and most people I went with were there as a classt rip when they were kids. I was impressed with all the security, the architecture and the enviromentle graphics through-out. Hopefully rubbing elbows with all the pretty people will open up some new sales paths.
One of the most stunning parts of the exhibit is the “Human Footprint” shows our impact on every square kilometer of the Earth. Forest logging, road-building in remote areas, and other factors of human activity account for our influence over 83 percent of the planet.

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