I wish I had a picture of mom's lilac bush (tree) in full bloom. I said that wrong. She had two purple bushes the size of trees, and one white lilac which didn't grow as well as the purple ones and was only about six feet tall.
Oh, how I miss the sweet, sweet smell of those bushes, and the cut flowers through our tiny home.
Mom also had a huge lavender bush just by the back porch on the west side of the steps. I had a really big bush. It's gone now. It didn't survive the winter and the landscape hackers where we live now.
All I remember of spring was mom's forsythia bush which was a yearly chore for her to cut back. It grew like a weed. Then there were the honey suckle bushes which were backed up against the chicken coops. The chicken coops no longer exist, nor does the honeysuckle.
Next we all looked forward to the lily-of-the-valley which mom had planted against the east wall of the house and it multiplied. She was very careful when she worked with the lily-of-the-valley because it was the home of black widow spiders. There is no longer a lily-of-the-valley along the east wall of the house, which makes me sad.
Then came the roses, and mom loved roses (her name was Rose) and she planted a new one every year.
Every spring she would look through the seed and plant catalogs and decide which rose she wanted. I remember the Peace rose, the Sterling Silver Rose, the Crimson Glory rose, and yes her Mrs. Minaver rose (love that movie). I remember the year she ordered the Sterling Silver rose. It was a new rose and she wasn't sure about ordering it. It was a toss-up between that rose and another climbing rose. Sterling Silver won out. And it was beautiful. I remember when it bloomed and mom nurtured that one bloom until we all (the all-inclusive Italian family) saw it and agreed it was, in fact, the color of silver.
Being the little one I was, I thought it looked like lavender.
Most of her roses are gone now. Some are still there and give off their wonderful smell late in the spring and if fortunate, another blooming late in the summer..
Last, but not least, was mom's irises. In May she went to a garden near Springfield, PA which has dozens of iris plants. Even I enjoyed walking through that garden and looking at the plants. I dug up a couple of her iris plants and planted them along my back fence at the home in which we live prior to moving to our final home. They are still there, putting forth many more blooms than I ever got from them. Of course they are over 20 years old at this point.
Thanks mom for the memories!
ttfn
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Away for a long time
I think the winter blahs got ahold of me and that's why I didn't add to my BLOG. However, I have been keeping lists of things I remembered about Runnemede and my family during the 40s, 50s, and early 60s.
The weather has been extremely cold here in Northern Kentucky every since early December. I've lived out here for 39 years and I don't remember a colder winter, and I don't feel like looking up the weather records for the years I've lived here. If someone else would like to take that on, so be it. It is now Spring, but the nights are still cold, and there is a snow storm ravaging the Midwest. Will it reach here? I don't know. I hope not.
Now, I have to admit we have had colder weather in winter, but the number of below freezing days, I think is a record. It is for the time I've been here, for you researchers, is 1975 to 2014. And I know we had a lot of snow. I guess if I watched the 11 p.m. news I'd know all these little tidbits of trivia, but since I have to get up early most days (5 a.m.), I am in bed most nights by 9 p.m. Okay, too much information.
I remember one winter in Runnemede and it was not only cold, it was snowy. And I remember one specific week in the winter of '58 - '59. It was in early March. School didn't re-open for a week.
We had a lot of snow on March 3 and 4. I remember this vividly because it was my 16th birthday and I was looking forward to getting a bubble-gum corsage from my friends. Well it snowed and it was one of those wet, heavy snows, and it took out the electricity in most, if not all, of Runnemede and the surrounding territory (towns - Bellmawr, Glendora, Blackwood, Turnersville). It was one of many snow storms we had that winter. Much like this winter (in NJ that is).
The electricity was out. Did I mention that? Oh, yes, I did. What I didn't mention was that we were without electricity for over a week. Do you know how cold a house can get when the temperature at night goes down into the teens, and only gets into the mid-thirties during the day? Cold, very cold. You can see your breath - cold. And they didn't insulate homes that well back then. I know in the unfinished part of our attic there was no insulation, just boards and then roofing material.
Dad got a kerosene stove and he had that on until about 1 a.m. (when he went to bed) and then since there was no school and we could sleep in, he turned it back on around 9 a.m. My sister and I were really cold in the attic, only when we got out from under the many blankets and down quilt we had. Slippers were a necessary item, however, we both wore socks to bed, so the fact that we didn't have slippers was only that -- the fact that we didn't have slippers. We didn't need them. In that particular year -- multi-colored wool socks were in style with our penny loafers, so we just doubled up on our socks. I had bought several pairs ($1 a pair, which was expensive back then), so on the cold feet front we were all set.
Day after day we had no school, but we also had no heat. The schools couldn't be heat either, so until the electricity came back into service, we stayed home and mostly inside, except for daily sled rides (down suicide hill) and we found a place to ice skate, so we did that also.
Just about the time we got used to the cold, the lights came back on and we all welcomed Spring a couple of weeks later.
If I could apologize to my mom I would, knowing now that four children and two adults in a 1100 square foot home (including the attic - uninsulated) must have driven her nuts.
ttfn
The weather has been extremely cold here in Northern Kentucky every since early December. I've lived out here for 39 years and I don't remember a colder winter, and I don't feel like looking up the weather records for the years I've lived here. If someone else would like to take that on, so be it. It is now Spring, but the nights are still cold, and there is a snow storm ravaging the Midwest. Will it reach here? I don't know. I hope not.
Now, I have to admit we have had colder weather in winter, but the number of below freezing days, I think is a record. It is for the time I've been here, for you researchers, is 1975 to 2014. And I know we had a lot of snow. I guess if I watched the 11 p.m. news I'd know all these little tidbits of trivia, but since I have to get up early most days (5 a.m.), I am in bed most nights by 9 p.m. Okay, too much information.
I remember one winter in Runnemede and it was not only cold, it was snowy. And I remember one specific week in the winter of '58 - '59. It was in early March. School didn't re-open for a week.
We had a lot of snow on March 3 and 4. I remember this vividly because it was my 16th birthday and I was looking forward to getting a bubble-gum corsage from my friends. Well it snowed and it was one of those wet, heavy snows, and it took out the electricity in most, if not all, of Runnemede and the surrounding territory (towns - Bellmawr, Glendora, Blackwood, Turnersville). It was one of many snow storms we had that winter. Much like this winter (in NJ that is).
The electricity was out. Did I mention that? Oh, yes, I did. What I didn't mention was that we were without electricity for over a week. Do you know how cold a house can get when the temperature at night goes down into the teens, and only gets into the mid-thirties during the day? Cold, very cold. You can see your breath - cold. And they didn't insulate homes that well back then. I know in the unfinished part of our attic there was no insulation, just boards and then roofing material.
Dad got a kerosene stove and he had that on until about 1 a.m. (when he went to bed) and then since there was no school and we could sleep in, he turned it back on around 9 a.m. My sister and I were really cold in the attic, only when we got out from under the many blankets and down quilt we had. Slippers were a necessary item, however, we both wore socks to bed, so the fact that we didn't have slippers was only that -- the fact that we didn't have slippers. We didn't need them. In that particular year -- multi-colored wool socks were in style with our penny loafers, so we just doubled up on our socks. I had bought several pairs ($1 a pair, which was expensive back then), so on the cold feet front we were all set.
Day after day we had no school, but we also had no heat. The schools couldn't be heat either, so until the electricity came back into service, we stayed home and mostly inside, except for daily sled rides (down suicide hill) and we found a place to ice skate, so we did that also.
Just about the time we got used to the cold, the lights came back on and we all welcomed Spring a couple of weeks later.
If I could apologize to my mom I would, knowing now that four children and two adults in a 1100 square foot home (including the attic - uninsulated) must have driven her nuts.
ttfn
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
A snowy rememberance
It seems to me that in winter, Runnemede was quite snowy.
I also remember my dad running down Second Avenue to the Pike hauling me on a sled behind him, and me telling him to slow down, which, of course, he didn't. I'm sure he was aware of safety, and if I fell from the sled it wouldn't hurt me, I mean, how fast can an old man of 40 run? (Note: 40 isn't old, but to a 3-year-old it is.)
I loved those days and the attention my dad paid me.
I am also glad I grew up in the days before Second Avenue became a "through" street from Clements Bridge to Central and Central to the Pike at 8th Avenue. Now days, because of the increased traffic, my joy and thrill of having dad pull me on the sled would never have happened.
This is one of the things I remember as I watch another snowy day here in Kentucky.
ttfn
I also remember my dad running down Second Avenue to the Pike hauling me on a sled behind him, and me telling him to slow down, which, of course, he didn't. I'm sure he was aware of safety, and if I fell from the sled it wouldn't hurt me, I mean, how fast can an old man of 40 run? (Note: 40 isn't old, but to a 3-year-old it is.)
I loved those days and the attention my dad paid me.
I am also glad I grew up in the days before Second Avenue became a "through" street from Clements Bridge to Central and Central to the Pike at 8th Avenue. Now days, because of the increased traffic, my joy and thrill of having dad pull me on the sled would never have happened.
This is one of the things I remember as I watch another snowy day here in Kentucky.
ttfn
Friday, January 17, 2014
Reminders
Why do some things we smell bring back such pleasant memories?
The other night I made spaghetti sauce and I used sausage instead of meatballs to flavor the sauce. It was delicious. It tasted just like the best sauce in the world, as far as I'm concerned. That sauce was the sauce made by Aunt Rita.
Between Christmas and New Year's each year we would go to visit uncle Joe and Aunt Rita and stay for dinner. The best dinner in the world that left me groggy from so much food. And, I kept going back for more. Rigatoni and sausage sauce, baked chicken breasts, anti-pasta, garlic bread, and some sort of dessert. Since I'm not a dessert person, that part didn't stick with me. But I'm sure it was my dad's favorite part of the dinner.
Being mostly Italian, there were great cooks in our family. Aunt Annie's spaghetti didn't taste at all like Aunt Rita's. My mom's spaghetti didn't taste like Aunt Rita's, and mom kept asking Aunt Rita for her sauce recipe, and Aunt Rita would give her hints from time to time, but she never gave her the full recipe.
I would hope that some of the smells of our home, as the children were growing up, and now here in the condo, would evoke happy memories as they get a whiff of a smell that brings back that happy memory.
To my Aunt Rita, thanks for making such a good meal for our families to enjoy at the happiest time of the year. She is not with us any more, but I shall always remember that sauce. Mmmmmm.
ttfn
The other night I made spaghetti sauce and I used sausage instead of meatballs to flavor the sauce. It was delicious. It tasted just like the best sauce in the world, as far as I'm concerned. That sauce was the sauce made by Aunt Rita.
Between Christmas and New Year's each year we would go to visit uncle Joe and Aunt Rita and stay for dinner. The best dinner in the world that left me groggy from so much food. And, I kept going back for more. Rigatoni and sausage sauce, baked chicken breasts, anti-pasta, garlic bread, and some sort of dessert. Since I'm not a dessert person, that part didn't stick with me. But I'm sure it was my dad's favorite part of the dinner.
Being mostly Italian, there were great cooks in our family. Aunt Annie's spaghetti didn't taste at all like Aunt Rita's. My mom's spaghetti didn't taste like Aunt Rita's, and mom kept asking Aunt Rita for her sauce recipe, and Aunt Rita would give her hints from time to time, but she never gave her the full recipe.
I would hope that some of the smells of our home, as the children were growing up, and now here in the condo, would evoke happy memories as they get a whiff of a smell that brings back that happy memory.
To my Aunt Rita, thanks for making such a good meal for our families to enjoy at the happiest time of the year. She is not with us any more, but I shall always remember that sauce. Mmmmmm.
ttfn
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Memories of Christmases long, long ago
Years ago there was a beautiful young woman. She was engaged to a handsome young man. He was 29 years old. They got married in 1937 and had their first child in 1943. The beautiful woman was my mother (Rose), the handsome dude was my dad (Carl) and the child was me (Judi).
A few years later when I was four the Christmas month of December was full of events, gaiety, love, excitement, and food. I mention this because it's the first Christmas I have any memory of. I think that's because my friend Linda Wallace and I both wanted the same doll for Christmas. I don't remember what Linda got, but I know I got a really nice doll, which I still have, and it is dressed in a dress that was mine 70 years ago, and a sweater/hat/booties set that was mine back when I was a SMALL baby. I emphasize the word SMALL because that size for me went away after my third child was born.
So in 1947, there was me, my sister Debbie, and my brother Mark. My brother Carl was born in 1949.
Mom seemed to be very happy with four children cramped into two small bedrooms. The baby and crib were in her and dad's bedroom, and Deb and I were in a double bed in the back bedroom, the only room in the house with a very, very small closet, and Mark was put onto a bunk size trundle bed in the corner of the room. No privacy there for any of us.
No matter our lot, Mom always made Christmas nice for all of us. I remember her making a fun job out of curling ribbon for 100 boxes of chocolate which were handed out at the Christmas program one year. She made the chore of sewing 20 aprons on her old Singer sewing machine a fun job and it was a "grown-up" job, because the material had to be cut just so and she let me do the cutting. I was around nine years old when I was blessed with that job. I could go on. I'm sure my sister and brothers could add to the list.
Mom always seemed to take things in stride, calmly, while Dad was the one who panicked if one of his children had a dirty diaper, or threw up. Poor Daddy. Mom got the praise and dad got the disapproval for his actions.
Mom to me was the prettiest mother (other than Mrs. Lott) in my classroom -- my other peers' moms couldn't compete at all with her looks. Mrs. Lott being the exception. Imagine that. Two pastor's wives being the prettiest moms.
I was always proud that my mom was my mom. And Christmas came too soon after school started. We had a lot to do to get ready for it.
ttfn
A few years later when I was four the Christmas month of December was full of events, gaiety, love, excitement, and food. I mention this because it's the first Christmas I have any memory of. I think that's because my friend Linda Wallace and I both wanted the same doll for Christmas. I don't remember what Linda got, but I know I got a really nice doll, which I still have, and it is dressed in a dress that was mine 70 years ago, and a sweater/hat/booties set that was mine back when I was a SMALL baby. I emphasize the word SMALL because that size for me went away after my third child was born.
So in 1947, there was me, my sister Debbie, and my brother Mark. My brother Carl was born in 1949.
Mom seemed to be very happy with four children cramped into two small bedrooms. The baby and crib were in her and dad's bedroom, and Deb and I were in a double bed in the back bedroom, the only room in the house with a very, very small closet, and Mark was put onto a bunk size trundle bed in the corner of the room. No privacy there for any of us.
No matter our lot, Mom always made Christmas nice for all of us. I remember her making a fun job out of curling ribbon for 100 boxes of chocolate which were handed out at the Christmas program one year. She made the chore of sewing 20 aprons on her old Singer sewing machine a fun job and it was a "grown-up" job, because the material had to be cut just so and she let me do the cutting. I was around nine years old when I was blessed with that job. I could go on. I'm sure my sister and brothers could add to the list.
Mom always seemed to take things in stride, calmly, while Dad was the one who panicked if one of his children had a dirty diaper, or threw up. Poor Daddy. Mom got the praise and dad got the disapproval for his actions.
Mom to me was the prettiest mother (other than Mrs. Lott) in my classroom -- my other peers' moms couldn't compete at all with her looks. Mrs. Lott being the exception. Imagine that. Two pastor's wives being the prettiest moms.
I was always proud that my mom was my mom. And Christmas came too soon after school started. We had a lot to do to get ready for it.
ttfn
Glad Tidings
Yes, Glad Tidings. Uncle Bill, who's been ready to go Home for several years now, finally is at Home with his Saviour, Jesus Christ. He died quietly at home yesterday.
Also, Sad Tidings. I want to express my sorrow (and joy) to Jean and David.
Uncle Bill (Manduka) as a blessing to me and Alan for all of our lives together, including when we first started dating. He drove us all over South Jersey to multi-church activities where we could meet and mingle with teens from churches not located in Runnemede.
After he got his e-mail set up he was a great source of information regarding folks from Runnemede, Mount Calvary Union Church, and his family.
I thank God for Uncle Bill. And I'm sure there are many others who were blessed by him and his wife, Marian.
One day I shall see him again, but not until, as a friend of mine recently put it, I've walked and talked with Jesus for 300 years or so. Well, since there is no time in heaven, I will see Uncle Bill after I've talk with Jesus for a while.
ttfn
Also, Sad Tidings. I want to express my sorrow (and joy) to Jean and David.
Uncle Bill (Manduka) as a blessing to me and Alan for all of our lives together, including when we first started dating. He drove us all over South Jersey to multi-church activities where we could meet and mingle with teens from churches not located in Runnemede.
After he got his e-mail set up he was a great source of information regarding folks from Runnemede, Mount Calvary Union Church, and his family.
I thank God for Uncle Bill. And I'm sure there are many others who were blessed by him and his wife, Marian.
One day I shall see him again, but not until, as a friend of mine recently put it, I've walked and talked with Jesus for 300 years or so. Well, since there is no time in heaven, I will see Uncle Bill after I've talk with Jesus for a while.
ttfn
Christmas decorations
I remember in Runnemede dad would wait until he could get a tree for free (late Christmas Eve) or when the trees were reduced from $5 to $1, Christmas Eve day. I think the lot was next to the bank located at the corner of Lindsay Avenue and CBR.
Well, we didn't get the tree up until late Christmas Eve, but my mother started the day after Thanksgiving and put up her special ornaments. I remember a blue angel with yellow hair and gold wings and a gold halo. I don't know whatever happened to that special porcelain piece, but I can see it in my mind's eye. And that particular decoration would move around! Yes, it would.
One day it would be artfully surrounded with greens set on the top shelf of a fairly high bookcase on the left side facing the bookcase, the clock would be in the middle, and a candle would be on the other end of the case. Another day would find that same angel on top of the piano, on a mirror my mom saved for Christmas, and which was once again decorated with fresh greens. Then we would find it on the dining room table, then on mom's desk. And that rotation went on until late January. Mom just didn't want to put the decorations away.
So, I guess I have inherited that trait. My sister hangs on to her decorations also.
So, I'm wondering, am I just slothful in not wanting to put my decorations and trees away? Or is it because I really like the way they perk up my home? With no children anymore, does it bring into my home the feeling of children?
I have to say, mom kept up the practice until I was in my late 30s at least. After that I think she was just too tired to do the work.
When finally all the Christmas things were put away, my mom, my sister, and I would occasionally head down to the basement and open the lid of the large trunk that held the things from Bavaria and the Christmas balls from there as well. And we would unwrap that Angel. What fun we had on those days.
And if I remember correctly, that was a rainy day activity. The boys would just ride around the basement in circles on their trikes while we "girls" would think about and enjoy Christmas day over and over.
Thanks Mom. I'm glad you liked keeping some things around longer than one week for us to enjoy. I hope that my children have appreciated that I have done that as well.
And I have to thank Tamara and her family who for the last six Christmases have put up my trees and put around the house my many snowmen. And folks winter has just started, so the snowmen stay out until February! You see, I have someone to help make my home bright, an advantage my mom didn't have. Tamara has made my hospital Christmases bright as well.
ttfn
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