Saturday, February 27, 2010

THINGS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE

2-26-10...THINGS YOU DON"T HEAR THESE ANY MORE

Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company. OR- Put the 25 pound sign in the window for the iceman to see. Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter in the mail today. Quit slamming the screen door when you go out! Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave, it looks like a shower is coming up. And don't forget them clothes on the line. Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed. Wash your feet before you go to bed, you've been playing outside all day barefooted. Why can't you remember to roll up your britches legs? Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up. You have torn the knees out of that pair of pants so many times there is nothing left to put a patch on. Don't you go outside with your school clothes on! Go comb your hair; it looks like the rats have nested in it all night. Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you open the new bottle. Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one. Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it. Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall if you don't quit! Let me know when the Fuller Brush man comes by, I need to get a few things from him. You boys stay close by, the car may not start and I will need you to help push it off.
Take this magazine to the toilet. We're about out of paper in there.
Here soak your cut foot in this kerosene so you don't get an infection.
When you take your drivers test don't forget to signal each turn. Left turn stick your arm straight out the window. Left arm bent at the elbow for a right turn.
It's Yes Mam and No Mam to me young man and don't you forget it.
Your face is going to freeze that way.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

2-26-10...THE GOOD OLD DAYS

I was born in the early 1940's and grew up in the 50's and early 60's, got married in the middle 60's. You hear a lot of jokes about our childhood. They just have no way of knowing how it really was.! I remember some kids and their parents coming to our house sometime in that time frame. They were cousins from another state and must have been a big city. They thought we were so dumb and backward. The kids went with us to gather eggs in the hen house. They asked so many questions that Brenda and I looked at each other and made the crazy sign. Are they ripe? Did you put those eggs in the nest? Where did the chicken go to get the egg. How did that chicken carry a egg. Same with the milk. Pappa told them that brown cows made chocolate milk and they wanted to know if we fed the cows cocoa.
The annual salary then was less than 3,000 dollars in the early 50's. For Daddy it was a lot less. Yet, most of the time, only one parent had to work. Mamas stayed at home with a big smile to meet you when you got off the school bus. Grandma had a sorghum cake usually.
It was safe to send a six year old to the store to get a loaf of bread. We walked about a mile to Hall Parks store to get the bread. For a quarter, we could get the bread and enjoy a candy bar on our way back. That wasn't bad at all.
We didn't have air conditioning, so you left the windows and doors open. And you weren't afraid to do so. You knew every person in the community and their children. When a neighbor needed help, the neighborhood was there to lend a helping hand. When both parents did need to be away for a while, childcare meant leaving them with grandparents and aunts and uncles.
You had teachers who really cared and parents who were thankful for those teachers. If you got a paddling in school, you knew you were going to get another one when you got home. And you could go to school and not worry about someone having a gun. And the only drug you had to worry about was being "drug" out of bed in the morning. Ah, those fresh sun dried sheets felt so good!
Those who had a TV watched the Real McCoy s, Ozzie and Harriett, I Love Lucy, and Roy Rogers on that old black and white TV . You could go down to the theater and watch a Gene Autry movie, enjoy a coke and candy bar, all for 25 cents.
Sunday's families went to church together, enjoyed an afternoon ride and picnic together and went back to church Sunday night together.
Your Mamma knew how to make a cut knee feel fine (after the burn) and Daddy could fix anything that needed to be fixed.
You enjoyed fresh veggies from the garden, and the chickens ran loose in the yard. You gathered the eggs and milked the cow and harvested the garden right along beside your Parents.
Parents were respected and their rules were the law. Kids didn't talk back without suffering the consequences of a switch to the backside or bare legs. Kids were taught to have respect for our elders and those in authority. Kids were taught to show manners in their walk and talk. Please, Thank you.
Neighbors and friends corrected each others children.......and it was appreciated. They cared! You were taught patriotism and Christian values in school. You had prayer and the teacher read from the Bible! And that wasn't bad. In fact, it was a wonderful and grand time in so many ways! If you got a switching there was no child welfare poking around claiming child abuse.
We wore mini skirts and bell bottoms, and hip huggers. Did I say we? The word would be they. Daddy wouldn't have let me wear them even if we could have afforded it.
Each family had only one car if they had one at all. Families visited and knew the neighbors. A handshake constituted a legal and binding contract. You kept what money you had in your pocket. We walked everywhere we went. Teens didn't have a car or the most of us didn't even have a bicycle. We went bare foot most of the time in the winter and all the time in the summer. Our shoes were for “Dress Up or school” and we kept them nice.
Things have changed a lot in my 65 + years and I've seen it all. I've been here for all the new fangled things that my Mamma and Grandma never even thought of. I don't much like change. Things are changing too fast now and I'm struggling to stay still. I like keeping those good old days alive in me. YEP!!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

THE 50'S A MAGICAL TIME

2-21-10...THE 50's A MAGICAL TIME

Since I grew up in the 1950's it is fun for me to reflect on some of the fun and different things during that era. Drive In Theaters bring back many happy memories! My birthday being in August was the prime season for Drive In movies. Just before dark we would all pile into a car and head for the drive In. I still remember the intermission jingle "Let's all go to the lobby" with the hot dog, soda drink and popcorn dancing across the screen.
The Drive In was the favorite place to go on a date and after the show we would go to Wimpy's for a hamburger and fries or to just congregate. At that time you stayed in your car and your food was brought to you. A tray holder was placed on the drivers side window to hold the food.





There would be couples going steady with a ring around their neck to prove it. It was just brought to attention from my teenage friends in church that "going steady" is no longer used. I asked them what do you call it now? They replied just "going out". Makes no sense to me, but that is how times change. Back in the 50's and 60's when you were "going steady," the girl would be given her boyfriends ring to wear. Because they were always too big to fit the ring would be put on a ribbon to wear around your neck. Elvis had a song called “Wont You wear my ring Up around your neck to show the world I'm yours by heck”. Sometimes the ring would be put on the girls pony tail in the place of a rubber band. Don't ask me how that worked. We listened to pretty tame music then that would soothe the soul. Moon River was one of my favorites. Pat Boone was our heart throb. Some of his songs were, April Love, Love Letters In The Sand, and Chains of Love.
The summer of 1955 with Bill Haley's song "Rock Around the Clock" changed the music we listened to forever. I was hooked. Then came Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and the rest is history. My parents didn't like Rock N Roll at all but they put up' with it.
The clothes were in an era all their own. Cuffed Bobbie socks worn with suede "buckskin" shoes or saddle shoes that came in all color combinations and styles from light weight to the original heavier oxford in black and white. The sleeves were always cuffed and rolled on the girls short sleeve shirts, and finished off with a silk scarf around the neck. I had a bunch of different colors but not as many as some girls had. Wool skirts with the length at the middle of the calf with a slit in the back. No jeans or pants were allowed. My spindly little legs would just about freeze when outside. The favorite hair styles were pony tails, and shoulder length hair that was rolled at the ends with bangs and usually a side part. Barrettes were often used as decoration and to hold the hair away from the face.







The boys typical clothes were blue jeans with cuffed legs, a t-shirt with rolled sleeves, or a shirt with the back of the collar turned up. They wore various short hair styles ranging from the butch to slightly longer Elvis style that was combed back and held in place with Butch wax Hair Dressing into a duck tail or DA as it was called. Going to church on Easter Sunday was a sight to behold! All the women and young girls (me included) wore a hat adorned with artificial flowers.. Mine were always a white hat with yellow daisies. We always had white gloves. That is something I always had was my Easter Suit no matter how poor we were and we were poor. Week days in school we wore a dress or a skirt and sweater. There was a time there when everyone that could afford to wore them Dyed to match right down to the shoes.
Week ends were spent at home mostly. I usually slept on Saturday morning till I was made to get up but Sunday it was get up and get ready for Church. Sunday evening in the warmer days we would all walk over to Altus and spend the evening in the Park. It was great excitement to me. There was and still is an old well house. We sat there and also on park benches.



It was such a magical time for me. A time I often remember, dream of, and miss. So many things have been changed by what they call “Progress”? I'm not too sure the progress has all been good or healthy. But then That's Just MY Opinion. YEP!



Friday, February 19, 2010

OVER A BARRELL

2-19-10...OVER A BARRELL

On Wednesday of this week I got my mail out of the mail box anticipating bills and junk mail just like always.
There was one from the Electric Co that looked like a bill. Well it couldn't be a bill because I paid the bill. HMMM!
I opened it and there glaring out at me in big red letters was
Disconnect Notice. Huh, You gotta be kidding. Nope, No way, I paid that bill.
I immediately got on the phone and called the fools. By golly something is wrong here. Here is the way the call went.
Hello, Rea this is Cindy. May I help you"? "You sure can honey, I just got a disconnect and I know I paid that bill". "What is your Account number"? "Just a minute I'll have to look. OK Here it is", and I read it off to her. "That bill was not paid. We haven't received a payment for December. Would you like to take care of that now?" "No Mam I would not like to take care of it now. It has already been paid." "You can bring it in or pay on line if you'd like". "I told you Cindy that bill was paid". "There is also a late fee of $4.75. Don't forget to add that". "Hey Cindy are you a real person, or a computer? You aint hearing me so you can't be flesh and blood. That bill was paid. I personally brought it in and handed it through the window to a lady. She took it and said Thank You. It Is Paid". "If it is not paid in 5 days we will have to disconnect and to reconnect will be $295.00". Now I'm getting flustered and upset but not mad yet. Nope Not Yet. " Cindy I have my checkbook here and I can give you the check number". "The December payment has not been received in this office". "YES it was received in that office. I brought it there personally and someone took it from my hand. Check number 1821. You better look and find it". "No Payment was received in this office for December". " Then whomever took it out of my hand did something with it and you better be for finding it CINDY!" Yep now I'm getting mad. "Just hold your horses Cindy, this is a bunch of malarkey. I'll be there in about 15 minutes to point out the lady who I handed my payment to. Lets ask her what she did with it". "Now Miss O. that payment was not paid. If you need assistance we can work out payment". "Well Good Grief I never seen such a knothead in my life. Hold on I'm getting on the other phone and call my bank." When do you think you can pay this Bill"? I laid down the phone and called my bank on the other phone. "No Miss O that check has not come through the bank". "Can you trace it?" "Yes we will put a tracer on it if it comes in the bank and find out where it has been". "Thank You please stop payment on that check as of now. Will you do that?" Yes Clydene we will". "Thank you Nova I'll tell you later about these knotheads".
"Cindy" are you there". Cindy" BUZZZ Well I'll be that heiffer has hung up on me. She can't get rid of me"! I called her back. "Hello Rea this is Delores May I help You"? "Nope Put Cindy on"! "This is Cindy". " Cindy this is Clydene, I'll be down there in 30 minutes with a check and I'm bringing my check book and show you when the check was written". "That is not necessary Miss O." "Yes it is, I stopped payment on the other check and if it comes through the bank it will be traced so whoever lost it or whatever they did will be caught". "No Payment"----- "Just hold on I don't want to here that again" I hung up on the old bag by golly. Well, She hung up on me and that made me feel good. TEE HEE
I took the check to the main office and showed them the check no. and told them what happened. "And I don't intend to pay late charges". "Sorry Mam but we can't help you". I don't know what he meant by that but he marked the bill paid and didn't ask for late charges.
If the check does come through the bank I will write the second chapter. I've got a feeling it will eventually surface. YEP!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

OL' TIP

2-16-10...OL' TIP

As I look out my kitchen window across the field there are trees and a fence. There is a small outbuilding of some kind there also and it looks for all the world like the view from our back porch when I was a child. That view was the big persimmon tree where Brenda and I played, ate green persimmons, made a fort of saplings underneath it. We spent many a day in that special place where we told secrets, hid our goodies, and watched the sow have 6 little piglets one day. Fascinating. A paradise all our own. The railroad track was just to the right and that was where we first met Ol Tip. Tip was a big beautiful Collie dog of unknown age. He was walking down the track. We heard a train coming and started calling the dog to come to us, which he did. Waggin' his tail and lickin' our faces. He was skinny and started drinking out of the glasses of kool-aid we had brought out with us. We poured both glasses out in an old pie pan we had been making mud pies in. He drank it all and kept licking the dirty pan. Brenda go ask Auntie for something to feed him. No she will tell us to run him off. She wont let us keep him. Then I'll go ask my Mama. Clydene how many times have I told you not to pet strange dogs. She came with me to see the dog and I guess she had in mind to run it off and save us from a mean dog. Ethel, Come down here Mama hollered. Auntie came and either cause' Tip won them over or because we begged so convincingly Tip got to stay. He lived at both houses. He was at the bus stop with us every morning and there to meet us every evening. We both claimed him but I sure thought he loved me more. I did all I could to keep him at my house and Brenda did the same. Even the boys got in on this and it soon was an all out war between the clans. One day Brenda and I had a knock down drag out brawl. Scratchin' and clawin' and smakin', and even some of my famous bitin'. We were like two wild cats. Of course the boys ran and got our Mamas and the fight was over, but not for long. We would let it go for a day or two and here we would go again. Mama told me one day,"Now Clydene if this don't stop your Daddy is going to give Tip away". Oh No Mama, I love Tip and he's mine. Clydene he was a stray and Brenda loves him too. You two are going to have to share him or he can't stay. I guess auntie told Brenda the same thing cause' the fighting stopped. At least it stopped till' I heard Brenda outside one day calling Tip. "Brenda, shut up, Tip is here eating his supper. You shut up Clydene, He's my dog and you know it. Tip got started out there and I was callin' him back, Brenda was doing the same. Poor Ol' Tip got so confused, he'd start toward Brenda, I'd call him and he'd turn toward me. We just kept on till' Tip just turned and ran off the other way. Tip ran out to the Railroad track and started running up the way where we had first saw him. We both watched in horror as a train bumped him and threw him over in the grass. He's dead we both hollered and ran toward him. We were both cryin' and slobberin' all the way. When we got there Tip was laying on his side whining and his leg was bleeding'. We fell down on our knees there in the grass and stickers of some kind. Brenda grabbed hold of me as usual. (In crisis grab Clydene) I threw my arm around her and we cried and hugged for a long time. The boys and our Mama's came. Auntie went and got an old quilt that we had for a pallet in our fort. She rolled Tip over on the quilt and she and my Mama Carried him over to our fort which was the closest place. Tip wagged his tail and looked at us with love in his big brown eyes. Auntie got a straight board and Mama got some rags and they made a cast for Tips leg and tied it on with some elastic. Most dogs would growl or bite when they are hurt, but not Ol' Tip. Nosireee. Tip knew we all loved him and wouldn't hurt him. That night Brenda and I got to stay in the fort with Tip. The next night our Parents had a serious talk with us and we learned a hard lesson. We were so busy being jealous that we almost got Tip killed. Maybe He was running away from us and our bickering over him. We all worked at nursing Tip back to good health and he once again was our faithful companion but he walked with a limp the rest of his life. That was our reminder of how we had acted and we were sorry. We loved each other but we had our squabbles just like all kids do. Didn't matter though. I could call Brenda right now and ask for anything and she could do the same. The bond is strong in our family. Very strong! YEP!!!!

SEASONS OF MY LIFE

2-16-10...Seasons Of My Life

My life has been simple. No fanfare, no big accomplishments. I'm not famous or rich, or beautiful. I never made a movie or sang on stage. I'm just me, A simple country girl that grew up in the south. I ran bare foot up dirt roads and through green pastures. I had Great Parents who taught me right from wrong then trusted that I would be as they raised me.. I became a born again Christian when I was ten years old. God guided my Parents life and He has guided mine.
I've never had much, never wanted much. I've had friends who betrayed me but more friends that didn't. I was a skinny girl, I'm a slightly overweight lady.
I draw on my beautiful memories to get me through a bad time. Sometimes I get Very Homesick for my Childhood. My childhood was happy. I was protected from the harshness of the world but at the same time I was taught what I would need to survive in it on my own.
If you think about it life has four seasons, not only in reality but also in our bodies. Spring is when we are fresh and new, bursting forth in full bloom with rosy cheeks and dimples little pink behinds. In the spring everything is refreshed after lying dormant as we had done in our Mothers womb waiting to come alive in the world. Everything sweet smelling, lots of smiles of adoration. It's then we need protectors like a soft new blossom that must withstand the ravages of weather and trampling feet. Our Parents are our protectors. Nourishing and watching us as we grow.. The very best times were in the springtime of my life.
Summer is a bit harsher but still a time of beauty and freshness. Still tender plants must withstand the hot harshness as they learn that every one is not tolerant of fresh sweetness and new life. It is hot and sticky and our tender leafs sometimes wither and fall off by the wayside lying there in the hot dust to die. A time of learning the realities of a not so tender and green plant. A time when we must learn to rely on our selves more. We still have some protection but we are urged to let go some and face more of the hard facts with our tender faces lifted up to the sunshine sometimes to sting from the harsh rays. We are moving on through life and we are learning that not all is beautiful and sweet and tender to us. That young spring bud has burst forth in bloom and must withstand harsh realities that they never knew existed in their springtime. It is not as easy as before but they have been prepared in the spring for what must come now.
Fall is another time of learning as we prepare for the coming dormant time. We are full grown. We have withstood the harsh summer and the air becomes crisp and nippy. We sometimes droop our heads wishing to again see the fresh springtime of our lives when things were easy and beautiful, loving and tender. No more are we beautiful and young but things along the way may have caused blemishes and flaws in our appearance. We now weep more and our leaves falter and trying to regain some dignity we strive toward the sun to remain warm and lively. We don't feel the gentle touches and love that was there in our first days of spring. Yet we feel the same inside. Still feeling young and vibrant only in a mature way. Our faces are sometimes drawn and wrinkled from the harsh rays of life. Inside we feel young but we realize that winter is coming and we can't slow time. Everything has a season of slowing down and contemplating what has come before. Of looking on our past mistakes and failings and wondering why. With winter approaching faster now we feel the need to hurry and slow down at the same time. A confused feeling of anticipation, wonder, and knowing. We don't know when the dormant season will come but we are ready in our hearts. We can now relax and once again enjoy the beauty around us as our foliage brightens in to splendor to glow and preen once again. The air is once again vibrant fresh and glorious. I love fall as I reflect on my Spring. I have come almost full circle now. I am ready for my winter though I don't really want it to hurry. I still have things to do so that I can leave behind something of beauty and newness for the spring once again.
I am in my winter now. I have endured. I have survived. I have led a full life that I was prepared for in my spring. My winter may be a long hard one or a short easy one. I don't know and neither do I ask. When winter ends and spring once again burst forth I will again be in the beautiful, fresh , vibrance of a new spring. Once again I will have warm loving arms to rest in and my second spring will never end. I have reached what I have striven for all the four seasons of my life but not quiet accomplishing. I am in a New Home. All my loved ones that have also come full circle will be there once again with me in our Heavenly Home with God. We will hear God say Well Done My Faithful Servant. You have done well. Welcome home!
I will enjoy my winter and hope for a long painless one as I quietly reflect on all four of my seasons. Winter is the longest hardest season of my life but I will enjoy it.
It will be a time of contemplation. Looking back to my Spring often with the fondest of memories of those beautiful days down on a dead end road by the rail road track. Of my Mama and Daddy and my Brother and I in that wonderful house that was our home. Full of love, protection, contentment, and so many memories that flood back so sweetly and so often to me now.
God Bless You all who read this. Cherish each day as if it were your very
last. Not everyone has as long a life. Some only have a short time to fulfill Gods purpose. Whatever season you are in now please enjoy and make the most of it.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN

2-13-10...I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN

Sometimes I get to wondering just when I stopped lying about my age and started bragging about it. Somewhere between grade school and now I guess but I can't really remember that far back. A young Mother and I were talking one day and I don't remember a thing about the conversation but I said "Honey I'm soon to be 66 years old". She said, "Are you bragging about that". Kinda put me off for a second. How ridiculous could she get for Heavens sake. Heck fire that was a stupid question. That's the way with these younguns'. While I was standing there thinking about dressing her down good I was pondering a bit. Well Good Grief! I was bragging about it wasn't I. I sure nuff' was and it came to me loud and clear. Yep! Honey I'm real proud of my age. I want everyone around me to know how I got this way. I traveled a bunch of unpaved roads along the way. Some of them full of insurmountable boulders. I got over, through, or around every one of those suckers too. Hey sure I'm proud.
Seems like I got over the hill without getting to the top. The top is still to come and by golly I'll get there too someday.
Age don't just float down and arrive on wings or clouds honey. It has a bunch of pot holes,pit falls, stops, and jerks. It is kind of like those people who have climbed a big high mountain except for one thing. The mountain I have climbed has meant something. It took years and many many trials and heartache but along the way there has been happy days, accomplishments and satisfaction.
Another great thing about my age honey is I can get by with things more than I used to. Not bad things mind you but things like stepping on your toe if you get me upset. You wont strike out at me. I'll say Oh Honey I'm sorry. You'll be thinking you'd like to spank my rear like you would your kids. What you will say is Oh honey that's Ok. I know you didn't mean to do it. I can go to the front of the line usually because She's old Let her go first. Poor old thing.
Aging is not for sissies honey. The spoiled and coddled people today better do something fast or they aint gonna make it.
If I slid down a steep bank of gravel and dirt on my backside and went home bleeding, my Mamma washed the dirt out and poured Merthiolate in the wound besides spanking me if I was doing something I wasn't supposed to be doing. If your child comes home in that shape you'll rush him to the ER and the cops will be called. You weren't watching your kids close enough honey and child welfare will watch you for years. And Don't even dare to wear their little hiney's out with a peach tree switch.
I'm forgetful I know but that can be good also. A lot of things in my life I don't want to remember anyway. I might call you Jenny when your name is Sally but you wont mind. Here comes that poor old thing again.
I am more positive minded now Honey. Been there, done that, learned the lesson if there was one. I don't care much what people think anymore and that is a big relief.
So I guess the answer to your question(let's see what was the question? Oh yes Am I bragging about my age) I like being old, I have reached my goals mostly, overcome my obstacles and I'm still here. I like the person I am now. Honey I know I'm not going to live forever here on this earth but while I'm here I'm not planning on wasting a lot of time on trivial things. Yep? I'm 65 years old soon to be 66 and I'm just as proud as I can be about that. Yep Mighty proud even with my wrinkles, aches, and everything that comes out or off at night. I've earned every one of them. Yep!!

LET IT RUN IT'S COURSE

2-13-10...LET IT RUN IT'S COURSE

I looked out this morning to all the patches of snow still on the ground and saw something that gave me hope. Could it be I thought? Oh yes it sure could be and it is. There under a patch of melting snow is little green shoots peeping out of the ground. Daffodils and Jonquils are planted there and they are certainly making themselves known to the cold weather. "Hey I'm here you can go on now, It is my turn". Did you hear them say that? Yep I sure did. I can't help but think that if that delicate little green sprout can push it's way up through the hard frozen ground that I need to stop complaining about getting up out of my chair or bending down to pick up something from the floor.
Everything seems new and alive in the spring and I love it. I sure hope my old winter body will make the transition once again. Now you all know that I love the winter snow but my body doesn't like it any more and I guess I'm going to have to go along with that. After all I don't have a replacement so gotta get along with this one.
I have had many obstacles and let downs to deal with this winter but those little green sprigs making their way out of the frozen ground gave me a new outlook. It does each year but each year it seems more so too. Some how everything seems brighter and less overwhelming with the sunshine smiling down on you and the green's and pastels of Spring are there to brighten things up.
Sometimes I get too cocky and just go through every day like I am entitled to it. I need to watch that more because every time I get too sure of myself a tragedy, disappointment, or set back of some kind will come in my life and remind me how fast everything could be snatched away from me. In the twinkling of an eye.
Everything awakens in the spring with those crisp and fierce March winds before it finally settles down to the warm and gentle April showers. The showers bring forth all the beautiful flowers by giving them the water we all need to grow. . The trees are budding and the warmth has taken away the chill of winter. But now don't be too hard on winter because it has it's functions too. It keeps things dormant to give them the strength they need to come alive in all their glory once again. Besides if there was no winter we likely wouldn't enjoy Spring so much. If we didn't sometimes see adversities the good things wouldn't be so welcome and appreciated. That is the way of The seasons. Each one has it's place just as the seasons of our lives have theirs. Winter never lasts forever and spring will always come. Spring will soon return but old man winter still had control for a spell yet. Just let it run it's course Clydene, you can't hurry God. That's just the way of it. YEP!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

HER NAME WAS HELEN

2-9-10...HER NAME WAS HELEN

She arrived one day, unwanted and different.
We weren't prepared for the likes of her.
She didn't fit in and we were selfish.
She just was not the way we were.
We were young, that's no excuse,
but her ways weren't what we were taught.
A lack of understanding that's what it was,
without knowing just what she thought.
Her clothes weren't clean, her body unwashed,
made being around her a chore for me.
But then there was that issue of a soft heart
that's how Mamma taught me to be.
As days went by easy won out,
I rejected her just like the rest.
She soon was gone from amongst our midst
which put an end to this test.
Didn't think about Helen for many a year,
except when my conscience would ache.
Then I saw her again and I said I'm Sorry
But My apology she would not take.
I think of this now and wish it were different,
but going back is never done.
And I learned a hard lesson and sometimes I wonder,
Was it Helen or I that has won.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Richard, February 5th 1971

2-5-10...Richard, February 5th 1971

Thirty nine years ago today at app. 12:15 Pm A little bundle was placed in my arms wrapped cocoon like in a blue blanket. He had his fist up trying to suck on it and was making those sweet little baby sounds. I unwrapped my bundle slowly examining and counting every finger and toe. I looked inside the diaper. They told me it was a boy but I wanted to make sure and couldn't really tell by the bald head. I checked each part of this treasure separately and made sure nothing was amiss. I pronounced him Superior, perfect, magnificent , and all mine. I kissed every spot on that tiny body that I could manage. I told him I loved him more than my life and that I would die for him if need be. I told him his name was Richard Don and that he was my pride and joy, my reason for living from there on.

He was a joy to me. Those first five years sailed by and I guess I thought it was all going to be like this. I had so much fun and happiness during those years. I'll always have them to look back on with gratitude and wonder.

The first inkling I had that my bubble was about to burst was when I realized that Richard was soon to go to school. I dreaded the day but it finally came and it tore my heart out. But Richard was fine, he liked school. I was never like other Mothers who couldn't wait for school to start every year. I was never happy to see him go off to school. I was losing my baby and I knew it. I still had no inkling of the greater pain and heartache to come.

Richard never got too big for me to hug and kiss and he never thought he was. Mamma's hugged and kissed their kids, he accepted that.

The next few summers were the happiest times of my life. I had Richard home with me. I watched him grow and get more mature and still he was my baby. He didn't mind me calling him baby. I never would in front of his friends though. I knew that would be embarrassing for him.

Richard never grew away from me in his short 16 years even though he was kept away from me. And when he got taller than me he would bend down so that I could hugg' his neck and kiss his cheek.

I lost my baby forever when he was only sixteen years old. Thirty nine years ago and seems like yesterday. Part of me went with him. I just didn't think I would ever be able to bear it. Sometimes I still think I can't bear it.

Today I have tried to keep busy and keep my mind off the heartache but just like other years it doesn't work. My mind goes back to that day when all was fresh and new and wonderful. When roses bloomed in my room and birds chirped in the trees outside. I can still smell those roses blended with that wondrous baby smell and everything was sweet and precious. A time I thought would always be in my mind ,even though I had to know it couldn't be.

A never ending sorrow is how my life is now but I have learned I need to cope with it. Not really accept it gladly but live with it and still find goodness, happiness, and some contentment. To still be able to have a good laugh at times even though there are also times of sorrow and weeping.

February 5th 1971 was a precious day but February 5th 2010 has been a tortuous day . A day of crying and reflecting. A sad day indeed. By the Grace Of God I have again survived this day and I am Thankful.




Wednesday, February 3, 2010

MY PATCHWORK QUILT

2-3-10...MY PATCHWORK QUILT

My Grandma sewed all the time. She loved and enjoyed it. Her liking to sew was a bonus because it sure was helpful to our family. She made clothes for us. She made quilts, pillows, sheets & pillow cases, rag rugs for our cold floor, and after we wore those things out she patched and mended them for us to use again. She made the most beautiful crocheted doilies you ever saw and made scarves with beautiful embroidery pattern on them. If she made my Mamma and me a dress she put in a wide hem on mine. I grew so fast that hem was let down many times to accommodate my long legs.
Since my Grandma loved to sew so much she wanted me to do it too. That just was not my thing then or now. It just never caught on to me. Mending and button sewing is my limit.
Grandma was passionate about me making a quilt and I just kept refusing to try. I guess my brain finally kicked in to the fact that this would make my Grandma very happy and I finally agreed to make a quilt.
First thing we did was gather up all the scraps we could to cut the blocks from. Grandma cut them out that first day and she talked to me as she cut. Most of the pieces I knew as my families clothes. Grandma and I talked about each piece. I outgrew this and Norman completely tore this up past mending. Your Mamma wore this when, Whatever, this is my old dress, and this is your Daddies shirt. She told me that one day I would look at this quilt and remember this day and how my family had looked when they wore these original things. I didn't know or understand the significance of that then but I sure do now.
I think I was about eight when we first started this project. Grandma made the tiniest stitches and she wanted me to do the same. My stitches never got as neat or nice as Grandma's but they certainly improved with time as you can tell by examining the quilt now. It was a hard process that took to my teen years. Sometimes I got flustered and wanted to quit but the hurt look on my Grandma's face took care of that every time.
Now came the actual quilting. The quilt was put in the frame and stretched tight. First Grandma added the cotton on the backside and usually an old sheet on that and basted the outsides and down the middle. I tried to find a picture of the old quilting frames we used but could not. They were hung from the ceiling and let down to chair level when the quilting took place. As each area was done the quilt was rolled up to the next section and so on till you reached the last section. Someone was on each side of the quilt. Sometimes just My Mamma, My Grandma, and me but other times lots of ladies would be there for a quilting bee. When the last section came and only two could really quilt it was my Grandma and me who finished it. Next was the hemming and we did that together too.
Over the six or so years this project went on I learned a lot of values of what was important and what was not. I learned a lot about love, perseverance, and priories. And I learned that Family is so important to me. I learned respect and thankfulness like I may not have known before.
Yesterday I was putting some things in my cedar chest and there was that quilt all packed in a quilt bag and protected. It has never been used much and I felt Grandma right there beside me telling me not to give up, not to say I can't but say I'll try, Yes you can do it Clydene, You can do anything you want to do bad enough. I just got to thinking, here I am soon to be 66 years old and there is a piece of my history. That quit was started 58 years ago, can you imagine that? It was hard for me but I took that precious quilt out of it's protective cocoon and laid it out on my bed for all to see and touch. I examined all the little squares and remembered my family in them just like my Grandma told me I would. I cried and I laughed as I remembered all those days that my Grandma took her time with me and loved me enough to want this for me even though she can't be here to see it. Why did it take me almost 60 years to experience this? I don't really know but I do know I needed that yesterday. Thank You Grandma for all your love and sacrifice for me. I'll enjoy this quilt for a long time to come. I love You Grandma


Monday, February 1, 2010

LIGHTING IN THE 40's

2-1-10...LIGHTING IN THE 40's

I'll never forget the day we got electricity in our house. We were the last in the area to get it because we were at the dead end of the road and had to wait until the workers got there with the lines. I suspect also there was a problem with Daddy getting enough money to pay for the installation.
We had coal oil lamps and I remember sitting at the kitchen table to do my homework with one of them in front of me. As a matter of fact I have that same one right here on my dresser. I chipped the globe one night messing with it when I shouldn't have been. That chip is there to remind me.
The crew was working up at the end of the road that morning very early setting poles and stringing wires. Daddy walked up that road all day until they got it to our house. After I got up I took every step he did. It was a fascinating thing for me to watch but I suspect not near as great as it was for my Daddy. After all he knew what it would mean to us and I didn't. I just thought the lamps we used were all there was. I can still see my Mamma and Daddy's faces when they finally got the power on and going. Daddy had hired his cousin to help him wire the house. There were wires hanging from the high ceilings with a light socket for the bulb to be screwed in. It had a chain on the end to pull to get the light on. One of the workers came in the house to be sure it was working. Daddy lifted me up and let me have the honors of pulling the chain for the first time. That humble but joyous look on my Parents faces was the one I saw every time there was an event like that in our lives. Humble people who appreciated everything they had and never were envious of anyone else who had more. That was the reason I was and am so proud of that house and everything that went along with it.
It was still daylight when it was finished so it was turned off and we waited till dark. That was a wonderful moment when that room lit up. I thought that was the brightest light I had ever seen in my life and I guess it was.
Till then we had a big ol' battery operated radio. Daddy had somehow got an electric one from somewhere and had it ready. I think someone gave it to him for some work he did for them but I'm not really sure.
NO plug ins on the wall. There was an attachment between the bulb and the fixture with a place for plugging in a cord. I didn't get to do that, Daddy did because he said it was dangerous. The radio was plugged in and a station found which wasn't very plain. The old battery one sounded better they said. But on Saturday night Mamma tuned in the Grand Ol' Opry and she was tickled pink Daddy said.
Oh my goodness those days were magical for me. I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world. Know What? I still think that. YEP!!!