Monday, May 30, 2011
The "Mother" lamp
The "Mother" lamp or should I say the mother of all lamps? It looks familiar doesn't it, certainly to Dad and all my siblings as well will remember this lamp in our household growing up in Tolland. Funny, I never really gave it much thought only to consider it a bit ugly with spliced wires and a red light bulb. Now, however, I have to say it is one of the most precious items in my house, a true family heirloom.
Dad can add his comments about how we bought it on the street in Honolulu while going to (or from?) Okinawa. As a mother of someone who is now around the age Dad was while heading off to War, I have a new appreciation. A boy would turn into a man very quickly.
On this Memorial Day as we are remembering and honoring our fallen soldiers, we are very thankful that Dad came home safely.
Dad, keep wearing your YMS 176 hat so people can continue to show their appreciation!!
Thanks.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Alabama tornadoes
I was in the Birmingham AL area yesterday. These are some pictures of the devastation and destruction. Quite incredible. I've never seen anything like it.
Monday, May 23, 2011
JOPLIN REMEMBERED FONDLY
World War II had ended. I had been transferred off the ship, and was headed toward Boston where I would be processed for discharge. How best to get from San Diego? There was a sign posted saying that a car pool was being organized to go back East. I opted for that means of travel as opposed to train or bus, and I and three other sailors became the pasengers in a private automobile. This is where Joplin, Missouri, comes into the picture.
It's a long ride from San Diego, and among other places, we stopped at Joplin. I think we went to a YMCA for a shower and then to a USO Club. The USO's existed to entertain and recreate service men. We were greeted and treated royally by everyone we encountered in Joplin. So positive was our brief stay, Joplin has always had a place in my heart. I had not previouly encountered that famous midwestern friendliness.
Maybe that's why today's news of the devastation of that city by a tornado meant a lot to me.
It's a long ride from San Diego, and among other places, we stopped at Joplin. I think we went to a YMCA for a shower and then to a USO Club. The USO's existed to entertain and recreate service men. We were greeted and treated royally by everyone we encountered in Joplin. So positive was our brief stay, Joplin has always had a place in my heart. I had not previouly encountered that famous midwestern friendliness.
Maybe that's why today's news of the devastation of that city by a tornado meant a lot to me.
Friday, May 13, 2011
AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER
We went to a local garden shop this afternoon, and after arriving, we were confronted
by a man we did not know. He had seen my WWII cap, and wanted to shake my hand. He thanked me for my service and said his father, now deceased, had been in the army in the Pacific in WWII. He then added that for the service I had given, I should get everything for free. A nice sentiment. I thanked him for his thoughts, and let it go at that.
When it came to ordering the things we had come to buy, the clerk informed us that the stranger we had just met had instructed her to give us anything we wanted up to $200 dollars worth and he would pay for it. We couldn't believe it. The man had since left the scene. We didn't even know his name until the clerk told us. We decided we would accept the 36 dollar amount we were going to spend anyway. We couldn't abuse the kindness he showed us Does he deserve a blessing, or what?.
The hat is shown above.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
IT COULD MAKE ONE SICK
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
FIRST OF TOP THREE EVENTS
OUR WEDDING DAY
JUNE 23, 1951
“Well, where is she? It’s ten o’clock.” That was the priest’s question to my brother, Jack, who was my Best Man, and me, at the altar of St.Mary’s Church in New Britain. that rainy morning . We had been figititing, shifting from one foot to the other already, and the priest’s impatience was unsettling. How were we supposed to know where the bride was? We couldn’t reassure the pastor. We were nervous enough. I would have been even more nervous if I had realized I was about to have bestowed upon me the most important gift of all, my wife.
The gruff old Irish priest’s watch must have been off, because right about then, Rosemary, my bride-to-be, appeared at the entrance , escorted by her father.
“She’s beautiful,” I whispered to Jack as she approached the altar.
Then I asked my brother if had remembered to bring the ring. He said he had, and the ceremony began. Who could have imagined the union which began that morning would still be intact almost 60 years later? I am fond of saying that in 60 years, we had only one fight. I think it started on the altar and has been going on ever since. Must be good for a marriage.
As we exited the church, man and wife, every body in attendance had gathered, on the stairs taking pictures, having fun, congratulating us. In looking at some of those old pictures today, it is sad to note the absences---our parents, siblings and friends who are now departed.
The weather cleared up during the morning. I took that to be a favorable omen.
We had our wedding reception at a place called the Wonder Bar on the Berlin Turnpike.. The Wonder Bar was a popular night club, not a smelly bar room, as its name might infer. A nice place with a dance band, and excellent food service.
A sad note was injected into the festive day. While we were at the Wonder Bar, word came that my father’s mother, my grandmother, had died in New Rochelle. My father and my sister’s husband, Fred Henrikson, had to leave the banquet
Immediately to go there.
We went to Asbury Park, New Jersey for our honeymoon, then returned to our apartment in Meriden where Rosemary had a teaching job----------and might I add, we lived happily the rest of our lives! (so far)
JUNE 23, 1951
“Well, where is she? It’s ten o’clock.” That was the priest’s question to my brother, Jack, who was my Best Man, and me, at the altar of St.Mary’s Church in New Britain. that rainy morning . We had been figititing, shifting from one foot to the other already, and the priest’s impatience was unsettling. How were we supposed to know where the bride was? We couldn’t reassure the pastor. We were nervous enough. I would have been even more nervous if I had realized I was about to have bestowed upon me the most important gift of all, my wife.
The gruff old Irish priest’s watch must have been off, because right about then, Rosemary, my bride-to-be, appeared at the entrance , escorted by her father.
“She’s beautiful,” I whispered to Jack as she approached the altar.
Then I asked my brother if had remembered to bring the ring. He said he had, and the ceremony began. Who could have imagined the union which began that morning would still be intact almost 60 years later? I am fond of saying that in 60 years, we had only one fight. I think it started on the altar and has been going on ever since. Must be good for a marriage.
As we exited the church, man and wife, every body in attendance had gathered, on the stairs taking pictures, having fun, congratulating us. In looking at some of those old pictures today, it is sad to note the absences---our parents, siblings and friends who are now departed.
The weather cleared up during the morning. I took that to be a favorable omen.
We had our wedding reception at a place called the Wonder Bar on the Berlin Turnpike.. The Wonder Bar was a popular night club, not a smelly bar room, as its name might infer. A nice place with a dance band, and excellent food service.
A sad note was injected into the festive day. While we were at the Wonder Bar, word came that my father’s mother, my grandmother, had died in New Rochelle. My father and my sister’s husband, Fred Henrikson, had to leave the banquet
Immediately to go there.
We went to Asbury Park, New Jersey for our honeymoon, then returned to our apartment in Meriden where Rosemary had a teaching job----------and might I add, we lived happily the rest of our lives! (so far)
