Category Archives: family

grandma and elvis

Every year my paternal grandmother proudly reminded us her birthday was the same as Elvis Presley’s. January 8th. She was a difficult woman to get close to, but she was clear in her affection for Elvis.  I’m not too sure how she … Continue reading

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banjo man’s other wife

Banjo Man gave me this for Christmas: Yes.  Gardener’s Soap.  Pretty box, isn’t it?  The only problem here is that I don’t garden.  Ever.  I don’t touch dirt.  I don’t know the names of flowers.  I cannot identify trees.  I … Continue reading

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he is so easy to shop for

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ask mac & oatmeal cookies

“Ask Mac.” I heard that a lot when I was growing up.  My great-uncle Mac was the only man in the family who could actually fix something.  Build something.  Take apart something and put it back together. Imagine the joy … Continue reading

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december birthdays

My grandfather’s birthday was December 17.  He died in 1969, when he was 71 and I was 17.   He loved to fish and read Mickey Spillane novels.  He tolerated the antics of his three sisters and adored his son, daughter-in-law … Continue reading

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it’s my party and i’ll laugh if i want to

Does anyone remember that song???  No?  Okay.  It’s from the 1950’s (I think) and the actual lyrics are:  It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want, sigh if I want to, die if I want to; you would cry … Continue reading

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in texas: life in the sandbox

I shouldn’t tell you how many hours I spent hunting for a baby turtle sandbox for my grandson.  Two months before his birthday I ran the whole sandbox idea past his mom and dad, who said okay, and I thought it would … Continue reading

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what’s inside box #17

Box #17 (or was it #27??  or #189??) contained baby clothes and blankets.  A couple of them brought back wonderful memories.  But the rest were a mystery.  Why on earth had I carted this box around for 30+ years? But … Continue reading

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giving thanks for an old recipe

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!! Wherever you are and whatever kind of pie you’re eating after your turkey dinner, I hope you have people you love around you. And lots of volunteers to help with the dishes. My grandmother’s traditional Thanksgiving … Continue reading

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my oldest turns 39

He was 11 weeks premature and now he’s 6’3″.  He was a serious, sweet, stubborn toddler with a big sense of humor.  He now has a son who frowns just like him, and laughs just like him.  When he was … Continue reading

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