A letter to Ma

The letter was addressed to Lois V. Brown with the return address, PFC Walter Brown 36500163 Hq Det 2nd Bn 87 Mtn Inf Regt US Army Amphibian Training Force 9, Fort Ord,
Calif.

The letter read:

July 1, 1943
Dear Mother & All,
Received your letter and every thing is O.K.
We got our new dog tags today and we are still getting more
new equipment.
I got a letter from Dad the other day with a five in it, today
is pay day but we won't get paid for a few days. I'm allright I've
got some money.
Ma, Amphibian Training is training on land and sea. What we
probably will be doing is attacking islands that the Japs have taken
from us, and were going to get them back, and again we may go to Europe
we don't know yet. We have been practicing attacking our own bech out
here, we go out in small barges or attacking boats then attack at
a certain time and things like that, we went out the other day and
the other night and went under heavy artillery fire, boy is it
noisy. It sure makes a guy feel funny with those big shells going
over head and landing close by.
We got some new over seas fighting clothes coming but dont' worry
about me I'll come back.
Ma, I feel good about going across because some one has to go,
even fellow in here with children feel the same way.
And after I get out I wouldn't want people saying I was a
draft dodger, that one thing I'll be able to say.
Tell Jack to keep out as long as he can because there are to
many draft dodgers in that town yet.
Well Ma, I'll close.
Love,
Walter

This is the second Christmas I spend without my Dad. I've been cleaning up papers and I came across this letter. Unfortunately, my Mother never kept one letter from Dad that he wrote while in the service. I have only found two letters and it is sad to think she didn't keep these reflections of the war and the times. I suppose, since Mother had a large family, she might have been afraid her sisters or someone else might read her love letters from my Dad.
I miss my Dad and I cherish all of the fond memories. Discovery of this letter makes me feel close. Sometimes, I just pick up his "rule" or his hammer and it somehow brings me peace to know how much we loved each other.
So often I think WWWD? Dad was so filled with common sense and grass-root knowledge of how to do or figure out anything. He was and will always be my hero.

Field Trip

It was Tuesday, December 7th, Pearl Harbor Day and the day my Mother went on a field trip. The nursing home schedules a variety of field trips for the residents and Meadowbrook Hall was today's destination.
Upon arrival at the nursing home, we found Mother wasn't ready, thought the trip was cancelled and it was my fault. O.K. Let's rewind a minute and start over.
After much persuasion, a change of clothes, make-up and lipstick, she was ready to get on the little short bus. Toni, the nursing home activities director, drove the bus and somehow managed to load and unload this precious cargo.
Once inside the mansion, I spoke with Doug Thorpe, who was a greeter. I told him that Mother had worked for Mrs. Wilson in the 1930's and she was going to take the tour. Mr. Thorpe thought that my Mother might remember his wife, who was born on the property, Barbara Gay. The Gay family had the family farm on Squirrel Road and raised cattle at that time. Unfortunately, Mrs. Thorpe passed last year.
When Mother came in, I asked her about remembering the Gay family and she promptly recalled Barbara and said,"They were a nice family". Where was the bit of dementia from about an hour ago?
I pointed to a large oil painting of a young lady on a horse and asked, "Mother, who is that?" Again, a prompt reply,"Oh, that is Francis on one of her horses".
"Over there", I asked, again pointing to a larger oil painting. "That's Danny and Francis", she replied.
We took a small group photograph in front of that fireplace. That is Mother on the left, seated in the wheelchair, wearing the maroon jacket. Mother doesn't really smile for pictures.
I wheeled Mother through the entrance to the right of the fireplace (the only area where pictures can be taken)and she told me we were going to the living room and the sun room was on the other side. So much for needing the tour person.
"They have changed a few things here", she said. "Mrs. Wilson didn't put the tree (Christmas tree) over there".
Mother remembered the beautiful organ and the tiffany lamp, as we rolled by and went into the library area. This room contained and large table, which Mother remembered, but added, "Mrs. Wilson would not have had this rug on the floor."
As we proceeded through the mansion, there were areas where I could feel the presense of my Dad, whose hammer and hands touched many a piece of wood in the mansion.
Mother's job for Mrs. Wilson was the switchboard and other secretarial tasks she requested. We have photographs that Mother took in the late 1930's of the mansion, Mrs. Wilson's deer and horses. She worked there about five years.
The area of the mansion referred to as "Danny Dodge's wing" was intersting, as well.
When the man stationed in the upstairs area pointed to a bedroom and said, "This was the room where Danny Dodge's friends would stay when they spent the night." Quietly, Mother replied, "He didn't have many friends". This drew a facial expression of question from the tour person. I then told him that Mother had worked there. He was impressed.
Mother told the tour guides how nice Mrs. Wilson was to work for and each morning she would come to the "morning room" and have her coffee and discuss things with the staff. This was a room unknown to the tour guides, but Mother said it was off from the kitchen.
As we went down the elevator, Mother wanted to go down to the Ball Room. I think she must have seen many functions in that area during her time. Remembering as she did on this day was so much fun for those who were listening to this bit of history.

I was amazed how the tour guides and staff at Meadowbrook Hall treated Mother. She could have been the Queen Mum.

Lili Von Shtupp

She is a funny little 6 pound cat my friend Donna and I trapped outside her door in Washington Township. This little black and white cat looked as though someone put a blob of black dirt on her nose and slapped it sideways. Dear Donna thought she might find a good home for this kitty and our barn tack room was a "holding facility" until such time as a new permanent home could be located. That was three years ago.

We needed a name for this tall thin cat with her black hosery covered legs and slinky walk. A flashback to the movie Blazing Saddles came to mind and a scene where Harvey Korman (Hedley Lamarr) walked into the dressing room (or dwessing woom) of the femme fatale, Lili Von Shtupp. All Lemar could say was "Lili, Lili, legs Lili". So, our sultry kitty took that name Lili Von Shtupp.

We learned that Lili had at least two ferral litters in her short life, so the name seemed even more fitting for this four-legged seductress-for-hire.

Tomorrow, Lili goes to Cat Care for her yearly check and as always, a few laughs from the staff.

Almost Done

The restoration of "Big Red" is nearly complete. The Ziebart store in Utica gave the underside a nice coat of protection as well as the addition of a Rhino Liner spray-on bedlining. Greg, their ace at Ziebart, came up with a great idea for the nerf bars, which were slightly pitted with rust and chips. Why not give them a coat of Rhino too? After much strain to remove the bars and lots of sanding, the nerf bars were ready for their coating. The original paint was spruced up with a paint protector and we were getting closer to completion before the weather turns cold.
A new truck cover was ordered, since the original one was shredded to pieces by our "boys" in the vehicle storage building. Upon arrival, it was unveiled only to find it was a "cab forward" cover. O.K. Who in the heck orders a truck cover for JUST the cab? The order form asked the size of the truck, bed length and the other important questions. Back went the cover and "Big Red" had to sit outside.
Next it was time to mount the spare wheel. Do we put it on the front, in the bed behind the driver or just forget carrying the extra wheel altogether. While discussing our dilemma with our neighbor and his wife, who are extreme mudboggers, the wife made a comment which put to rest the problem. She suggested that if we were to mount the tire in the conventional manner, "it would look like an old person's truck". As a result, a "Fabtech" angle bed mount was ordered. Those who know me, can understand why it took three hours to drill four holes into the bed of "Big Red". Sweating bullets and making darn sure not to hit either gas tank, made for some white knuckles. There is no feeling quite like drilling that hole in the bed of a truck. Whew. It was worse than drilling for the gigantic mudflaps!
Today, we drove to Lake Orion Truck Accessories to pick up a crossover style tool box for the truck bed, just behind the cab. The color needed to be black diamond plate with a low profile, as not to block the rear window. Ron had ordered the perfect fit and carefully installed it. This was the second trip for the tool box, as the first one arrived with a small dent. It was noticed prior to the installation and Ron was happy to take care of the return. The new tool box looks great. (not pictured)
Tomorrow, just might be the day that "Big Red" gets tucked in for the winter. This time, I hope the cover fits. Afterall, why would anyone want to drive a 4x4 F250in the winter and get it dirty.

Deer Rescue?

Today we drove the MINI over to Lexington just to give her some exercise and us a break. Upon arrival, we were delighted to see a small local classic car show closed off the main drag. It was fun to see the 1959 Edsel Wagon and the 1960 Chevy, both classics in their own right.

A walk on the breakwall seemed like fun and then we heard sirens. Despite the fact that it was Sunday, I looked at my watch and thought it just couldn't be the first Saturday of the month, so the fire department must have a run.

A woman standing next to us pointed to a small fire department boat with one of the crew hanging from the port side holding what I first thought was a dog. It was a deer. The crewman had the deer by the horns and was attempting to get this poor creature to return to shore. It appears the deer ran out into the water and was headed for Canada!

The boat headed in, but they were only able to come in aproximately 200 feet from the shore. The waves had a pretty good swell and we hoped the deer would simply surf his way to shore once they set him free.

Unfortunately, people gathered along the breakwall close to the area where the deer needed to go. The members of the FD on shore did not take charge and direct the morons to a location where they would not disturb the rescue. The deer actually came close to the rocks along the breakwall, where it may have been able to make his way to shore, BUT along comes the young fireman with his girlfriend up the breakwall to gauwk causing the deer to head back out toward the Canadian side! It was really a cluster. Meanwhile, the deer is cold and nearly drowning!

Finally, the poor creature manages to get to shore where one of the firefighter pulls him by the antlers and drags him onto the beach. The deer held his head up, but he was so tired. I only pray the people left him alone so he might have gained back his strength.

I'm normally not one to Monday morning quarterback, but this really upset me. No one took charge, cleared the people back or made an attempt to come from the shore to get the deer. The water was not over waist deep where the deer had been freed and it seems as though a rescue donut could have been used or something similar to pull him in from the shore. Heck, a rubber raft or a small row boat would have really been the best.

Deer are very dangerous to rescue, but this deer was clearly very tired and didn't seem to be much of a risk. I was so happy he finally made it to shore. The Lexington Fire Department needs additional training for this type of rescue.

BIG RED

The old red truck came out of the "weakie barn" (named after the kittens who reside inside) last week. Nicknamed Big Red, he hauled our beloved Byron to Mackinaw Island and Apple Pi Sir Joshua to Virginia, both trips filled with cherished memories.

Never driven in the snow and garage kept, he just turned over 16,270 miles...not bad for a 1988. Removing the old Duraliner was filled with suspense since we were a bit worried about the condition of the truck bed underneath. It was great, just some scuff marks.

New tires was the first expense for Big Red, since he still had the original "shoes", which are no longer in production. They still held air, but looked a bit dry. Down to Belle Tire and we replaced the 16" with 18" chrome. Wow. Instead of "lfiting" the truck, the new wheels and tires or "tars" if you are from Virginia,
make it look very tough.

Driving BR home, he didn't feel right. A trip to Fix n' Go was my next stop. Told Joe that it felt like the rear brake calipers were not working. Sure enough, not bad for a girl, right on the money.

It's Sunday and two drive-by welfare checks have been made to be sure my truck is safe at the repair shop. I can't wait to get him back.

Motorcycles have become a large part of our lives over the past few years and now we have decided to make a few changes. Since every inexperienced driver in the world has decided that "texting" is the most important thing and no call can wait, riding a motorcycle has become a real challenge. Just last week, I had a young gal bring her entire "mom's" SUV into my lane. She made no effort to move until I nearly beat my truck horn into submission. I'm not thrilled about selling my 2006 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic, with more chrome doo-dads than anyone should have, but it's time. I'll miss him! This does not mean that I will no longer be part of the Ray C's Harley Davidson family, no way. They have done so much for us over the years and we are so very greatful.
I will always have my awesome 1999 HD Road King, the old police bike, with lots of fringe! This bike has a real personality. I have been all over the United States with this one and he is really a great partner. (pictured on the face page of this blog)

All Star Game

What in the world was I doing playing shortstop? Derek Jeter I am not, but it was such an honor to have the ladies on the church team select me to represent our team! We are undefeated and third base is my usual spot. I've never played short in my life...what a thrill. Shannon and I had such fun as our coaches and team members came to cheer. It was such fun, reminding me of many years ago when I played and neighborhood folks came to watch at the old Halbach Field in Rochester.

No Hoarding Here!

On Thursday evening, July 22, we were on the way to another softball game. Less than three miles from the house, a small yellow kitten ran out in front of our Escape.
He darted out, saw the car and ran back into the grass where I found him crying.
He weighed 1 pound, when we took him to the vet the following day. Seriously dehydrated, the vet was doubtful of his survival. We prayed.

After fluids and some TLC, we brought him home. For the near future, he is quarantined to the barn tack room until he receives a clean bill of health. Now, almost 2 pounds, he's a wild man! His name is Christian, after the famous lion who was returned to the wild after he was purchased from a London department store.

We now have a dozen kitties, each with his/her story of rescue! I AM THE LITTER BOX QUEEN mum.

(Google: Christian the lion and see the video...bring a kleenex, it's awesome)

Olivia has been swimming with her new vest at the Bark Park and loving every minute?
I keep telling her to think of her swimming as if she were crossing the Rio Grande.

Olivia is a star

I took Olivia to the Oakland County Bark Park in Orion where they have a dog dock for the poopers to go for a swim. The retrievers were jumping, splashing, fetching balls and shaking off the water. Olivia took a jump into the water by accident and like a yo-yo, she was plucked from the water by her leash/harness.
Now, we have a swim vest for her. She is placed in the water and looks like a Mexican crossing the Rio Grande...afterall, she is part chihuahua!The leash snaps on the vest and it's a great way to help her swim.
I sent a picture of O. in her new vest to the web site and she is now in their ad.



http://www.hunterk9.com/site/870877/product/590

CHECK HER OUT !

Some Justice for Ruby!!!

Finally, Ty-Shawn Bost is sentenced to jail for the burglary of a Roseville home, where he murdered a helpless kitten named Ruby. In September, 2009, Bost broke into a home and while searching for valuables, he placed Ruby in the washing machine and started the cycle. The kitten didn't stand a chance and died as a result.
The miniscule amount of jail time this worthless piece of crap will spend in jail doesn't even begin to meet what I would like to see happen to him. It is somewhat of a surprise that he received any time at all for this crime. Most burglaries are treated as harmless property crimes and probation is the sentence. Let's hope that the media attention this case received caused the judge to take notice!
The coverage of the Ty-Shawn Bost case was carried by Channel 7 and when I saw it this evening, there were tears of joy! She was not just a kitten!

God Bless You Ernie Harwell

Anyone who has grown up listening to Tiger baseball is in mourning this evening at the passing of a legend, Mr. Ernie Harwell. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Harwell at Oakland Schools a few years ago when he gave one of his inspirational talks. What a wonderful man. He autographed a picture for my Mother, which is proudly displayed on the shelf in her schoolhouse. It reads, "To Eva, with Love, Ernie Harwell".

The tears we shed, we have lost a legend. God Bless You, Ernie Harwell...you will never be "long gone" from our hearts.

Wish Me Luck

Last week, I had the opportunity to practice with a local church softball team. As the manager introduced me, I realized that I am old! He asked what number I wanted on the back of my shirt and after looking around, the only number I could think of was my age! These "girls" were all young enough to be my daughter and had played some serious competitive softball from high school through college. Wish me luck...

Last week, our co-ed team practiced. Guys filled with testoserone and girls who just want to have some fun. Heck, last year a guy on the opposite team was a bit dramatic with his slide into home plate and broke his leg. They slide, jump and give it all they have to make a play. It's a fine way to spend a Friday night. Wish me luck...

This week, began with a practice for the 55+ men's team. I'm not sure some of the fellas are sold on the idea of a woman playing on THEIR team, but I was recruited. For the most part, I felt welcome, having played pick-up ball with the fellas last fall for fun. Now, it is different, since I was recruited. Wish me luck...

For years my search for over 50 softball was unsuccessful, go figure. :-) Thank goodness my husband likes softball...he's a world class spectator. Wish me luck...

Next Saturday, it's the 50+ ladies team. I love this, since I finally have the opportunity to play 3rd base!!!! Woohoo...I get to take a spot on the field and not be Ms. Utility! I can't wait. Speaking of weight...OMG I hope this will help me with some weight loss. Wish me luck...

Bob Awakens

Finally, Bob has decided to come out on a regular basis. He has been coming out periodically for a couple of weeks, but we didn't get the chance to see him. This is a part of his hibernation ritual. This is Bob's 4th winter and each year his behavior is slightly different.

This video is my first contact with Bob this year. He was certainly excited and played as though he did miss me this winter. He likes to nibble on my hands and he will put my fingers in his mouth and try to pull me to the burrow. Last season, we started a little game where he will roll over on his back like a wrestler...what a character.

I thank God every year in the spring that he has made another year and will give us so much enjoyment. Phil has nothing on BOB !

Easter Bunny Captured

Today, the Easter Bunny was captured outside the horse barn at Cobblestone Farm. Mistaken for a wayward woodchuck, the bunny trespassed into one of the tunnels already the private property of unnamed whistlepigs.

Lured by an apple, the Easter Bunny's attorney, maintains this was entrapment and those officials responsible should be charged, rather than his client. At this time, the bunny was released on his own recognisance.

Batteries for Bikes

The weather is beautiful, just the kind of day you want to hop on the bike and go for a spin. Motorcycles were everywhere! I went to the barn hoping to just take a quick trip to town on one of the bikes and not one would start. What a disappointment, since each bike had a battery tender attached to it, but these batteries were old.

So, off I went to Ray C's and bought three new batteries! Yikes, these things ought to install themselves. Some gal needs to invent a "tool" that enables easy removal of the battery from its cramped quarters. The darn thing is just heavy enough that with the arthritis in my thumbs, it's a tough cookie to lift it up and out. This might be a future project.

Apple Pi

Apple Pi Sir Joshua is almost 25 years old now and I thought it fitting for a tribute. Not wanting a memorial, Joshua became a portrait "in the flesh", so to speak while he is still around to see it.

The new tattoo is on my lower right leg, so not to be conspicuous. The artist, Matt Hockaday, is truly a very gifted young man. He painted Medusa in the image of his girlfriend, his daughter riding a rocking horse with wings and has a picture on President George Washington on his wall. His creativity is amazing.

It took over four hours to create Joshua in ink. (Ouch) For the first time in my life, I was happy to have "thunder legs" enabling proper display of this rather large portrait. Just don't tell my Mother!

"Bury me out back"

Shopping for a grave monument is something that I never gave a thought. Dad always said, "Just dig a hole and bury me out back with the critters". He would add that he wanted to be together with my Mother, who wouldn't want to be "buried out back", since she isn't an animal lover.
In order to make this work, we purchased cemetery plots up the road from the house where there are three lovely pine trees. Dad planted over 100 pine trees on our little farm. He loved to cut wood and having his resting place near the trees seems fitting.

We received the veteran's bronze marker, which is very beautiful, but I wanted something special for my Dad. A local monument maker went with an idea and the draft is pictured above.

Since Dad was a ski jumper and served in the 10th Mountain Division during W.W.II, it seemed appropriate.I hope that Dad will like this when it is done.

Sandra & Jesse

Sandra Bullock is a class act and Jesse James is such a disappointment. Their marriage might survive his affair with the tattoo model, Michelle "Bombshell" McGee, but doubtful. The trust Ms. Bullock had for her husband went right out the window once the affair was exposed. No matter what Jesse does or says, this is not something that will be forgiven or forgotten.

Another celeb marriage bites the dust. Sad.

AVATAR, A Love Story

Science fiction movies are not on my list of favorite movie categories and AVATAR was not on the viewing list. After much convincing, I went kicking and screaming with my friend Pat to the Trillium Theater in Grand Blanc to see this phenomenon.

Complete with the 3-D glasses we settled in for one of the most unbelievable movies I have ever seen. With my contraband popcorn and my bottle of tea the journey to Pandora began.

This adventure takes the viewer to a place where simple cat-like creatures live. It is a love story and it is a war. I fell in love with these beings and even held back some tears.

I will be attending this movie again, for the third time, in the very near future.
(See it in IMAX)

3/12/2010 Groundhog Day?

Bob has come out of his burrow, but only for a brief look at our weather. I had left a corn cob in front of his burrow entrance about a week ago, just in the event that Bob might come out and I would miss him. When I noticed the cob had been moved, it was time to check on Bobster. I stuck my hand down the burrow to see if Bob had left his door open. He had and when I reached inside, I found one nice toastie woodchuck. He took my fingers in his mouth and nibbled on them, as if to say, "Hi mommie."

The door, is really bedding that the woodchuck pushes up to block his burrow entrance and keep him warm and free from the drafts as he is in hibernation. I checked on Bob again today and his door was closed. Perhaps it still is not Groundhog Day.

Nicknames

A long time co-worker and E-mail compadre sent me a list of police deparmtment retirees and wanted assistance to fill in the blanks for nicknames. This was truly a trip back in time. Starting with the letter A for Adams, I began to laugh out loud with my recollection of the names and why they were assigned to a particular person.

My old squad car partner, John was known as "Troll", since his stature resembled that of a troll. Then came Jim, who had a rather long face and was called, "horse-face" and "Mr. Ed". My dear friend, Bobbie, was called "Mobie", after that large whale of folklore origin. A detective named, Al was known as "Idiamin"...well, he did long like him!

One of the school officers who was folically challenged and decided to get a perm was called, "Bozo". There is Leo the Lip, Shorty-hog, Humma, Asa, Abie, Smokey, Two-dogs, Bear, trooper shoes, God (given with respect) and the list goes on. The scary part, I didn't have a nickname or did I ?

Our African Queen

Since Mother doesn't drive anymore, we have taken over the 1991 Plymouth Acclaim and all of the idiosyncrasies that go with her. The steering wheel squeals when you turn it, various pieces of trim are flapping, she has a bad left ball joint and the brakes failed last week.

When I look out to the driveway, I can't help but think of her as the "Queen" that wreck of a boat in the 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Mr. Allnut, played by Bogart, has to constantly make repairs on the boat as he and Miss Sayer make their way down the river. His repairs included forging a new prop, "kick her in the slats" and tying rags to keep her steam up.

Last week, the role of Mr. Allnut was played by "Pete" who worked his magic on the brakes.

We can only hope that our "Queen" will fulfill her mission and get us through the winter.

Wayward Rodent

A pound of peanuts were included with my Mother's laundry in the trunk of the car. It seems that someone has decided that his/her nuts should be stored in the laundry!
We had purchased a large bag of peanuts in the shell and forgot to take them out of the passenger's compartment of the car. The peanut bag was raided and most of the contents found their way to the trunk, some left under the driver's floor mat and I hate to look under the hood.

Toothless

In the last three weeks, Olivia has been losing her puppy teeth! I've recovered several and figure that if we find enough of these teeth, place them under her pillow, she might receive 25 cents from the Tooth Fairy.

The Graduate

Our little Olivia graduated from Puppy Education at the Pet Smart Store in Washington Township on Saturday, Febuary 6, 2010. She and her buddies, Dino, Mika, Bella and Peggy received a certificate after eight weeks of training and puppy socialization. Olivia will truly miss Dino, the largest dog in the class and Olivia's playmate. Our little beaner dog picks the biggest dog in the class to befriend. Her actions remind me of an old Warner Brothers cartoon featuring Spike the bulldog and Chester the terrier!
I'm proud of Olivia, she's a great little gal and hopefully, she will ride on the Harley with me. (Yes, she will have ear protection!)

Cobblestone Bob

It is almost February 2, Groundhog Day and I'm very sure that Cobblestone Bob will not even open one eye, much less actually come out of his burrow. He is a true hibernator and once he "taps out" for the season, he will not emerge until his body is ready. It will not be ready this GHD ! This is our Bob's third season of life on the farm. I so miss him while he's sleeping, but I mark the front of the burrow to determine when he does actually come out to see us. I'll have a large bowl of peas and grits waiting for him.

Pickleball Junkie?

April 5th, is the beginning of softball season and I'm not in shape. I have been trying to get rid of what I call, "Dad passed away/Mother's in the nursing home stress weight", and at the same time get my arm in shape to play 3rd base. Not ready to panic yet, I have embarked on a new adventure in sports with the purchase of a pickleball racquet or perhaps it is really a paddle.

Since I have now played twice, I'm hooked. This funny tennis-like, badmitton-like,
racquetball-like, ping pong-like game is something that anyone can play and enjoy.
Whether you are 50 or 80 years young, you can learn this game, I think.

Convinced by a couple of ladies on our "Over 50" softball team, I thought I'd show up see what all the hype was about. It cost $3.00 to drop-in and play at the local church gym. It is always fun to meet new people and everyone was so very helpful to the newbie. After several minutes of instruction I was paired with one of the older gentlemen and we began hitting the baseball size whiffleball over the net in preparation for our match.

Easy, so I thought, until the other team proceeded to clean our clock. This is a sport of finesse. As I watched these players guide the ball with ease incorporating spin and some english, I was reminded of the story of the old bull and his triumph over the inexperienced youngster in the pasture as he went after the cows.

After two hours of play, I realized that pickleball is something that will get the old arm in shape and perhaps the bootie too! I'll keep you posted on my new addiction.

Mother is 93 !

On January 7, 2010, my Mother celebrated her 93rd birthday. The eldest daughter of Frank and Martha Rewold, Mother was born at their home on Griggs Street in Rochester.
In her early youth, they moved to a new home on Ludlow Street, which backs up to Avon Park and the Paint Creek River. Mother spent her school days in Rochester, where she graduated in 1934 from the old Rochester High School on Fifth Street (University Drive).

Her Father, Frank Rewold, was a general contractor and Mother was his bookeeper from the time she was in high school until she was in her 60's. He was the founder of Frank Rewold & Son General Contractors. Mother also worked at Meadowbrook Farm as the switchboard operator and secretary to Mrs. Matilda Dodge Wilson during the mid 30's.

Mother and Dad met at school and were childhood sweethearts. Dad often recalled lacing Mother's ice skates at the mill pond. He loved my Mother from that day until the day he passed.

I never thought that Mother would be in a rehab/nursing facility, but she is safe and I am not having my heart jumping out of my chest every time the telephone rings!
I always felt sad when Dad would call me crying and telling me that Mother had fallen. He would cry because he just wasn't strong enough with his bad knee, to lift Mother himself. He was always glad his daughter was strong!

A vivid Kodak moment was when Dad called crying that Mother had fallen and when I arrived to help, I found them sitting on the floor holding hands. Now, I had two old folks to pick up...priceless memory!

Counting Down to Groundhog Day

Each day I check the area of Bob's borrow in great anticipation of Groundhog Day, Feb 2nd. I know that he won't really be out that day, but I can tell you he has been pretty darned accurate with his forecast of the weather this winter.

He went into hibernation a little over a week early this fall, which is probably a good indicator of a cold or long winter. I sure do miss the little guy.