Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Mother Dear I Love You So Part 2

(The same coat 40 years later. Just add a few stripes in your imagination)

One week when I came home from school I found a new multi-colored coat that she had found at the Chino swap meet. It was beautiful and I was always so thrilled at her kindness and generosity towards me. She was always thinking of everyone but herself. I have always admired that about her. The coat was velor and was mostly red with thin stripes of yellow, orange and green. She loved to find deals and quickly developed a long standing love for second hand stores and the plethora of clothing that people were so quickly willing to cast off. I think that second hand store love has eagerly been adopted my most of my children. They know who they are so I won't name names.


My older brothers bought tickets for my parents to attend the Hollywood Bowl and see Jose Feliciano. I know they must have been out of their comfort zone to be at such an event. She remarked at how it was outside and under the stars. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall and just see their reactions.


Each year that she lived in California became a little easier. She was quickly introducing us to casseroles, tacos, fresh strawberries and McDonald's hamburgers. There were foods that we never were exposed to in the preCalifornia years.


One summer day we ventured across the border to Tijuana, Mexico. That was an experience. My parents were so

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Mother Dear I Love You So Part 1


My mother was a pioneer in many ways. By the time I was a preteen I saw her take on an amazing act of courage. She sold most of her treasured belongings, new 67 VW Beetle, fur coat, handmade picnic table and paid for home to make the trek from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to Southern California.

She traveled in the old blue station wagon with her entire family (7 people all together) to the foreign land of S. California. She was close to Disneyland, Hollywood, shopping malls and freeways galore. Everything that was so opposite of her Maritime life. How did she do this I often wonder. She was 48 years old and moving can be about as stressful as anything in your life. I am sure she had questions. Did we do the right thing? Will the kids be happy in their new home? Will I make frieinds? Will Bill like his new job?

She made the jump and we were on our way as a family to our new home. Scary, exciting, fascinating.

I am amazed at her courage. I lived through this time with her and I know that she was challenged. She missed the old gravel roads that led to the barren countryside and had to make due with small creeks that she somehow explored with my little brother and me. She disliked the cement walls that divided everyones property but found joy in exploring the weekly auctions in Chino, California with her new friend Martha Frazier.

One week when I came home from school I found a new multi-colored coat that

Friday, April 30, 2010

Knee Update


Some are wanting an update about the knee. Well, it is healing slowly and each day gets a little better. I am glad I only have two knees because I don't want to do this again ever!!!
Today I was loaned an electric recliner from the Courtyard. It is amazing and makes sitting and reclining so much better.
These are the knees that I think of in my mind. My real knees are not to be published on the net!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Vote for your Favorite


Last night I watched the show and decided to call in and vote for my fav. So I decided to vote for all 6 of them. They were so good. Each one of them did a fantastic job and I figured since they all did better than what I could have done they each deserved my vote. What if everybody in America did the same thing????

A Million Things I Love


I made these cookies today. I followed the recipe from my daughter's website. A Million Things I Love.com This is a great uplifting blog and she is only on #387 so she has a long ways to go to make it to a million. I hope she does because I love checking out the things she loves everyday. (I might be a wee bit biased) I used 1 cup of raw cane sugar instead of the using both white and brown sugars. I am sure they will taste the same as the originals.

Joyce Dillman's French Bread


Yesterday Joyce D. brought me a loaf of her famous French Bread. It was so delicious. I have almost finished the entire loaf in only one day. Joyce is am amazing cook and I enjoy everything that comes from her kitchen.