10/10/74

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIZABETH!!!!!!

Don't Worry

"There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about the things which are beyond the power of our will."

~ Epictetus

I have been bummed lately because my sciatica has kept me from enjoying any serious hiking. I did go for a short 5 miles at Bandelier on the weekend. On the way back we stopped at an overlook and took this picture. The Black Mesa is out in the distance on the left, the Rio Grande River is flowing through the canyon, and the Sangre de Cristo Mts are on the right. Ah, there is nothing like some outdoor time to refresh the senses!

Party

I was cleaning out some photos and came across this polaroid snap. The back is dated December 10, 1967 so I assume it is Doug's birthday ... although Doug is not in the picture. But look at that lovely chocolate bear cake!

I have some other pictures that I will scan and post over time. If any one else has some old pics I would love to see them!

Hot Fun in the Summertime

I was watching the Sopranos and I thought I recognized the entry gate for Palisades Amusement Park ... although I have not been around that area for MANY years and I know the park is now closed. I remember going there and riding the rollar coaster. I loved it! (Although now I could never) One time we went and they were giving a box of goodies (candy, cookies, foodstuff) to each paid admission. Dad was mightly pleased when he walked away with 7 goody boxes.

Aunt Deb's Comment

Debra said...

Wow -- you REMEMBER ALL THIS?

I didn't know that Dad worked in NYC -- huh. I remember he came home on Friday nites, because mom and dad always went grocery shopping as soon as he got home. So by the time they returned, it was time to watch the circus on TV!

I remember -- TV dinners were a big treat -- mom would write a list and Michael would ride his bike to the store to get our 'order' of frozen dinners.

What a treat! Poor Michael -- 1 time he lost the money and was sooooo upset.

But usually he returned with treats, like salted sunflower seeds.

April 26, 2007 5:19 PM

Christmas on My Mind

Mom's story made me think of cold and snow and Christmas. Christmas when I was young meant sleeping over at Grandma and Poppy's house. Michele and I would get up super early, as little children tend to do. This was tough because my uncle's were all in high school at the time which meant they didn't want two little girls waking them up at the crack of dawn, even if it was Christmas.

Mom would do her best to keep us occupied by listening to Christmas carols on the radio and giving us a stocking of small presents to open. But that woud only work for so long. I can clearly remember my teenage uncles sitting on the steps leading from their warm beds to the foyer with blankets over their heads looking like all they wanted for Christmas was to sleep for another hour or three and me wondering why they weren't more excited. IT WAS CHRISTMAS!

The Secret

Is anyone reading or practicing this these days? I'm hooked!

Forbes Ave

I remember living on Forbes Ave in Tonawanda.

During the winter it was very cold and alot of snow. Dad made an igloo in the back yard using a cardboard box as a mold. Grandma DeOre sent us some knitted nose warmers (link courtesy of Liz). They basically were knitted cones with a tassel on the point and strings to tie around the head. I am sure there are no pics of those and I am sure they looked very silly!

Dad worked in NYC and came back on Friday night. There was usually an order out for fish dinners (catholics). I remember the smell of the place that made the dinners. It lingers on in my mind (nose) as the smell of a good fish platter.

We had a big console stero unit and there was plenty of music going -- Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Ray Charles.