I really enjoy watching the Hallmark Christmas in July programs. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I do not mind an extra two weeks of this glorious time brought to me in the summer. Several of my friends do not care for this dip into Christmas, but I find it heart warming. These programs bring heartwarming memories...
I remember 2 distinct Christmases from my childhood. When I was four, my brother Tony woke me up saying, "Get up Annie. I am going to prove there is no Santa Claus." Rubbing my eyes I followed him to the top of the stairs and looked over the banister. Below, I could see my mom decorating the tree. In our family, at that time, it was tradition for Santa to trim the tree when he visited on Christmas Eve. Not quite sure what I was seeing, I found myself being dragged to my mother's closet. Inside there were bags and boxes full of toys. I could not believe what he was showing me. How could this be? I went back to bed broken hearted. Christmas had lost its charm...
The next morning, the tree was fully decorated and the floor was laden with gifts and placed all around the beautiful tree. I received twelve dolls, two dish sets, and a table and chairs set. I had seven aunts and uncles who were very giving. I have to admit that I was not very joyful for a four year old on Christmas morning. After breakfast, I donned my snowsuit and went to visit others in the projects. What I saw in many of the homes was more painful than knowing Santa was not real. Far too many families had no gifts at all, nor fixings for a Christmas dinner. A taste of reality...
I headed home to gather up ten dolls and one of the dish sets, to then go back out and distribute them to those without. That was the most gratifying part of that day!
While we were in Abbeville, LA, waiting to go to Germany, we were living in a small apartment attached to one of the large plantation type homes there. All of our household goods had already been shipped, so we did not have decorations for a tree. But, being the innovative individuals we were, we got a branch from a tree on the property, put it in a milk bottle, made decorations, and trimmed that "tree." We had so much fun! That night I did everything I could to convince my little brother that there is a Santa. "Listen Richard, I hear Santa's sleigh bells. We need to get to sleep!" He was so excited the next morning!!!
Another non-exciting Christmas was when I was ten. We were in Vogelwah , Germany, and my mother had the tree up several weeks prior Christmas day. My step-father liked them up early. However, once a gift was placed beneath the tree, neither Richard nor I could go into the living room. Not good! But, the gifts were not wrapped, so we waited. Well, we almost waited. When the door was open, we could see inside. Low and behold, beneath that beautiful tree was the ugliest coat I had ever seen. I knew it was for me and got sick. It was so ugly!
Christmases took a turn for me, once I had Claudette. Claudette's first Christmas was full of laughter and surprises. My brother was home from college and staying with us, and Uncle Jerry was visiting his mother, so he, too, was close by. Richard came home, after being out for awhile, with a black eye. He had gotten into a fight with someone at Clyde's Drive Inn. Young men, being young men just home from college, were prone to do so. Anyway, once a couple of punches were thrown, they became friends. Weird, right???
Jerry came by the house Christmas day. He brought me an armadillo purse and a doll for his niece. However, Claudette was more interested in the purse than she was the doll. I carried that purse for years. It was actually made from the outer armor of a real armadillo. Definitely, a conversation starter.
Christmases after that were filled with kids, laughter, and memories. I did my best to surprise each one of my seven wonders of the world. I wasn't always able to do so, and I know there were disappointments, and for that I am truly sorry. But, there was a lot of laughter and even good memories over the years. The last tree Johnny helped pick out and bring home in his brown pickup
had a nickname, Charli. I usually buy a 6-7 foot tree that is full. Well, this one was
about 4 1/2 feet tall, but it was the fullest we had ever owned. The kids all loved it!
Christmases after that one in 1985 changed. Oh, we enjoyed the tree and Christmas fun, but a very important member of the family was missing.
There were many changes in the family, but Christmas still held a special place in my heart. I think it is connected to the realization that our Lord was born at that time, and life without HIM has no meaning. People are just friendlier during this time, and the presence of God can be felt.
1997 brought another tremendous heartbreak. Booger went home in November that year. I bought a tree, but could not decorate it. I gave that tree to Mrs. Bates to give to someone she knew had no tree, and David and I went to Alaska. We flew out Christmas Day and spent a week. We enjoyed the walks to town through the snow, seeing moose, and sleeping with the window open!
We enjoyed the time we spent there.
Christmas still brings joy to the heart of this old lady. The anticipation I feel after Thanksgiving
could be related to the anticipation the shepherds felt after the visit by the angel. Now, that is a nice thought!
Bob and I recorded a few of the Christmas in July shows, and will continue to watch them until the new Christmas shows start. I hope this statement does not offend, but I truly hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Friday, June 14, 2019
Happy Birthday Baby Girl
It seems like just recently that I was hanging out with my mother and expecting you. We were just talking and laughing about various things, and dad was sitting there, not really paying attention to us. Grandma asked if I was having any pains, and I laughed and said no. Awhile later she asked again, and my reply was the same. You were not due for about another month, so I was not expecting her questions. This kept on for quite some time, and I was wondering why she had these questions. Finally, she told your dad that he should take me to the hospital. What???? I was not in any pain! Finally, she wore us both down, and we headed to Valley Baptist. I was wearing a beige maternity skirt and top and had on heels. The nurses were really surprised with me walking down the hallway with heels on. 😊😊 I think I wore heels every time I went to the hospital...
Once we got there,and I was examined, sure enough I was in labor. Later, when I asked grandma how she knew, she said I could see the contractions. I never felt them! I was in a bed waiting for Dr. Rodriquez, and heard him rushing down the hallway saying where is Mrs. Haynes, am I in time. As he passed my doorway, he glanced in and said, "Whew, I was afraid I would be too late." I am lying there thinking, but there is no pain.
At that point, I was taken into the delivery room. When Dr. Rodriquez came in he was really up tight. He asked me how I was feeling and why I had waited so long. My response, again, was I had no pain. He could not believe it.
Long story shortened, you were born about 30 minutes after we arrived at the hospital. You were amazing. You were laid on my chest for just a few minutes, and then whisked off to the nursery. Being about five or six weeks early, I think they wanted to check you out.
Once I was in my room, a nurse came in and told me you were fine, but a little on the small side. It never dawned on me that there could be a problem with this, because you were perfect. I slept that night and the next morning the nurse brought you into me. She placed you in my arms, and I was hooked! You were content to just be there. You never cried or whimpered. So, so peaceful.
They brought you into my room a couple times that day and once the next morning. The doctor came in and I was released, but you would have to stay because your weight had dropped below five pounds. I had to leave my baby girl in the hospital for eleven days. Dad and I would visit and look at you through the window, being told how well you were doing, but being able to hold you.
After eleven days, we were told you were weighing over five pounds, so you could go home! We wrapped you up and home we went! Up to this time, we had never heard you cry or whimper. My mother said, "Well, you will hear her now." You were home 2 weeks before you ever cried! Scared me nearly to death! I was so afraid I had done something wrong. I started crying...
You were never one to cry much. During the night I would hear you squirming, I would change your diaper and fix your bottle. During the day I would hold you a lot. Guess you had no reason to cry!!! I went back to work when you were about six months old. One evening, you began to cry some, so we took you for a ride. Worked like a charm! So, we started putting you into the stroller, and dad would push it with his foot when you got fussy. During the time dad was not at home, I would do it. You loved it!!!
You loved people! Your cute little smile would bring many to your side. You just naturally expected people to be kind and respond to your smile. But, one day, after moving to Brownsville, the postman was on the steps putting mail in the mailbox and you smiled up at him and said "Hi." He never said a word, and the look on your face, broke my heart...
Remember Link? The bratty boy who would pull your hair. So many memories of you growing up. Learning to ride your first bicycle. Having "coffee" with grandma Ila. Spending time with grandma Elsie and Aunt Annie. Being a big sister to Jamie. Asking why the baby cried? Being my big helper. Sitting on your bed as a senior saying, "I can't do this any more." When I asked what was wrong you said, "I just can't make all these A's." To which I said, "Then don't." Or the time I gave you the note to read on the bus. LOL Or your one and only trip to the emergency room!!! So much, in such a short period of time!
Where have the years gone? Time never stood still. Here you are grown with two marvelous children of your own and a grandson on the way. Guess I have blinked once too often. Never doubt you are loved and always have been. In fact, I love you MORE!!!
Once we got there,and I was examined, sure enough I was in labor. Later, when I asked grandma how she knew, she said I could see the contractions. I never felt them! I was in a bed waiting for Dr. Rodriquez, and heard him rushing down the hallway saying where is Mrs. Haynes, am I in time. As he passed my doorway, he glanced in and said, "Whew, I was afraid I would be too late." I am lying there thinking, but there is no pain.
At that point, I was taken into the delivery room. When Dr. Rodriquez came in he was really up tight. He asked me how I was feeling and why I had waited so long. My response, again, was I had no pain. He could not believe it.
Long story shortened, you were born about 30 minutes after we arrived at the hospital. You were amazing. You were laid on my chest for just a few minutes, and then whisked off to the nursery. Being about five or six weeks early, I think they wanted to check you out.
Once I was in my room, a nurse came in and told me you were fine, but a little on the small side. It never dawned on me that there could be a problem with this, because you were perfect. I slept that night and the next morning the nurse brought you into me. She placed you in my arms, and I was hooked! You were content to just be there. You never cried or whimpered. So, so peaceful.
They brought you into my room a couple times that day and once the next morning. The doctor came in and I was released, but you would have to stay because your weight had dropped below five pounds. I had to leave my baby girl in the hospital for eleven days. Dad and I would visit and look at you through the window, being told how well you were doing, but being able to hold you.
After eleven days, we were told you were weighing over five pounds, so you could go home! We wrapped you up and home we went! Up to this time, we had never heard you cry or whimper. My mother said, "Well, you will hear her now." You were home 2 weeks before you ever cried! Scared me nearly to death! I was so afraid I had done something wrong. I started crying...
You were never one to cry much. During the night I would hear you squirming, I would change your diaper and fix your bottle. During the day I would hold you a lot. Guess you had no reason to cry!!! I went back to work when you were about six months old. One evening, you began to cry some, so we took you for a ride. Worked like a charm! So, we started putting you into the stroller, and dad would push it with his foot when you got fussy. During the time dad was not at home, I would do it. You loved it!!!
You loved people! Your cute little smile would bring many to your side. You just naturally expected people to be kind and respond to your smile. But, one day, after moving to Brownsville, the postman was on the steps putting mail in the mailbox and you smiled up at him and said "Hi." He never said a word, and the look on your face, broke my heart...
Remember Link? The bratty boy who would pull your hair. So many memories of you growing up. Learning to ride your first bicycle. Having "coffee" with grandma Ila. Spending time with grandma Elsie and Aunt Annie. Being a big sister to Jamie. Asking why the baby cried? Being my big helper. Sitting on your bed as a senior saying, "I can't do this any more." When I asked what was wrong you said, "I just can't make all these A's." To which I said, "Then don't." Or the time I gave you the note to read on the bus. LOL Or your one and only trip to the emergency room!!! So much, in such a short period of time!
Where have the years gone? Time never stood still. Here you are grown with two marvelous children of your own and a grandson on the way. Guess I have blinked once too often. Never doubt you are loved and always have been. In fact, I love you MORE!!!
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Musings : Relaxing Sunday
Musings : Relaxing Sunday: I have been sitting here at the kitchen table with the back door open and watching a squirrel as it eats from the bird feeder sitting o...
Relaxing Sunday
I have been sitting here at the kitchen table with the back door open and watching a squirrel as it eats from the bird feeder sitting on the small table on the deck. I have almost laughed out loud as he stands upright and places one tiny hand/paw on the back of the feeder, as he surveys his surroundings. The feeder resembles a porch swing but, due to the ropes breaking last fall, it is sitting flat on the table. I know John Dove would not approve and neither would Wes Griffin but, next to doves, these critters are my favorites.
As it raises up to survey the goings on around him, it resembles an older man standing on his front porch watching as neighbors interact with one another, looking in one direction and then another. This reminds me of time spent in Rio Hondo as a kid. Summer would find us kids out goofing off and unaware that there were adults keeping an eye on us, especially Richard, Robert, Larry, John, Finley, and a few others! Notice I did not mention any girls' names. We were usually inside helping momma! LOL I remember one evening when we lived on the corner of Catherine and Williams Rd. We were playing Red Rover in front of Jimmy Monroe's house. Funny how these memories pop up. We were just a bunch of silly, alright crazy kids enjoying life. Little did we realize that there were adults watching over us.
This brings to mind another gentleman that definitely watched over us. He was the constable, Mr. Mills. He and his wife were both great people! Richard loves telling the story of his senior year, when he had his old red Studebaker. He would be heading into town, speeding of course, and as he crossed the railroad track, Mr. Mills would pull out of his "hiding place" on the side of Brotzman's, and pull in behind that speeding Studebaker. Richard would keep going, never slowing, until he reached Rachel's. He would run inside and order two cups of coffee. When Mr. Mills entered he would sit down, take one of the cups and say, "One of these days, Richard, I'm going to catch you."
He told my mother during my senior year, that I had become a beautiful young lady. His words meant a lot to this quiet and hurting senior.
I used to love skating. I went every chance I got, which usually meant every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night. Sometimes Ruby Dell and I would ride the bus to San Benito, and other times Mr. Parker would drive us. When my older brothers moved to Rio Hondo, one of them would drive us. I loved skating and became quite good at it. Maybe it was because on the rink, I was able to "fly" and leave the pain of school behind. On the rink, I was my own person and did not care what others thought...
Mom used to work for Ma Jones as a cook in her café. She was a great cook. Prior to that she worked at the Round Up Café, across the tracks, as a waitress. She told me the story of a man who had come in for a cup of coffee. He was a regular and folks called him blacky. He was a dark Hispanic and thought nothing of the nickname given him. Anyway, on this day he left without paying his 10 cents, but no one thought anything about it. They would catch him next time. Well, about three hours later he returned to pay the dime. He had walked several miles home, near Heath's Corner, before he realized he had not paid for his coffee, so he walked back to do so. People were definitely more responsible back then.
There are so many flashes of those days going through my mind. Like the day my brother David rolled Tony's black Mercury convertible on the big curve outside of town. When the news hit town, Benny Mac took Tony to the scene, and he picked the car up, so David could crawl out. (our family super man) David was not seriously injured, but definitely shaken up. This was before seat belts! Tony was viewed as a hero. Life in a small town, gotta love it!!!
Just think, all these musings began with this old lady watching a squirrel eating from a bird feeder.
These little critters can not be all bad. Right John?????
As it raises up to survey the goings on around him, it resembles an older man standing on his front porch watching as neighbors interact with one another, looking in one direction and then another. This reminds me of time spent in Rio Hondo as a kid. Summer would find us kids out goofing off and unaware that there were adults keeping an eye on us, especially Richard, Robert, Larry, John, Finley, and a few others! Notice I did not mention any girls' names. We were usually inside helping momma! LOL I remember one evening when we lived on the corner of Catherine and Williams Rd. We were playing Red Rover in front of Jimmy Monroe's house. Funny how these memories pop up. We were just a bunch of silly, alright crazy kids enjoying life. Little did we realize that there were adults watching over us.
This brings to mind another gentleman that definitely watched over us. He was the constable, Mr. Mills. He and his wife were both great people! Richard loves telling the story of his senior year, when he had his old red Studebaker. He would be heading into town, speeding of course, and as he crossed the railroad track, Mr. Mills would pull out of his "hiding place" on the side of Brotzman's, and pull in behind that speeding Studebaker. Richard would keep going, never slowing, until he reached Rachel's. He would run inside and order two cups of coffee. When Mr. Mills entered he would sit down, take one of the cups and say, "One of these days, Richard, I'm going to catch you."
He told my mother during my senior year, that I had become a beautiful young lady. His words meant a lot to this quiet and hurting senior.
I used to love skating. I went every chance I got, which usually meant every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night. Sometimes Ruby Dell and I would ride the bus to San Benito, and other times Mr. Parker would drive us. When my older brothers moved to Rio Hondo, one of them would drive us. I loved skating and became quite good at it. Maybe it was because on the rink, I was able to "fly" and leave the pain of school behind. On the rink, I was my own person and did not care what others thought...
Mom used to work for Ma Jones as a cook in her café. She was a great cook. Prior to that she worked at the Round Up Café, across the tracks, as a waitress. She told me the story of a man who had come in for a cup of coffee. He was a regular and folks called him blacky. He was a dark Hispanic and thought nothing of the nickname given him. Anyway, on this day he left without paying his 10 cents, but no one thought anything about it. They would catch him next time. Well, about three hours later he returned to pay the dime. He had walked several miles home, near Heath's Corner, before he realized he had not paid for his coffee, so he walked back to do so. People were definitely more responsible back then.
There are so many flashes of those days going through my mind. Like the day my brother David rolled Tony's black Mercury convertible on the big curve outside of town. When the news hit town, Benny Mac took Tony to the scene, and he picked the car up, so David could crawl out. (our family super man) David was not seriously injured, but definitely shaken up. This was before seat belts! Tony was viewed as a hero. Life in a small town, gotta love it!!!
Just think, all these musings began with this old lady watching a squirrel eating from a bird feeder.
These little critters can not be all bad. Right John?????
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