Well, the year is coming to a close, and I have spent most of it writting down the things I remember to fill the request Keara gave me last Christmas. I believe I have touched about everything that has crossed my mind. Hoping all the while that I have left a path of thoughts that will be of use to any, some or part of the family I love so very much! One way or the other, it has been a time of great interest to me. I have been surprised at times of how much I do recall. After a number of serious "thumps" on my head, I have, at times, felt it difficult to recall even the tiniest of things. Family would laugh and talk about somethings, I do not recall at all. So what has been written certainly is a marvel to me.
Then what about Thanksgivings? Well they have come into my life 80 times this year. I only recall some because they were special for one reason or another. I recall we didn't have Turkey until we were in California. Dad, being English, would prefer duck or goose. These became less available after we came West. I guess that is why we had Turkey? It was a new experience not only for the family, but for Mom as well. I recall her confusion at just what she could do with such a BIG BIRD. I guess what she did with a goose was different? I can't really recall. I know we did have duck one year, and I hated it. It is just too greasy. Besides they are shaped funny!
I remember one Thanksgiving that was rather sad. The family had gathered at Mom and Dads for dinner. Jay's dad received a telephone call before he came that his brother, Magnus had been killed. We waited dinner while he went to check on what had happened. It had been a very foggy morning. Magnus was on his way home when he had some kind of car trouble and got out of his car to check things. In the fog, he was not visible. Another car came along and hit him. It put quite a damper on the day, but we managed through it. A real test of family. We were so greatful we were all together and could support each other in such a trying time.
Mom and Dad always included all the family when it came to Thanksgiving. All the kids would come home with their families and Uncle Bill and Aunt Clara would come. After Jay's parents divorced, "Slim" was always included as well. Mom was good about filling any special orders for the meal that were suggested. For Uncle Bill it was always "creamed onions". Not everyone liked them, but there was always a dish full which he enjoyed. I like them too, and am known to fix them once in awhile. Each time a special memory of Uncle Bill.
Mom always left everything on the table after we would finish eating. The family would play games, or just set around and talk. Then when we got hungry again, which we always did, we would uncover the table and pick at what was left. You know, if we did that today, there would be all kinds of trouble. Folks would say we would get sick from that stuff being unrefrigerated. None of us every did. Wonder why that is? Nothing like a plate of cold dressing and turkey. I loved it!
The boys had given Mom a beautiful set of dinner ware for an Anniversary one year after they had gone to work. It was such a pleasure to set the table with it. Mom had two sets of real silverware. One with an "S" on it and another that had different shape and decorated handles. Back in those days a table wasn't really set unless it had "silverware". Today you hardly ever see any. I believe the dinnerware went to Ralph and Betsy when Mom gave up her home. Dawn and Greg were given the "S" silverware. Gosh, lets see, it would be it about 89 years old now. What an antique it is! The dinnerware, I have no idea where it could be, would be about 50 years old. Good things keep their value if only sentimental. Can't replace that kind of an item these days. Nothing like old china, silver and linen. There is some of Moms wedding linen spread around the family as well. That was such a priceless thing. Irish Linen was the dream of every bride back in the early 1900's. We don't even think of it now.
Modern tables are set with a number of different kinds of tableclothes, with not a one being from Ireland. Plates may range from paper to the best of Dinner Ware. Usually the utensils are of Stainless Steel. Glasses range from plastic to Crystal. Depending on the household serving the meal. It really doesn't matter what we eat off of, nor what we use to put the food into our mouths. No, it really matters who we set down with and the love that is gathered around the table. The food will be good, no matter what is placed on the table, and the feelings will be much the same as they have been from years past. We have gathered to spend some very special time with some very special people. Will the women be spent from the cooking? Of course! Will the family enjoy the time together? Naturally! Will it be worth all the care and time spent in getting it ready, then cleaning up afterward? Depending! Mom has been the one who has taken the time to get things together. Dad has worked hard to provide the supplies. Now it is up to the family to be "Thankful", Appreciate everything that has gone into the day. Sometime we find the time around the table was great only because we are "stuffed", much like the Turkey.
When we need to remember what has gone into getting this day together.
Prigrims had to thank the Indians for thier part in helping keep them alive by teaching them how to plant and harvest crops here in the "New Land". Their meal was not as grandeous as anything we set down to today. We need to remember what the day is set aside for. A time to be greatful for what we have. For many years things were not as great as they are now (2009).
For every good thing we have, we need to be greatful, and offer up thanks! For Mom who has been so willing to give, "just one more day of service" in putting such a great meal on the table. To Dad for his part in seeing we have the supplies needed for Mom to do her job. Families are ment to be together, to set down together, to enjoy time and conversation. They are also ment to give Thanks for the things they have and the people who love them and see to their needs on a day to day basis. Nothing lasts forever here on this earth. It is only what we do with the things we have that will prepare us for the time when our "Family Will Be Together Forever."
I guess what I am trying to leave today is the thought that we should be greatful and thankful and appreciative everyday in some way for what we have been given, for those who provide and prepare for our comfort and safety.
Some of our families were lucky to have a one room cabin with nothing but a blanket to cover the windows, and a fireplace to keep the cold from biting them. Their food was a lot different from what we enjoy. Much depended on the Season and or the way the family was able to keep what they had grown. No super market, or corner store to go to. No dairy to supply the fresh milk, or butter. No bakery to get bread. Goodies were very few if any at all. I know this sounds like the old story of: "I had to walk to school a mile in the snow". That is not it at all. It is remembering those who have paved the way for the good things we have today. Those who were brave and caring enough to chart a way West, who were willing to go that "extra mile" to find a place where they could be who they wanted to be and live the way they wanted to live. Nothing lasts for ever, and nothing came from nothing! We have much to be Thankful for. I pray the day will never come when we forget the things that have blessed our lives. Those who loved us from a long line of those who loved us. Those who have made our Today better because of the times they lived through to make it all possible. Too many to number, but not to remember.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, this year, and every year that follows this year. Pass on the traditions, the love and the caring that has brought us to this Thanksgiving so that all that pass on after us will be able to set down together and be Blessed because we too "passed this way".
I love you, one and all - FOREVER -
Written this 23 day of November 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg - Grandma "R"
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Veterans Day
They are celebrating Veterans Day on Monday - in reality Veterans Day is on the 11th of November. It was so declared because the First World War was ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Now they celebrate on a Monday nearest to that date so there can be another three day week-end. Sad that our Society has found it more advantageous to set Holidays when they can accomodate lifestyle rather than on the day they
actually came into being.
I suppose my feelings come from my youth when this was such a very special day. Whether it fell on what ever day of the week. Things came to a stand still. Parades were held and special attention was paid to flying the flag all over this great nation. Of course there were picnics and trips to cemetaries to decorate graves. It was always such a special feeling to enter the Cemetary and see the majority of the graves covered with flowers and flags. Even those who were not Veterans found honor on this very special day.
Our family has always had Veterans to remember. Doing Genealogy it is apparent relatives have come forward when this Nations was threatened to serve and defend our Liberty and Freedom. Even before the Constitution was written there were those who stepped forward and did the unthinkable, stood up against those who would tax them beyond what was right.
During the First World War, which was to be the War that ended all War, there were a great number of men who either were drafter to serve, or volunteered. Thomas Gower Rosenberg was drafted toward the end of that War and did not have to go overseas to fight, but his older brother Harvey Rosenberg did and he was wounded and suffered the horrifying effects of being exposed to Mustard Gas. He survived, but was permentally effected by that exposure.
In the Second World War, which by now we hoped would be the War to end all War, we had even more family men who stepped forward and served. Both LaMar Harris Rosenberg an Uncle and our Jay Ford Rosenberg both enlisted and served in the Navy. Ralph Evron Smith and Ronald Charles Smith, Uncles, both enlisted. Ralph in the Army Paratroops and Ronald in the Marines. All four served in the South Pacific. There were a number of the Hall family, Cousins, who served as well. In all I should say we were well represented in that conflict. To my knowledge all who served returned home. Our family has been very fortunate indeed.
Oh, there have been other conflicts down through the years since then. We have had those who have stepped up and met the challenge of service to preserve our Freedom and Liberty. In Korea it was Jay Ford Rosenberg who was recalled to serve in the Navy. In Vietnam it was Gregory Webb Slane and Paul LaMar Rosenberg and Joseph Jay Rosenberg who were on the active duty rosters. Greg in the Marines and Paul in the Army Rangers and Cousin Joe in the Navy. All returned home, Paul, however, later developed health problems from exposure to Agent Orange that was used to defoliate the jungles where he was. When two of these family members returned from that War they continued serving. Greg in the California National Guard and Paul was switched first to the Navy as a Medic and then into the Marines where he served another 13 years. In fact he was one of those who was sent to Panama to free that Country from their tyrant leaders.
I don't suppose most of the family knew that Paul had been caught during one his normal trips to decorate fallen members of the Armed Forces on Memorial Day and Veterans Day by a Newspaper in Bakersfield. On these days Paul would get flowers and go into a Cemetary,very early, and walk about until he found a grave of a fallen Serviceman where he would clean the head stone, place flowers and then take a moment and have a prayer of thanks. He looked for a Soldier, a Marine and a Sailor. The Newspaper Photographer was there early getting ready for the Service that was to be held later in the day. He noticed this man dressed in uniform going about stopping here and there. He decided to follow him and find out about this. In the process he got a picture of Paul kneeling beside one of the graves giving his prayer of "Thanks". He didn't come close enough for Paul to know he was there, but when Paul was leaving, he approached him and asked if these were special friends. Paul explained he looked for a fallen "Hero" to thank for his service. As you may remember the Vietnam Servicemen did not get "Welcomed Home". In fact to this day, when they see another fellow Vietnam Vet, they always approach him and say: "Welcome Home", "Thanks for your Service". Well the picture was used and the story told of this Veteran who took time every Memorial and Veterans Day to remember an unknown falled "Hero".
This however is not the end of that story. Years later when the United States went over in the Desert to assist Kiwait against Sadam Husan our Troops again won a victory and were returning home, only this time, they were to receive a "heros welcome home". A Parade was planned with a great deal of fanfare. One of the planning committee went to the Newspaper and asked if they knew of someone who could act as Grand Marshall for the parade. A Veteran, who could represent all the Veterans. The man behind the desk had no problem with his choice. He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a picture of a uniformed Veteran kneeling beside a grave with flowers in hand saying a prayer. He knew the mans name and where he lived. That is how Paul LaMar Rosenberg was honored by representing ALL VETERANS in the "Welcome Home
Parade" for the Desert Storm Troops.
It is quite common today to see people go out of there way to thank a veteran for his or her service. A great thing. It has taken years for people to realize a Veteran is always due our thanks for the time and effort he or she spent in serving and defending our Country from all enemies both Foreign and Domestic, no matter what conflict that service was given in.
So today, even on a day other than the 11th, we will fly our flag, and remember the Veterans who have given so much to keep our Country Free and our Liberty secure. It is the least we can do for those who have given service to both Flag and Country.
Written this 9th day of November 2009
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
actually came into being.
I suppose my feelings come from my youth when this was such a very special day. Whether it fell on what ever day of the week. Things came to a stand still. Parades were held and special attention was paid to flying the flag all over this great nation. Of course there were picnics and trips to cemetaries to decorate graves. It was always such a special feeling to enter the Cemetary and see the majority of the graves covered with flowers and flags. Even those who were not Veterans found honor on this very special day.
Our family has always had Veterans to remember. Doing Genealogy it is apparent relatives have come forward when this Nations was threatened to serve and defend our Liberty and Freedom. Even before the Constitution was written there were those who stepped forward and did the unthinkable, stood up against those who would tax them beyond what was right.
During the First World War, which was to be the War that ended all War, there were a great number of men who either were drafter to serve, or volunteered. Thomas Gower Rosenberg was drafted toward the end of that War and did not have to go overseas to fight, but his older brother Harvey Rosenberg did and he was wounded and suffered the horrifying effects of being exposed to Mustard Gas. He survived, but was permentally effected by that exposure.
In the Second World War, which by now we hoped would be the War to end all War, we had even more family men who stepped forward and served. Both LaMar Harris Rosenberg an Uncle and our Jay Ford Rosenberg both enlisted and served in the Navy. Ralph Evron Smith and Ronald Charles Smith, Uncles, both enlisted. Ralph in the Army Paratroops and Ronald in the Marines. All four served in the South Pacific. There were a number of the Hall family, Cousins, who served as well. In all I should say we were well represented in that conflict. To my knowledge all who served returned home. Our family has been very fortunate indeed.
Oh, there have been other conflicts down through the years since then. We have had those who have stepped up and met the challenge of service to preserve our Freedom and Liberty. In Korea it was Jay Ford Rosenberg who was recalled to serve in the Navy. In Vietnam it was Gregory Webb Slane and Paul LaMar Rosenberg and Joseph Jay Rosenberg who were on the active duty rosters. Greg in the Marines and Paul in the Army Rangers and Cousin Joe in the Navy. All returned home, Paul, however, later developed health problems from exposure to Agent Orange that was used to defoliate the jungles where he was. When two of these family members returned from that War they continued serving. Greg in the California National Guard and Paul was switched first to the Navy as a Medic and then into the Marines where he served another 13 years. In fact he was one of those who was sent to Panama to free that Country from their tyrant leaders.
I don't suppose most of the family knew that Paul had been caught during one his normal trips to decorate fallen members of the Armed Forces on Memorial Day and Veterans Day by a Newspaper in Bakersfield. On these days Paul would get flowers and go into a Cemetary,very early, and walk about until he found a grave of a fallen Serviceman where he would clean the head stone, place flowers and then take a moment and have a prayer of thanks. He looked for a Soldier, a Marine and a Sailor. The Newspaper Photographer was there early getting ready for the Service that was to be held later in the day. He noticed this man dressed in uniform going about stopping here and there. He decided to follow him and find out about this. In the process he got a picture of Paul kneeling beside one of the graves giving his prayer of "Thanks". He didn't come close enough for Paul to know he was there, but when Paul was leaving, he approached him and asked if these were special friends. Paul explained he looked for a fallen "Hero" to thank for his service. As you may remember the Vietnam Servicemen did not get "Welcomed Home". In fact to this day, when they see another fellow Vietnam Vet, they always approach him and say: "Welcome Home", "Thanks for your Service". Well the picture was used and the story told of this Veteran who took time every Memorial and Veterans Day to remember an unknown falled "Hero".
This however is not the end of that story. Years later when the United States went over in the Desert to assist Kiwait against Sadam Husan our Troops again won a victory and were returning home, only this time, they were to receive a "heros welcome home". A Parade was planned with a great deal of fanfare. One of the planning committee went to the Newspaper and asked if they knew of someone who could act as Grand Marshall for the parade. A Veteran, who could represent all the Veterans. The man behind the desk had no problem with his choice. He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a picture of a uniformed Veteran kneeling beside a grave with flowers in hand saying a prayer. He knew the mans name and where he lived. That is how Paul LaMar Rosenberg was honored by representing ALL VETERANS in the "Welcome Home
Parade" for the Desert Storm Troops.
It is quite common today to see people go out of there way to thank a veteran for his or her service. A great thing. It has taken years for people to realize a Veteran is always due our thanks for the time and effort he or she spent in serving and defending our Country from all enemies both Foreign and Domestic, no matter what conflict that service was given in.
So today, even on a day other than the 11th, we will fly our flag, and remember the Veterans who have given so much to keep our Country Free and our Liberty secure. It is the least we can do for those who have given service to both Flag and Country.
Written this 9th day of November 2009
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
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