Today we have the after Christmas Sales. I don't recall having those when I was kid. We always looked forward to the New Years "White Sales". This was when the household was checked to see just what was needed for the coming year. Towels, Sheets, Cup Towels, etc. Then we would head out for JC Penney's or Montgomery Wards on Pacific Blvd. in Huntington Park to see what they were offering. It was quite an outing. New sheets were especially great. Of course back in those days all the Laundry was done on Monday and "hungout" to dry. No dryers back in those days. In fact most of the washing machines were wringer type. That ment you took piece at a time and run it through the wringer to get the wash water out of it. It went into the "sanitary tub" where there was clean rinse water. Each piece was "dunked" a number of times to get the soapy water clear then it was put through the wringer again. This time the wringer had been turned so the pieces would drop into the "wash basket" which was then taken into the back yard and piece by piece hung on the lines. Colored pieces hopefully found some shade if there wasn't any, they were turned wrong side out and hung on the middle lines so they could get the benefit of any shade from the other laundry.
Loads of course were sorted carefully. Whites first, then light colored clothes and then dark colors with the "work clothes" being washed last. Oh, and we didn't have all the fancy laundry soaps of today. Mom kept a bar of Felse Naptha in the widow back of the washer with a paring knife to slice off slivers to go into the "work clothes" load. That would work on the dirt from the shop where Dad and the Boys worked. If things were to be bleached, that was done in the rince water. That ment everything had to be rinsed twice. Laundry was not a simple thing. There were a number of things that had to be starched. This ment that Mom would boil some water on the stove then pour it into a large bucket and stir in the starch with some blueing, heavy starch was used for shirt collars and cuffs and chair covers and doilies for the tables. Lighter starch was used on the bouses and shirts to make them nice and crisp. These were usually wrung by hand. That ment they weren't quite as dry. Towels were usually washed separately.
Because Mom had such weak arms, Dad always paid the extra for her to have an "EASY" washer that had a "spin basket". This was packed and punched down to get the maximum amount in each basket. It was then turned on to spin out the extra water. We would pull everything out and dip rinse each piece and then restuff if back into the small basket that would whirl out the water. We would then stop the basket and fill it with clean water from the hose and spin it again.
I guess you could say that was the beginning of the modern Washers. Still didn't relieve us from hanging clothes. Of course on rainy days, we held off. Very rarely was Monday missed as the day we did the Laundry.
I loved hanging clothes out. They always came in smelling so great and the sheets were great on the bed. The towels were never as soft as today however. No softner back in those days. The better they were rinsed and the more the wind blew the better they dried and the fluffier they were.
Next to the "January White Sales" was the other once a year sale that was always in August. Just before School was oto start, the "blanket" sale took place. Oh how I like the Blanket Sale. We would buy new blakets for the beds. We never needed as many blankets in California as we had to use in Ohio, but to feel the soft blankets and see the various designs and colors, well it was the high light of the fall.
In September were the big sales in Sears for School Clothes. We would shop for the things we would start school in. Put the sale items on lay-a-way and pay a little each week so we could have everything we needed to start school with. Something you don't see today. Well not in the same way we had it back then. All the girls wore "wash dresses". I don't think I had many skirts until I was in High School. Every age wore "wash or house dresses". Depending on the fade of the season the boys wore cordaroy pants or wash pants. Jeans were not a known quantity back then. Guess the "Grapes of Wrath" period brought the Jeans West. I don't remember us wearing anything but leather shoes to school. Not too long before the War we even had what they called Crepe Soles on our shoes. Man were they great. They were a semi clear rubber that made you feel like you were walking on clouds. Once the War started, rubber "went to war" and I haven't seen Crepe Soles since. My brother Ron wore Basket Ball shoes. They were very expensive, special ordered because Ron had such a narrow foot and heel. No one wore "sneekers" or "tennis shoes" except for PE at school. I was always told those shoes made your feet sweat too much and that wasn't good for you. We didn't wear boots all day either for the same reason. If it rained, and we walked to school, we had to carry our shoes in a bag and change when we got to school. How times have changed.
I guess the reason there was not so much competition amongst the stores then was very few people had money, and they bought only what was needed. I don't recall "shopping" like we do today. Even going to the grocery store was pretty well assigned to one day a week. We bought what we needed with very few extras along the way. If there were extras, they would be fruit or nuts. Ice Cream was a treat saved for special occasions, bought at the Ice Cream store hand
packed (no extra) in cartons like we get Chinese Food in today. Had to get it home quickly and eat it the same. Freezers in the Refrigerators of that day were just big enough for ice trays, and not too many of them. If we left the trays out, then we could put something small in for a short while. No Freezers or Side by Sides or Upper or Lower Freezers back in those days. You know what, we didn't know any different, so it never bothered us.
When Jay and I got married we only had an "Ice Box". One part held a ten pound block of ice. That was all we had to keep our food cold. Didn't take much to spoil food back in those days. We didn't buy in quantity. Over cooking was pretty poor policy as well.
Our first place had a Murphy Bed. So our Living Room was our Bedroom as well. Even more interesting was the head of our bed was just the width of a wall away from the head of the bed in the Apartment next door. Made for an interesting time! Just thinking about those days brings back some pretty funny times. Ah! to be young again. What we didn't realize about life in general never bothered us. We didn't have much, but then, no one else did either. We made our "good times" from little to nothing, and it was great. I had a good looking partner and we were working things out. Maybe not as polished as some, but we were doing our darndest to grow and develope a family in all the best ways we could. Now, the downs were just about as thrilling as the ups. Retrospect is such a blessing. The happiest times were when we were working hard to keep things together. Greatful for the "Smith's" who always were in the wings when tuff times came our way. When they were no longer there, we found ways to keep our heads above water. Jay never wanted to take advantage.
Well, that was the "way it was". Little tid bits of information that I may or may not have shared before. Who knows, I ramble on just the same. A side note, we started out with a Wringer type washer. Then Jay bought me an Easy. It was long after Dawn was born we got an Automatic, but I still had to hang the clothes out. I honestly don't remember when we got a dryer. I only remember we didn't had clothes lines in use too much when we were in Taft. So it must have been when we move to the desert. Just when we had the heat to dry things about as fast as I could have hung them up. Oh well! Guess this is a 10 - 4 for this one. Love Ya!
Written this 29th day of December 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Why a Senior Mission?
You know I didn't give that much thought until friends of mine were called to go to Salt Lake and serve in the Family History Library. Some how that got me thinking, and before I knew it I wanted to go too. My only problem was Jay wasn't the least bit interested. He wasn't sure he could contribute. After some talking, I called Salt Lake and talked to the Mission Staff about what they needed. They advised me to come up and see. We did just that. After a tour of the work areas and seeing what was done in the Mission, Jay seemed to weaken. I am not sure he was all that sure when we put our papers in, but he was a good sport and turned his talents toward getting us ready.
He got pneumonia just before we were to leave, and was very ill. He insisted that we still report on time. At the last minute friends stepped forward to take our things up, and I drove Jay and myself. When we arrived in Salt Lake, we put Jay to bed in the Apartment of a friend, while the rest helped me move our things into our Apartment.
We weren't there for long when the Mission President called us into his Office to have a talk. He asked Jay how he was doing. Jay told him he was trying to get on top of things, but just not able to make the Devotionals in the early mornings. It was November with snow, and the early hour with the cold made things pretty difficult for Jay. His only request to the President was: "just don't send us home". To which the Mission President replied: "that is exactly what I will do if you don't get feeling better. Your health is more important."
Within a week we decided to take Jay up to the LDS Hospital where he saw a rather unlikely looking ER Doctor. One look, and he told Jay he was being treated for a bacterial infection when what he really had was a viral infection. He change the Rx Jay was on and within the first four hours of taking the new medication, Jays condition made a marked turn around. We had found
the answer. Jays health improved. A transfer from Indexing to the Bindery in the Library rounded out a wonderful experience for Jay. He was able to repair his ancient leather bound Bible, which was in great condtion except for the cover and the metal fasteners. Jay had not served a Mission when he was younger, and this was a perfect way for him to have that great experience.
He enjoyed the companionship of the other men his age who had also served in WWII. They had many wonderful hours of sharing their experiences and learning new talents. I suppose a Call to Serve when one is older won't fit into every persons life, but I am most greatful that we were able to Serve together. One side blessing to our time was having Dawn and Greg come to Salt Lake for our Wedding Anniversary and assist us in joining Jay and his family eternally. He
hadn't been able to take care of that before, and it was a very special time for the entire family.
Jay always had such a sence of humor. It was at this same time that TV Commercials were more "catchey". Jay had picked up on: "have you any Grey PoPon Mustard?" As we stood on the door step of our Apartment when the Slanes were driving away, after their visit, the Grand kids rolled down their car window and yelled at their Grandfather: "have you any Grey PoPon?" He got the biggest kick out of that. One of those magical moments that stayed with him.
Aren't families GREAT? Jay sure thought so!
Written this 23rd day of December 2009
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
He got pneumonia just before we were to leave, and was very ill. He insisted that we still report on time. At the last minute friends stepped forward to take our things up, and I drove Jay and myself. When we arrived in Salt Lake, we put Jay to bed in the Apartment of a friend, while the rest helped me move our things into our Apartment.
We weren't there for long when the Mission President called us into his Office to have a talk. He asked Jay how he was doing. Jay told him he was trying to get on top of things, but just not able to make the Devotionals in the early mornings. It was November with snow, and the early hour with the cold made things pretty difficult for Jay. His only request to the President was: "just don't send us home". To which the Mission President replied: "that is exactly what I will do if you don't get feeling better. Your health is more important."
Within a week we decided to take Jay up to the LDS Hospital where he saw a rather unlikely looking ER Doctor. One look, and he told Jay he was being treated for a bacterial infection when what he really had was a viral infection. He change the Rx Jay was on and within the first four hours of taking the new medication, Jays condition made a marked turn around. We had found
the answer. Jays health improved. A transfer from Indexing to the Bindery in the Library rounded out a wonderful experience for Jay. He was able to repair his ancient leather bound Bible, which was in great condtion except for the cover and the metal fasteners. Jay had not served a Mission when he was younger, and this was a perfect way for him to have that great experience.
He enjoyed the companionship of the other men his age who had also served in WWII. They had many wonderful hours of sharing their experiences and learning new talents. I suppose a Call to Serve when one is older won't fit into every persons life, but I am most greatful that we were able to Serve together. One side blessing to our time was having Dawn and Greg come to Salt Lake for our Wedding Anniversary and assist us in joining Jay and his family eternally. He
hadn't been able to take care of that before, and it was a very special time for the entire family.
Jay always had such a sence of humor. It was at this same time that TV Commercials were more "catchey". Jay had picked up on: "have you any Grey PoPon Mustard?" As we stood on the door step of our Apartment when the Slanes were driving away, after their visit, the Grand kids rolled down their car window and yelled at their Grandfather: "have you any Grey PoPon?" He got the biggest kick out of that. One of those magical moments that stayed with him.
Aren't families GREAT? Jay sure thought so!
Written this 23rd day of December 2009
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
You Haven't Heard the Last of It!
At least that is what I was told. It appears that the instigator of this Blog thinks my brain is still "half empty" and hopes I can dredge up some other tid bits that will be of some small interest to
some of you. With this in mind, I am taking the time to let you know that I will still be dropping in at various intervals to see if you are still there, and "are" somewhat interested in what I have brought to mind since the last time I was here.
Now you understand, this in no way means or infers that I do have anything of great value to share, but with an earnest effort on my part, I shall do my best to come up with a line or two from time to time to let you know I am still active and managing in this, my ancient of age.
I believe you can take from this declaration that I sincerely love this "Blog Starter" and will try, in my limited talents to render some effort to "Ramble" on. You may note a stagger, or sag here or there, but then, that should be expected under the circumstances. I have found in the past that even a quick proof read has allowed errors to creep into the Blog. Not intentional, just one of those things when the mind works much faster than the finger tips at getting the thoughts down as things race along. Sad to say I have had a number of bright ideas, which by the time I
get to the Computer has faded into "Major Senior Moments". One that really vexed me for a week now - something that was only one of a kind, and no longer exists in Society. Well, if it doesn't wake me up with a start in the middle of the night, I guess it wasn't all that valuable a note anyway. That being said, it still un-nerves me to realize that one moment I think something is "great" only to find out my mind couldn't hang on to something that "great" for such a short period of time. Oh well, I guess everyone comes to these kinds of times eventually. Just remember when it is your time - it isn't that critical. Second Childhood is made up a many different reversals.
Lets take some inventory - once, I had dark hair and eyes. Gone! Once I could skip and run.
Gone! Once I could hit the high notes of a song and hold them. Gone! Then there was even a time when I could cough or sneeze without, well, we won't go there right now. Just remember this is a time for me to reminisce. No one said it had to pass any set standard. And aren't we glad?
I love you one and all - Happy Holidays - Grandma
Writtne this 23rd day of December 2009
Happy Birthday Gower
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
some of you. With this in mind, I am taking the time to let you know that I will still be dropping in at various intervals to see if you are still there, and "are" somewhat interested in what I have brought to mind since the last time I was here.
Now you understand, this in no way means or infers that I do have anything of great value to share, but with an earnest effort on my part, I shall do my best to come up with a line or two from time to time to let you know I am still active and managing in this, my ancient of age.
I believe you can take from this declaration that I sincerely love this "Blog Starter" and will try, in my limited talents to render some effort to "Ramble" on. You may note a stagger, or sag here or there, but then, that should be expected under the circumstances. I have found in the past that even a quick proof read has allowed errors to creep into the Blog. Not intentional, just one of those things when the mind works much faster than the finger tips at getting the thoughts down as things race along. Sad to say I have had a number of bright ideas, which by the time I
get to the Computer has faded into "Major Senior Moments". One that really vexed me for a week now - something that was only one of a kind, and no longer exists in Society. Well, if it doesn't wake me up with a start in the middle of the night, I guess it wasn't all that valuable a note anyway. That being said, it still un-nerves me to realize that one moment I think something is "great" only to find out my mind couldn't hang on to something that "great" for such a short period of time. Oh well, I guess everyone comes to these kinds of times eventually. Just remember when it is your time - it isn't that critical. Second Childhood is made up a many different reversals.
Lets take some inventory - once, I had dark hair and eyes. Gone! Once I could skip and run.
Gone! Once I could hit the high notes of a song and hold them. Gone! Then there was even a time when I could cough or sneeze without, well, we won't go there right now. Just remember this is a time for me to reminisce. No one said it had to pass any set standard. And aren't we glad?
I love you one and all - Happy Holidays - Grandma
Writtne this 23rd day of December 2009
Happy Birthday Gower
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
Saturday, December 19, 2009
It is Christmas Time Again!
Yes, last year at this time, I was not aware that this continuing saga of my "ramblings" would find utterance, yet here I am, still setting here at this "one eyed" monster tapping out the latest edition of "what is what". I can't say it hasn't been a pleasant journey, but have many misgivings that much of this "prattle" has been as interesting to the readers as it has been to "yours truly".
I guess it is only when we set down and give some serious thought to what has gone on between the time of entry into this domain up to the present time, that you realize you have not been idel. So many little things that weren't all that momentous at the time have, in the remembering, logged some pretty exciting or fun things. Oh, there have been some sad times as well, but then they are what round out the entire experience.
I had intended to wind this down, and call it a day, but have been informed that it should remain open so I can jot down anything else that might cross my mind. I know one thing that has crossed my mind - I wish we would have had this ability a few years ago and maybe I could have jotted down a number of things that Jay had talked about while he was here. Maybe now would be a great time to knock out a line or two about some of those things!
Jay always said he was a "mean little kid". Always picking fights and causing trouble. Hard to believe, but he swore to the truth of it. He was rather a spindley kid, or at least that is what his pictures tell us. He always had a full head of wavey "dishwater" blonde hair. It was a production for him to comb it. He would push, and primp, tap with the comb, etc. until he had it just right.
Honest it would take him longer to comb his hair than it did me.
He was a fastidious dresser. When he wasn't working he always wore white shirts that had been sent to the laundry and starched and pressed to the max. He rolled the cuffs up "twice". He wore tan gaberdine slacks and wing tip shoes. Cut quite a swath in his day. He "buddied" with the same group of guys he went to school with. Of course his best friend was Paul Minnick. They had been friends since kindergarten. He liked to tell about the time he was in the Navy and got Liberty in Pearl Harbor and went over aboard the ship Paul was a cook on. He made his way down to the Mess Hall to find Paul. They spyed each other across the hall and had a time getting around the tables, etc. First one would go one way and the other another. They were pretty frustrated by the time they finally met. It was quite a reunion.
I believe I have mentioned about the ship Jay was on in WWII. The LSM 330. It was a very small ship with a crew of around 50 men. When they took on supplies among the fruits and vegetables, a crate of Avacado's was included. All but three of the crew came from the East and had no taste for Avacado's. Fortunately for Jay, the other two from the West Coast didn't care for them either. He said he would grab a jar of Best Foods Mayonaise and box of Ritz Crackers and find a quiet spot in the Engine Room and have a feast. He kept the crate in his own little spot, just in case someone might want to try one. Fat chance they would have had!
Jay was a good cook, and took his turn at cooking while on the "330" I don't recall him saying what he cooked, but apparently anything was better than what the assigned cook put out. Poor LeRoy Schettl, the guys weren't much as fans of his productions. I guess Jay came by the cook part honestly, his Dad Thomas Gower use to cook for the Sheep Herd Camps when he was just a teenager. Guess some of it rubbed off.
Jay ran the "jittney" while he was with the "330". This ment he would load a small boat up with crew to go on Liberty, or pick up and deliver mail. They also made a tour of the other ships in harbor to trade off movies. I guess mail and movies were the best part of the job. He always was met with a great deal of glee when he brought either or both aboard.
You know Jay always had such an inferiority complex. He didn't feel as if he was liked by the men on the ships he served. Like being from the West Coast was some kind of a blight. Yet when the group started meeting together in 1987 everyone remembered Jay and had nothing but fond memories of serving with him. I believe his early years being alone so much with his Grand Dad Harris left him with some feelings of neglect by the rest of the family. He loved his Grand Dad, and they did many things together, but he didn't feel as if the rest of the family were very close. All except Afton, his sister. I think after Grand Dad died, Afton took over the mothering part of Jay's life.
I may have mentioned when Jay was 13 he had a ruptured appendix and had emergency surgery. I think his condition was rather iffy for awhile, and Afton stayed in the Hospital with him. That brought about a closeness that he felt even to the end of his life. While he was seriously ill before he passed away, he would cry out in his sleep for her. Unfortunately he did not have that kind of closeness with his brother LaMar. I guess the age difference was one of the resons.
All in all I think Jay was a gifted individual. He was self taught and very mechanical. Dawn takes after him in that department. It was always a fight between them when they would do anything together. Neither of them thought the other had the true vision of what they were doing. It was an adventure to watch them do anything together. They loved every minute of their projects. I was always happy to have another room to go to when they were working. It kept me out of their way, and out of their discussions. I never wanted to be the tie breaker.
You know I have mentioned other times about how honest Jay was, but I don't know if I have
mentioned before just how "equal" he was with his children. He could never do something for one that he could not duplicate for the other. If we saw a need one place, he would spend hours figuring out how he could equalize doing for the other. It was not in his nature to show partiality in the family. Guess it was just another manifestation of his "fairness".
I think I drug him along kicking and screaming into a number of things we did, but in the end he usually remarked he had enjoyed it. He took too long figuring out how a thing should go. Me, I just jumped in and paddled through it. What the heck - the most fun is learning as you go. If it was a wrong decision, then I just picked up the pieces and tried not to "go there" again.
The Christmas Paul wanted his 10 speed bike to complete some things in scouting. Jay had a pad and pencil out night after night figuring how to pay for such an expensive item and then be fair to Dawn who was so much younger, and not ready for such things. We haggled and hassled, fussed and fumed until finally he decided the need was far greater than trying to measure out the equality of the thing. Dawn never got that kind of a bike, but then she never had the need for anything like it either. We looked to do other things that fit her, that Paul never had. It does equaled out in the long run.
I think the one thing that Jay will be remembered for, well maybe two. One you couldn't tickle his knees and the other if you got him laughing for very long, he always got the hickups, which only made him laugh the more. Oh, and the constant adjusting of the rear vision mirror. You know I catch myself sometimes just tapping it for him. What delicious memories. Which leads me to once again say: "Merry Christmas" - with love - Grandma "R"
I guess it is only when we set down and give some serious thought to what has gone on between the time of entry into this domain up to the present time, that you realize you have not been idel. So many little things that weren't all that momentous at the time have, in the remembering, logged some pretty exciting or fun things. Oh, there have been some sad times as well, but then they are what round out the entire experience.
I had intended to wind this down, and call it a day, but have been informed that it should remain open so I can jot down anything else that might cross my mind. I know one thing that has crossed my mind - I wish we would have had this ability a few years ago and maybe I could have jotted down a number of things that Jay had talked about while he was here. Maybe now would be a great time to knock out a line or two about some of those things!
Jay always said he was a "mean little kid". Always picking fights and causing trouble. Hard to believe, but he swore to the truth of it. He was rather a spindley kid, or at least that is what his pictures tell us. He always had a full head of wavey "dishwater" blonde hair. It was a production for him to comb it. He would push, and primp, tap with the comb, etc. until he had it just right.
Honest it would take him longer to comb his hair than it did me.
He was a fastidious dresser. When he wasn't working he always wore white shirts that had been sent to the laundry and starched and pressed to the max. He rolled the cuffs up "twice". He wore tan gaberdine slacks and wing tip shoes. Cut quite a swath in his day. He "buddied" with the same group of guys he went to school with. Of course his best friend was Paul Minnick. They had been friends since kindergarten. He liked to tell about the time he was in the Navy and got Liberty in Pearl Harbor and went over aboard the ship Paul was a cook on. He made his way down to the Mess Hall to find Paul. They spyed each other across the hall and had a time getting around the tables, etc. First one would go one way and the other another. They were pretty frustrated by the time they finally met. It was quite a reunion.
I believe I have mentioned about the ship Jay was on in WWII. The LSM 330. It was a very small ship with a crew of around 50 men. When they took on supplies among the fruits and vegetables, a crate of Avacado's was included. All but three of the crew came from the East and had no taste for Avacado's. Fortunately for Jay, the other two from the West Coast didn't care for them either. He said he would grab a jar of Best Foods Mayonaise and box of Ritz Crackers and find a quiet spot in the Engine Room and have a feast. He kept the crate in his own little spot, just in case someone might want to try one. Fat chance they would have had!
Jay was a good cook, and took his turn at cooking while on the "330" I don't recall him saying what he cooked, but apparently anything was better than what the assigned cook put out. Poor LeRoy Schettl, the guys weren't much as fans of his productions. I guess Jay came by the cook part honestly, his Dad Thomas Gower use to cook for the Sheep Herd Camps when he was just a teenager. Guess some of it rubbed off.
Jay ran the "jittney" while he was with the "330". This ment he would load a small boat up with crew to go on Liberty, or pick up and deliver mail. They also made a tour of the other ships in harbor to trade off movies. I guess mail and movies were the best part of the job. He always was met with a great deal of glee when he brought either or both aboard.
You know Jay always had such an inferiority complex. He didn't feel as if he was liked by the men on the ships he served. Like being from the West Coast was some kind of a blight. Yet when the group started meeting together in 1987 everyone remembered Jay and had nothing but fond memories of serving with him. I believe his early years being alone so much with his Grand Dad Harris left him with some feelings of neglect by the rest of the family. He loved his Grand Dad, and they did many things together, but he didn't feel as if the rest of the family were very close. All except Afton, his sister. I think after Grand Dad died, Afton took over the mothering part of Jay's life.
I may have mentioned when Jay was 13 he had a ruptured appendix and had emergency surgery. I think his condition was rather iffy for awhile, and Afton stayed in the Hospital with him. That brought about a closeness that he felt even to the end of his life. While he was seriously ill before he passed away, he would cry out in his sleep for her. Unfortunately he did not have that kind of closeness with his brother LaMar. I guess the age difference was one of the resons.
All in all I think Jay was a gifted individual. He was self taught and very mechanical. Dawn takes after him in that department. It was always a fight between them when they would do anything together. Neither of them thought the other had the true vision of what they were doing. It was an adventure to watch them do anything together. They loved every minute of their projects. I was always happy to have another room to go to when they were working. It kept me out of their way, and out of their discussions. I never wanted to be the tie breaker.
You know I have mentioned other times about how honest Jay was, but I don't know if I have
mentioned before just how "equal" he was with his children. He could never do something for one that he could not duplicate for the other. If we saw a need one place, he would spend hours figuring out how he could equalize doing for the other. It was not in his nature to show partiality in the family. Guess it was just another manifestation of his "fairness".
I think I drug him along kicking and screaming into a number of things we did, but in the end he usually remarked he had enjoyed it. He took too long figuring out how a thing should go. Me, I just jumped in and paddled through it. What the heck - the most fun is learning as you go. If it was a wrong decision, then I just picked up the pieces and tried not to "go there" again.
The Christmas Paul wanted his 10 speed bike to complete some things in scouting. Jay had a pad and pencil out night after night figuring how to pay for such an expensive item and then be fair to Dawn who was so much younger, and not ready for such things. We haggled and hassled, fussed and fumed until finally he decided the need was far greater than trying to measure out the equality of the thing. Dawn never got that kind of a bike, but then she never had the need for anything like it either. We looked to do other things that fit her, that Paul never had. It does equaled out in the long run.
I think the one thing that Jay will be remembered for, well maybe two. One you couldn't tickle his knees and the other if you got him laughing for very long, he always got the hickups, which only made him laugh the more. Oh, and the constant adjusting of the rear vision mirror. You know I catch myself sometimes just tapping it for him. What delicious memories. Which leads me to once again say: "Merry Christmas" - with love - Grandma "R"
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
What's with the "head" bit?
You know for the life of me I haven't a clue. However, it seems to fit in very effectively with my Missions. So here is how that all goes: Jay and I were called to serve in the Family History Mission, only it was'nt concidered a Mission back in 1991-1992. We arrived to start work in November of 1991. It was a cold day, we were fortunate enough to have friends help us move to Salt Lake City. Jay was quite ill so he was left with Joyce Favor while the rest of us got the things moved into our Apartment. When we had things moved in, and a bed made for Jay, we brought him over and he went to bed for the rest of the day.
With that behind us, we settled into being oriented and given an assignment in the Indexing Dept. of the Mission. We worked on the 1881 British Census. I had a part time job of working on a small portion of the 1851 Census. Time went by quickly. We were into the Holiday Season, which is the most delightful experience we had ever had. Everything is decorated in Salt Lake City. You haven't really enjoyed Christmas if you haven't spent some time in Salt Lake City between Thanksgiving and the New Year. (Sorry it is taking me so long to get to the topic at hand, but can't help bringing in all the flavor of the time we I am talking about.)
Our Christmas party was not planned until after the first of the year. That was due to the amount of things that go on in the Church Office Building. So we missed that excitement at that time. On the Second of January Jay and I reported to work on the evening shift. There were few computers, so they decided to work two shifts so the maximum use could be accomplished, thus the work could move along better. We went to work at 11 a.m. and got off work at 7 p.m.
It wasn't bad working those hours, but we did still have to get up every morning and go to Devotional in the North Visitors Center on Temple Square. Helped with the laundry. The laundry room was usually easier to find space during the morning hours we were home. Anyway on the Second of January we got off work at 7 p.m. and went down to the garage to get our car to go home. Someone forgot to tell the cleaning people there were still Missionaries in the building and they had scrubbed the floor by the elevators so we had to use the stairs to go down to the garage. As fate would have it, this was the first day I wore a shoe with a higher heel. One of the heels got caught in a strip on the stairs, and my foot came out of the shoe. Of course I continue to walk, causing me to flip in the air and plunge down the remaining 9 steps to the cement landing below. I believe the only thing that saved me from a fatal injury was my "puffy jacket". As I was airborne, my jacket was gathered up around my neck and head which helped when the back of my head hit the solid surface of that landing. The Sister we took home every evening, who was behind me, said it sounded as if I had cracked my head open. As it happened I didn't. There was a fast rising bump about the size of a "twinky" however.
Security saw the whole thing on their cameras, and there was someone there in an instant. He kept asking me if I was O.K.? I could hardly hear him as my ears were ringing so loudly. In fact they still ring all the time. I couldn't focus my eyes and felt real dizzy. I was helped to the car and taken to the LDS Hospital where I was admitted into the ER. I seemed to hold things together pretty well until just before we entered the hospital then I felt faint. They held me for a little while until I was more stable. One of the nurses came into the room where we were waiting to see a Dr. and asked if I felt nauseous. I foolishly told her I did. She came in with a shot, which I was unfortunately allergic to. Pretty nearly shut down my breathing, but I faught through it. When the nurse came back she was upset that I hadn't let them know I had a reaction. What she didn't know was I wouldn't have let them do more. I couldn't be sure the cure would be worse than what I was going through.
I had an MRI which showed there were no fractures or clots. I had a concussion, but no further damage. They didn't want me to sleep of course, and I couldn't lay down, the pressure was too uncomfortable, so I pretty well stayed in a semi reclining position for about two weeks.
Even though I was still suffering shock, I insisted on returning to work. They found a very quiet corner for me with some paper work that didn't take too much mind envolvement. It was during this very weird time they had the Christmas Party. I had made a dress for the occasion while I was staying home. I thought I looked pretty good. Pictures taken showed the dress was great, but I looked as if I was spaced out to the max. Strange I didn't feel that bad, but looks don't lie.
After we returned home, we had a family gathering at Dawn and Greg's. Jay and I were getting things out of the trunk of the car. He thought I had gone into the house when actually I had just handed off what I had to someone else, and turned back to get something else out of the trunk. Jay did not see me and slammed the trunk lid down on my head. I saw stars for a short time but came out of it with another bump on my head about the same place of the first one. Jay was so upset. Well, not as much as I was!
Then there was the experience in my Second Mission in 2004. Our Devotionals were usually started Friday Mornings with a pre program, put on by one or a group of Missionaries. It was voluntary of course. I told Sister Jurgenson I would like to get a group together to do a program; she was delighted to have me put something together. I went to the group I entered the Mission with who had some pretty good singers in it. I got all the music together and then asked for a couple solos and a couple mixed quartet numbers. It was difficult getting together
to practice but I kept after the group and was fairly successful. Fortunately for me, we were posponed due to some other schedule changes. As it turned out we were the last group to perform before they dropped the pre programs from the Devotionals. Now you might wonder what all this had to do with my head. Well, one of the last practices I scheduled was to be in the Training Lab. I arrived with all the music in tow and pleased to find some of the quartet ready to practice. The final member came into the lab, I didn't see him, I had my back to him. As he passed the speaker used in the lab, he kicked it with his foot accidentally. It was on a tall and flimsy stand that toppled and headed in my direction. There was no way I could see it, and no warning could have helped. The speaker about the size of a Television came straight for my head. It not only knocked me silly, but threw me about 5' forward flat on my face. My clothes were all ascue and left me in rather an unfortunate condition on the floor. It took me awhile to find my sences. I tried to straighten out my clothes and get to my feet. You guessed it, same place on my head. They sent me down to the Dr. who checked me over and felt I was O.K., but had a nasty bump on the back of my head. (So what else was new?) We had our practice, and our program, when it was time to perform, went beautiful. I think everyone loved it. I had picked all Primary songs. I found a very old Primary Song Book, and we used songs that were ones many of the Missionaries had sung when they were in Primary.
Well that is the tale of my "head". I am greatful that I have a skull that can take all this banging around. Of course you will remember that I had my head put through the windshield in that Auto Accident in 1952. If I seem "rattled" at times, purhaps you will excuse me on the grounds I have been "hit in the head" too many times.
Written this 9th day of December 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg
With that behind us, we settled into being oriented and given an assignment in the Indexing Dept. of the Mission. We worked on the 1881 British Census. I had a part time job of working on a small portion of the 1851 Census. Time went by quickly. We were into the Holiday Season, which is the most delightful experience we had ever had. Everything is decorated in Salt Lake City. You haven't really enjoyed Christmas if you haven't spent some time in Salt Lake City between Thanksgiving and the New Year. (Sorry it is taking me so long to get to the topic at hand, but can't help bringing in all the flavor of the time we I am talking about.)
Our Christmas party was not planned until after the first of the year. That was due to the amount of things that go on in the Church Office Building. So we missed that excitement at that time. On the Second of January Jay and I reported to work on the evening shift. There were few computers, so they decided to work two shifts so the maximum use could be accomplished, thus the work could move along better. We went to work at 11 a.m. and got off work at 7 p.m.
It wasn't bad working those hours, but we did still have to get up every morning and go to Devotional in the North Visitors Center on Temple Square. Helped with the laundry. The laundry room was usually easier to find space during the morning hours we were home. Anyway on the Second of January we got off work at 7 p.m. and went down to the garage to get our car to go home. Someone forgot to tell the cleaning people there were still Missionaries in the building and they had scrubbed the floor by the elevators so we had to use the stairs to go down to the garage. As fate would have it, this was the first day I wore a shoe with a higher heel. One of the heels got caught in a strip on the stairs, and my foot came out of the shoe. Of course I continue to walk, causing me to flip in the air and plunge down the remaining 9 steps to the cement landing below. I believe the only thing that saved me from a fatal injury was my "puffy jacket". As I was airborne, my jacket was gathered up around my neck and head which helped when the back of my head hit the solid surface of that landing. The Sister we took home every evening, who was behind me, said it sounded as if I had cracked my head open. As it happened I didn't. There was a fast rising bump about the size of a "twinky" however.
Security saw the whole thing on their cameras, and there was someone there in an instant. He kept asking me if I was O.K.? I could hardly hear him as my ears were ringing so loudly. In fact they still ring all the time. I couldn't focus my eyes and felt real dizzy. I was helped to the car and taken to the LDS Hospital where I was admitted into the ER. I seemed to hold things together pretty well until just before we entered the hospital then I felt faint. They held me for a little while until I was more stable. One of the nurses came into the room where we were waiting to see a Dr. and asked if I felt nauseous. I foolishly told her I did. She came in with a shot, which I was unfortunately allergic to. Pretty nearly shut down my breathing, but I faught through it. When the nurse came back she was upset that I hadn't let them know I had a reaction. What she didn't know was I wouldn't have let them do more. I couldn't be sure the cure would be worse than what I was going through.
I had an MRI which showed there were no fractures or clots. I had a concussion, but no further damage. They didn't want me to sleep of course, and I couldn't lay down, the pressure was too uncomfortable, so I pretty well stayed in a semi reclining position for about two weeks.
Even though I was still suffering shock, I insisted on returning to work. They found a very quiet corner for me with some paper work that didn't take too much mind envolvement. It was during this very weird time they had the Christmas Party. I had made a dress for the occasion while I was staying home. I thought I looked pretty good. Pictures taken showed the dress was great, but I looked as if I was spaced out to the max. Strange I didn't feel that bad, but looks don't lie.
After we returned home, we had a family gathering at Dawn and Greg's. Jay and I were getting things out of the trunk of the car. He thought I had gone into the house when actually I had just handed off what I had to someone else, and turned back to get something else out of the trunk. Jay did not see me and slammed the trunk lid down on my head. I saw stars for a short time but came out of it with another bump on my head about the same place of the first one. Jay was so upset. Well, not as much as I was!
Then there was the experience in my Second Mission in 2004. Our Devotionals were usually started Friday Mornings with a pre program, put on by one or a group of Missionaries. It was voluntary of course. I told Sister Jurgenson I would like to get a group together to do a program; she was delighted to have me put something together. I went to the group I entered the Mission with who had some pretty good singers in it. I got all the music together and then asked for a couple solos and a couple mixed quartet numbers. It was difficult getting together
to practice but I kept after the group and was fairly successful. Fortunately for me, we were posponed due to some other schedule changes. As it turned out we were the last group to perform before they dropped the pre programs from the Devotionals. Now you might wonder what all this had to do with my head. Well, one of the last practices I scheduled was to be in the Training Lab. I arrived with all the music in tow and pleased to find some of the quartet ready to practice. The final member came into the lab, I didn't see him, I had my back to him. As he passed the speaker used in the lab, he kicked it with his foot accidentally. It was on a tall and flimsy stand that toppled and headed in my direction. There was no way I could see it, and no warning could have helped. The speaker about the size of a Television came straight for my head. It not only knocked me silly, but threw me about 5' forward flat on my face. My clothes were all ascue and left me in rather an unfortunate condition on the floor. It took me awhile to find my sences. I tried to straighten out my clothes and get to my feet. You guessed it, same place on my head. They sent me down to the Dr. who checked me over and felt I was O.K., but had a nasty bump on the back of my head. (So what else was new?) We had our practice, and our program, when it was time to perform, went beautiful. I think everyone loved it. I had picked all Primary songs. I found a very old Primary Song Book, and we used songs that were ones many of the Missionaries had sung when they were in Primary.
Well that is the tale of my "head". I am greatful that I have a skull that can take all this banging around. Of course you will remember that I had my head put through the windshield in that Auto Accident in 1952. If I seem "rattled" at times, purhaps you will excuse me on the grounds I have been "hit in the head" too many times.
Written this 9th day of December 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Monday, December 7, 2009
How A Family Grows
I guess it takes growing older to think about such things. Like the world, there is no beginning and no end. However we tend to think in our own space, and so it is with this. Our Family has grown quite remarkably I believe. I won't concider the amount of people in the background who have been instrumental in getting us here, but only from where We began. By that I mean Jay and myself.
It has always facinated me that all the Smith Kids born in Ohio and moving to California married "prune pickers" or mates who were all born in California. Who knew? Then in my case who could have guess that a family move from Utah would be the reason that Jay was the only one in his family who WAS born in California. Small things that made big differences.
I have written previously about our meeting and getting married, so that wouldn't fit here, but it is the reason for the "posting". We were young, hardly prepared for parenting, but then, as I scan life, I don't believe anyone is really ready for the job. One thing becomes very clear, very quickly, it is a "forever" job. Once you become a parent, you will always be, just that! The kids never grow too big for a parent to be concerned, or interested in what happens. Well for most parents. I suppose there are exceptions, but they are not the norm.
Speaking as a mother, the marvel of being responsible for something so fabulous as the small person who has been created within is awesome. A word I don't use too often. Just looking at those features, the tiny fingers and toes, the cute little nose, well, you get the idea. How great is the fact such a wonder can be created from two people who meet, choose to join in a relationship that is remarkable in itself.
Babies seem to come with their own "purse" with no script included. How does the finance work out? I have no clue. I only know that the ability to care for them, seems to be a natural thing with most families. It doesn't necesarily mean there is an increase in finances, just that the amount of sacrifice that is needed always seems to come without a great deal of trouble. It just seems to be a part of the job of parenting.
I cannot imagine life without either of my children. They are both different in their own way, and yet they are such a great part of their Dad and myself. The love needed just seems to be present without the slightest ripple or change in everyday life. How does that happen? I have no idea, it just does. I guess when God put this plan together He thought it through to the point that instant change was natural when it came to becoming parents. One day you are two and then suddenly you are "added upon". It is even more wonderful when the time comes to become Grandparents. As I look back over the past years, I cannot remember a time when each of the Grand Children weren't part of our lives, and yet, a life time was lived before they came upon the scene.
Now at the age I am I have the wonder of enjoying the entrance into my life of Great Grand Children. What did I ever do without them? They add so much to life, and the joy of seeing them grow and learn and become is just as exciting. How could it all happen so quickly? I don't know, but I am so greatful for the wonder of it all. As parents we stand back and watch our children grow, develope and learn, much as we did. Too soon, in most cases, they find someone that they want to be with, and their family begins. Where does the time go? We all come into
this world totally helpless and dependant. Parents are there to help us along lifes way.
I am greatful for the opportunities I had to be a parent to my children. I am not unaware of the fact I made mistakes along the way, but appreciate the fact none were so drastic as to curb my children from growing into great adults.
I know, or have learned, that I Am A Child Of God. My "turn on earth" has allowed me to witness the beginning of a number of other of God's children have their turn as well. Having been given such blessings as children, grand children and now great grand children has truly made this journey worth the effort it has taken to get me this far. How choice a family is. We sometimes think it is just coincidence, but I am beginning to believe that we do have a great deal of choice in everything that happens. Just how this all works, I am not at all sure, but I do believe we are where we are ment to be. So I have to thank each of you for coming into my life. For extending to me your love. I don't know what I would do without any of you. Your
so special.
To my Children, thanks for putting up with me. To my Grand Children, you will never know the joy you have brought me. Thank you for adding such wonderful Grand Children-in-law for me.
To the Great Grand Children, etc. You have been more than I could have hoped for. I pray you will always be able to fill your dreams to the fullest. I leave you my blessing and love for time and for all eternity.
Written this 7th day of December 2009
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
It has always facinated me that all the Smith Kids born in Ohio and moving to California married "prune pickers" or mates who were all born in California. Who knew? Then in my case who could have guess that a family move from Utah would be the reason that Jay was the only one in his family who WAS born in California. Small things that made big differences.
I have written previously about our meeting and getting married, so that wouldn't fit here, but it is the reason for the "posting". We were young, hardly prepared for parenting, but then, as I scan life, I don't believe anyone is really ready for the job. One thing becomes very clear, very quickly, it is a "forever" job. Once you become a parent, you will always be, just that! The kids never grow too big for a parent to be concerned, or interested in what happens. Well for most parents. I suppose there are exceptions, but they are not the norm.
Speaking as a mother, the marvel of being responsible for something so fabulous as the small person who has been created within is awesome. A word I don't use too often. Just looking at those features, the tiny fingers and toes, the cute little nose, well, you get the idea. How great is the fact such a wonder can be created from two people who meet, choose to join in a relationship that is remarkable in itself.
Babies seem to come with their own "purse" with no script included. How does the finance work out? I have no clue. I only know that the ability to care for them, seems to be a natural thing with most families. It doesn't necesarily mean there is an increase in finances, just that the amount of sacrifice that is needed always seems to come without a great deal of trouble. It just seems to be a part of the job of parenting.
I cannot imagine life without either of my children. They are both different in their own way, and yet they are such a great part of their Dad and myself. The love needed just seems to be present without the slightest ripple or change in everyday life. How does that happen? I have no idea, it just does. I guess when God put this plan together He thought it through to the point that instant change was natural when it came to becoming parents. One day you are two and then suddenly you are "added upon". It is even more wonderful when the time comes to become Grandparents. As I look back over the past years, I cannot remember a time when each of the Grand Children weren't part of our lives, and yet, a life time was lived before they came upon the scene.
Now at the age I am I have the wonder of enjoying the entrance into my life of Great Grand Children. What did I ever do without them? They add so much to life, and the joy of seeing them grow and learn and become is just as exciting. How could it all happen so quickly? I don't know, but I am so greatful for the wonder of it all. As parents we stand back and watch our children grow, develope and learn, much as we did. Too soon, in most cases, they find someone that they want to be with, and their family begins. Where does the time go? We all come into
this world totally helpless and dependant. Parents are there to help us along lifes way.
I am greatful for the opportunities I had to be a parent to my children. I am not unaware of the fact I made mistakes along the way, but appreciate the fact none were so drastic as to curb my children from growing into great adults.
I know, or have learned, that I Am A Child Of God. My "turn on earth" has allowed me to witness the beginning of a number of other of God's children have their turn as well. Having been given such blessings as children, grand children and now great grand children has truly made this journey worth the effort it has taken to get me this far. How choice a family is. We sometimes think it is just coincidence, but I am beginning to believe that we do have a great deal of choice in everything that happens. Just how this all works, I am not at all sure, but I do believe we are where we are ment to be. So I have to thank each of you for coming into my life. For extending to me your love. I don't know what I would do without any of you. Your
so special.
To my Children, thanks for putting up with me. To my Grand Children, you will never know the joy you have brought me. Thank you for adding such wonderful Grand Children-in-law for me.
To the Great Grand Children, etc. You have been more than I could have hoped for. I pray you will always be able to fill your dreams to the fullest. I leave you my blessing and love for time and for all eternity.
Written this 7th day of December 2009
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Catch Your Star and Enjoy the Journey
Coming toward the end of the year I suppose most people are thinking of "resolutions" I never do that. I just keep plodding along and make the most of what is presented to me on a day to day basis. If I were to leave any advise it would be to "catch your own star", hang on and "enjoy the journey". Life can be all "you can make of it", not what society sets up as a way to live. I guess I took very seriously the addage my Mother set for me: "your clean and paid for". What more can anyone ask?
Of course when I was small, nobody was very well off, but then, we didn't realize that. We had a roof over our head and food on the table and clothes to cover us. I don't recall ever being cold in our home, or hungry, except just before we sat down to eat. I may not have liked everything that was on the table, but there was always bread and butter and of course p-nut butter and jam or jelly.
When we put too much into what others have and think too little of what we have, we lose sight of why we are really here. We don't need to pass everyone around us, we just need to keep moving and hopefully in the right direction. There are times we think our parents "don't understand". That is because we forget they had to pass this way once themselves. They had their "demons" to overcome, in their own time and in their own way. Along that way they had picked up some pretty valuable "smarts". If they say "no", they usually have a darn good reason for saying it. The fact we "don't want to hear it" has very little to do with what should be done!
So many bumps and bruises have been experienced by those older than us, we need to look at what they may "really know" as compared to what our narrow understanding of "what" is "really what".
I will admit I had a stubburn streak and bullheaded at times, but I was so greatful for a Dad who could point me in the right direction - even when I went grumbbling away from his advise. I never regretted taking it once I got a little way along the "road of life".
You know, we didn't come here to fail. We came here to learn, advance, enjoy and be happy. Now it only depends on how much time we spend working to that end instead of fighting against the tide. It isn't hard to find happiness around us. We just need to look for it. It is not always like the sunshine that we can see or feel. I guess what I am saying is: "life is what YOU make it".
No one can make us happy, we have to "be happy". It comes from within, not from without.
I guess it is like the two little boys who are in a room full of manure. One just sets down and cries, while the other little boy starts digging with excitement sure there has to be a pony in the room. Kind of a drastic picture to imagine, but it certainly brings the point into view. We can't just set down and wait for something to happen, we have to be actively engaged in making good things happen around us. Like the girl who is always smiling, making everyone else wonder what she knows that they have missed?
I learned some time ago to reply to a request to do something with "I'd be happy to". It makes me feel good, and it sure makes the one asking feel lifted because of such a positive reply. I may not always be "happy to", but I start out with that thought, and find in the end, it was O.K. I think the Hymn that asks us to: "brighten the corner where you are", has a great suggestion for life. Another one says: "there is sunshine in my soul today". It won't be there if we are not looking for or putting it there. I learned in Scouts it takes more nerves in your face to frown than to smile.
I suggest you "be happy" because You Are A Child of GOD. If: "life gets dark and dreary, don't forge to pray"! And remember - no matter where I am, I Love You!
Written the 3 day of December 2009
by: Grandma Rosenberg
Of course when I was small, nobody was very well off, but then, we didn't realize that. We had a roof over our head and food on the table and clothes to cover us. I don't recall ever being cold in our home, or hungry, except just before we sat down to eat. I may not have liked everything that was on the table, but there was always bread and butter and of course p-nut butter and jam or jelly.
When we put too much into what others have and think too little of what we have, we lose sight of why we are really here. We don't need to pass everyone around us, we just need to keep moving and hopefully in the right direction. There are times we think our parents "don't understand". That is because we forget they had to pass this way once themselves. They had their "demons" to overcome, in their own time and in their own way. Along that way they had picked up some pretty valuable "smarts". If they say "no", they usually have a darn good reason for saying it. The fact we "don't want to hear it" has very little to do with what should be done!
So many bumps and bruises have been experienced by those older than us, we need to look at what they may "really know" as compared to what our narrow understanding of "what" is "really what".
I will admit I had a stubburn streak and bullheaded at times, but I was so greatful for a Dad who could point me in the right direction - even when I went grumbbling away from his advise. I never regretted taking it once I got a little way along the "road of life".
You know, we didn't come here to fail. We came here to learn, advance, enjoy and be happy. Now it only depends on how much time we spend working to that end instead of fighting against the tide. It isn't hard to find happiness around us. We just need to look for it. It is not always like the sunshine that we can see or feel. I guess what I am saying is: "life is what YOU make it".
No one can make us happy, we have to "be happy". It comes from within, not from without.
I guess it is like the two little boys who are in a room full of manure. One just sets down and cries, while the other little boy starts digging with excitement sure there has to be a pony in the room. Kind of a drastic picture to imagine, but it certainly brings the point into view. We can't just set down and wait for something to happen, we have to be actively engaged in making good things happen around us. Like the girl who is always smiling, making everyone else wonder what she knows that they have missed?
I learned some time ago to reply to a request to do something with "I'd be happy to". It makes me feel good, and it sure makes the one asking feel lifted because of such a positive reply. I may not always be "happy to", but I start out with that thought, and find in the end, it was O.K. I think the Hymn that asks us to: "brighten the corner where you are", has a great suggestion for life. Another one says: "there is sunshine in my soul today". It won't be there if we are not looking for or putting it there. I learned in Scouts it takes more nerves in your face to frown than to smile.
I suggest you "be happy" because You Are A Child of GOD. If: "life gets dark and dreary, don't forge to pray"! And remember - no matter where I am, I Love You!
Written the 3 day of December 2009
by: Grandma Rosenberg
USS LSM 330 Remembrances
I am not sure if you knew that we had put out a book about the ship Jay served on in the Second World War? It started out, hopefully, as a small edition for the 50th Anniversary of the ships commissioning. There was a reunion planned for the occasion in Winter Park, Florida. We had asked all the Crew Members and Officers to submit pictures, stories, etc. for the Book of Remembrance. It was like pulling teeth, but things started to come in slowly, and with a great deal of prodding the final result was quite amazing.
Our hopes were it would exceed 20 pages. As it turned out we had nearly that many pages of pictures alone. I asked a couple of friends to help with the artwork that was used to make dividers for the different sections and Ronald Smith did all the type setting and headings for the edition. We had Poor Richards Press here in Paso Robles do the printing, and they were so helpful with the project that took nearly a year to complete.
Binder (3" size) were purchased and the assemling of the pages began as the sections were started. We had to reconfigure them a number of times, as things kept arriving. A large portion of the books were mailed to members who had never come to any of the reunions, but had served with the crew at one time or another. The price of those books was paid for by the active members. We did not recieve one Thank You from any of those mailings, but I am sure they were received with a great deal of interest.
There had been some contention among a few of the Crew Members about our trying to "take over" the Group. We had been aware of this, and had become quite unsure of just how they would critique the Book when they received it. I was so sensitive about it that we sent all the books to the Hotel for Richard Sewell (one of the Captains) to receive before we arrived. I did not want to be there when they were passed out so Jay and I made a side trip to the Orlando, Florida Temple to do a Session. By the time we arrived, everyone was setting around the Hospitality Room going through their Copy of the Book and amazed at just how much had been gathered and included. Things most of them had never seen of knew about. It was a heart warming experience for everyone, and a great relief for us.
One of the men came to us and Thanked us, most appreciated all the work as he had lost all his Navy things in a flood many years ago. The rest were surprised and appreciated the time and efford we had put into getting so much information together for them.
It was a bitter sweet moment. Sam Ray the Exec. Officer and main drive of getting the Group together the first time in 1987, had cancer and was slowing loosing his battle with it while the Book was being put together. We fortunately finished it before he passed away a few weeks before the Reunion. We had sent his copy to him in the Hospital where he had a chance to see and enjoy it. This was a very great joy for me, because Sam had always been such a constant support for the work and ever ready to review and give council when needed. A copy was sent to the Sisters of Greg Mullian who was the Radioman aboard who had spent countless hours getting the addresses and information on the Crew Members for the Second Reunion that was held in Orlando, Florida in 1989. Greg passed away before the Third Reunion in San Diego, California in 1991 from heart desease. The Book was Dedicated in his honor.
When the National Association of the LSM held their reunion in Omaha, Nebraska after the USS LSM 55 was brought back to the United States from Greece there was a lot of video available. The grandson of Kenneth and Ann Kelly was interested in taking a lot of video of a ship like the one his deceased grand father had served on. The ship at that time was being docked at Freedom Park in Omaha. We had a chance to tour it. Many volunteer hours had been spent in restoring the ship. The sad part for me was the Vaporators (what Jay had maintained) were not restored. Bob Killick showed me where they should have been. Jay was not able to make this reunion due to his failing health.
While I was visiting the Gift Shop I noticed there was a Video available of the Group who went to Greece and got the ship and stayed aboard while she was towed back to the US. It also included the arrival and all the fanfare of it being brought to Freedom Park. We were able to get a copy of the video Ken's grandson made and joined it with the one I had bought in the gift shop. This was the Suprise Gift everyone received at the last Reunion the Group held in Charlotte, South Carolina. Copies were likewise sent to all those still surviving that could not attend.
Jay was first asked to be Treasurer for the LSM 330 Group in 1989 then had the job expanded to Secretary/Treasure when Greg Mullian passed away in 1991. He held that possition until he passed away in 2003.
I issued an invitation to the Group to assign another for the jobs Jay had held, but no one wanted to take on the responsibility. They all told me that no one could do the job better than me now that Jay had passed away. So I am still the Secretary/Treasurer for what is now knows as the "USS LSM 330 Family" I have enjoyed keeping in touch with the members and their families. We have a great many widows now, but we are like family and want to keep them close. There are not enough to make the minimum requirements to plan Reunions any longer. That was a big job for us, but one we got a great deal of pleasure out of arranging. We always rented a large Van to get people without cars to and from the various venues we planned. Some of those trips really showed off my "amazing" driving skills. There were many hours of pleasure spent together I can tell you. It is sad to report the passing of friends, but part of the job I assumed. We started out with about 80 known who had served aboard the Ship. Not all of them however participated in any of the things planned. I guess that was because they either did not stay aboard very long, or were part of those who made up the Company for the "Flag Ship" that the "330" was during the build up for the invasion of Japan. Toward the end of the War in the Pacific men were rotated out by "points" determined by how long they had served. This ment a great deal of shifting of assignments over a short space of time as the men rotated to go home. I believe there were only a handful left aboard when the ship arrived in New Orleans to be de-commissioned. Jay was one of 7 at that time. He returned home to California on a Troup Train.
The saddest part of this story is the USS LSM 55 that was so carefully restored and so expensively gained by the National Association was never able to find a permanent home. She was shifted from Freedom Park in Omaha, Nebraska to Cherry Point the North Carolina and I believe even moved one other time before it was impossible to find a permanent home for the last remaining LSM afloat. She has been scraped like all her Sister Ships. A part of History lost forever, except in our Book of Remembrance and the Video that was so loveingly made and in the care of those who served aboard the "330".
Oh! and a copy of the Book has been sent to and now resides in the Library of Congress.
Written this 3 day of December 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Our hopes were it would exceed 20 pages. As it turned out we had nearly that many pages of pictures alone. I asked a couple of friends to help with the artwork that was used to make dividers for the different sections and Ronald Smith did all the type setting and headings for the edition. We had Poor Richards Press here in Paso Robles do the printing, and they were so helpful with the project that took nearly a year to complete.
Binder (3" size) were purchased and the assemling of the pages began as the sections were started. We had to reconfigure them a number of times, as things kept arriving. A large portion of the books were mailed to members who had never come to any of the reunions, but had served with the crew at one time or another. The price of those books was paid for by the active members. We did not recieve one Thank You from any of those mailings, but I am sure they were received with a great deal of interest.
There had been some contention among a few of the Crew Members about our trying to "take over" the Group. We had been aware of this, and had become quite unsure of just how they would critique the Book when they received it. I was so sensitive about it that we sent all the books to the Hotel for Richard Sewell (one of the Captains) to receive before we arrived. I did not want to be there when they were passed out so Jay and I made a side trip to the Orlando, Florida Temple to do a Session. By the time we arrived, everyone was setting around the Hospitality Room going through their Copy of the Book and amazed at just how much had been gathered and included. Things most of them had never seen of knew about. It was a heart warming experience for everyone, and a great relief for us.
One of the men came to us and Thanked us, most appreciated all the work as he had lost all his Navy things in a flood many years ago. The rest were surprised and appreciated the time and efford we had put into getting so much information together for them.
It was a bitter sweet moment. Sam Ray the Exec. Officer and main drive of getting the Group together the first time in 1987, had cancer and was slowing loosing his battle with it while the Book was being put together. We fortunately finished it before he passed away a few weeks before the Reunion. We had sent his copy to him in the Hospital where he had a chance to see and enjoy it. This was a very great joy for me, because Sam had always been such a constant support for the work and ever ready to review and give council when needed. A copy was sent to the Sisters of Greg Mullian who was the Radioman aboard who had spent countless hours getting the addresses and information on the Crew Members for the Second Reunion that was held in Orlando, Florida in 1989. Greg passed away before the Third Reunion in San Diego, California in 1991 from heart desease. The Book was Dedicated in his honor.
When the National Association of the LSM held their reunion in Omaha, Nebraska after the USS LSM 55 was brought back to the United States from Greece there was a lot of video available. The grandson of Kenneth and Ann Kelly was interested in taking a lot of video of a ship like the one his deceased grand father had served on. The ship at that time was being docked at Freedom Park in Omaha. We had a chance to tour it. Many volunteer hours had been spent in restoring the ship. The sad part for me was the Vaporators (what Jay had maintained) were not restored. Bob Killick showed me where they should have been. Jay was not able to make this reunion due to his failing health.
While I was visiting the Gift Shop I noticed there was a Video available of the Group who went to Greece and got the ship and stayed aboard while she was towed back to the US. It also included the arrival and all the fanfare of it being brought to Freedom Park. We were able to get a copy of the video Ken's grandson made and joined it with the one I had bought in the gift shop. This was the Suprise Gift everyone received at the last Reunion the Group held in Charlotte, South Carolina. Copies were likewise sent to all those still surviving that could not attend.
Jay was first asked to be Treasurer for the LSM 330 Group in 1989 then had the job expanded to Secretary/Treasure when Greg Mullian passed away in 1991. He held that possition until he passed away in 2003.
I issued an invitation to the Group to assign another for the jobs Jay had held, but no one wanted to take on the responsibility. They all told me that no one could do the job better than me now that Jay had passed away. So I am still the Secretary/Treasurer for what is now knows as the "USS LSM 330 Family" I have enjoyed keeping in touch with the members and their families. We have a great many widows now, but we are like family and want to keep them close. There are not enough to make the minimum requirements to plan Reunions any longer. That was a big job for us, but one we got a great deal of pleasure out of arranging. We always rented a large Van to get people without cars to and from the various venues we planned. Some of those trips really showed off my "amazing" driving skills. There were many hours of pleasure spent together I can tell you. It is sad to report the passing of friends, but part of the job I assumed. We started out with about 80 known who had served aboard the Ship. Not all of them however participated in any of the things planned. I guess that was because they either did not stay aboard very long, or were part of those who made up the Company for the "Flag Ship" that the "330" was during the build up for the invasion of Japan. Toward the end of the War in the Pacific men were rotated out by "points" determined by how long they had served. This ment a great deal of shifting of assignments over a short space of time as the men rotated to go home. I believe there were only a handful left aboard when the ship arrived in New Orleans to be de-commissioned. Jay was one of 7 at that time. He returned home to California on a Troup Train.
The saddest part of this story is the USS LSM 55 that was so carefully restored and so expensively gained by the National Association was never able to find a permanent home. She was shifted from Freedom Park in Omaha, Nebraska to Cherry Point the North Carolina and I believe even moved one other time before it was impossible to find a permanent home for the last remaining LSM afloat. She has been scraped like all her Sister Ships. A part of History lost forever, except in our Book of Remembrance and the Video that was so loveingly made and in the care of those who served aboard the "330".
Oh! and a copy of the Book has been sent to and now resides in the Library of Congress.
Written this 3 day of December 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg
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