When you get to be my age, the thought of adding another member to the family always stirs the thinking about: "how did we ever get along with him/her? There never seems to be an answer. Each addition seems to come with their own bag of love. It is instantaneous. They fit - in every way. Amazing.
Now, it doesn't matter if they are male or female. Once they make their grand entrance, with Mothers help of course, the guessing starts. Oh, he/she looks just like, and the great expression of wonderment is off to the races. Now we all know the new member of the family will have any number of 'looks' in a very short time. Like their personality, they develope their own persona gradually. Never the less, the guessing continues until everyone makes the 'brilliant' if not 'amazing' conclusion that they: 'look just like themselves'.
They fit in just like they were 'always there'. How is that? I haven't the slightest idea, but it happens just as gradually as the changes take place and everyone settles back into normal routines about the place, never realizing they have witnessed a 'miracle'. Hows that you say? Well think about it. With the first arrival, two are now three. The changes in life take a sharp curve. We can no longer just pick up and go - any place. There now has to be a serious concideration of what will be needed in the time we plan on being away from the house. Diaper Bags become a very important part of every excursion. The additional time in getting ready along with everything else just seems to fit in beautifully. Where once a couple only had to think about getting themselves ready, now two are making the necessary 'gatherings' for the addition, or what has now become 'the family'.
You know in the Musical Flower Drum Song the theme song tells us: "A hundred million miracles are happening everyday!". An addition to any family, wether it is the first of the fifth brings a portion of that number into our lives. Not only the Mother and Father of the 'new addition' are
witnessing the change, every member of the extended family enter into a new phase of their lives as well. When a wife becomes a mother and a husband becomes a father, every other member of the family takes on a different title as well. What was Mother, now is Grand Mother. That makes Father/Dad, a Grand Father. Brothers become Uncles and Sisters become Aunts. Grand Mothers and Grand Fathers have a Great added to their title. Oh, they haven't changed, they have merely been 'added upon'.
I can't help to marvel at the thought of adding 'one more' to the family. What a miracle it is. In "Love Comes Softly" Marty tells Missy - "love spills over", as her explanation of how she got her baby. Kind of simplified, but I think it is more truth than poetry. The great miracle that follows is how much love flows from the family sources when the news is announced and how that love is building everyday the wait is adding up the days until the 'coming forth' of the new little one.
I can remember leaning on the side of the crib of each of my Grand Children and drinking in the sheer pleasure of this new little one who had come to be with us. Each one came with their own wonderful self to become such a great part of life for us all. They never stay little long enough, but the thrill of seeing them grow, develope and become their own person, well there is just no words to discribe the excitement and happiness each of them brought. How did we get along without them before they got here? Yet, we did. Another miracle. We don't know what we have missed until something so grand has been presented to us. It is such a wonder to me. Little girls are generally so impressed with their 'mommies' they want to grow up and be just like theirs. Or so it was when I was little. Times change, the fast pace of life seems to have changed a lot of those kinds of thoughts. Little girls today seem to think being 'cheer leaders' is pretty niffty. Never the less most grow up and become 'mommies' after all.
Well another addition is coming to our family. We just had one - a month and 10 days ago. That is the beauty of being Great Grand Ma - there are a number of the younger generation who are still willing to invite another little one into their family, thusly into mine as well. How greatful I am for the ability to share the excitement with the rest of the family. It is so pleasing to say, "there is always room for one more".
May the LORD bless and keep Tina in HIS tender arms and bless her with the comfort that only HE can give. Congratulations - to the Slanes.
Written this 26th day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
These Are Moments 'I' Remember
By now, Keara may be wishing she had published my 'Ramblings' at the end of 2009. That being said, here is another one.
It seems there are always those moments in life that are like haunting melodies, they keep cropping up in my mind. The ones that are not fun, I like to push to the background. Then there are those that make remem-
bering very pleasurable. Here are some I would like to share with you.
I won't dig too deep however.
Realizing the 'kids' were going to leave the nest. Paul first on his Mission and then out on his own to make a life of his own. Quite a change in the household.
Experiencing the changes in the kids as they struggled making the choices that came along. Some were pretty exciting, while some were scarey. It wasn't what they were that brought the feelings, rather it was the trying to stay out of the way while they had them. Being parents can bring some pretty trying times. I guess it goes along with that saying: "if experience is the best teacher, how come it has such a bad reputation?" You know as much as parents hope to avoid the pitfalls of life for their children, the more they learn, each has to find out in their own way. Guidance needs to be part of the experience, true, but not interference at all the wrong times. It doesn't take long to learn. The first rule is to never say: "Oh, my kid would never do that!"
Making moves when Jays' work needs dictated it. Hard on the kids and not a breeze for me either, but in each case, the family was concidered as much as could be. Finding in each case how the way was paved with the most remarkable circumstances.
How do you take care of the responsibilities of the house? Lets see!
When Jay went into the Navy for the Korean Conflict, we had been through such a hard time losing our first home in Norwalk. Now how could we manage keeping the one in Rivera? The story of Jay's recall went through the neighborhood. Someone came to the front door and asked if we were going to rent the house? Of course we had to. We had just bought the house and replaced our car. Two pretty big payments that any job I might get would hardly meet the expenses. The Navy wasn't going to lend that much to our income either. This couple had been living in a Trailer and promised they would take care of the property for us. We had little choice, and the offer from both sides was acceptable, so Paul and I moved in with my parents and left our house, furnished, to be cared for by 'renters'.
When work was slow for the 'transit mixer' Jay went with other 'Bandits' looking for work someplace North. Jay and Uncle Mack found work in Taft for their Trucks. The Oilfields and the California Aquaduct would keep them busy. After some months of trying to work away from home it was decided we should move the family. Paul was to be a Senior and Dawn was finishing up her 6th grade. Not an ideal time to be moving schools. Then there was the house. Again the news was all over the neighborhood. The kids complaining about having to leave, etc. One day, again, someone came to the front door and asked if we were going to sell. You guessed it, a contract was agreed upon, and with little trouble we packed up and moved to Taft.
Jay had been looking for a home for us. A Minister of one of the local Churches had bought a new home, under construction, then got upset with the congregation and moved out of town. The house was available, Jay had been working in the Tract so went to the Realtor and a deal was made to take over the contract - we had a home, only it wasn't ready when we moved to Taft. The Garage was finished enough we could store our furniture and 'stuff'. We lived in the tiny one bedroom apt. that Jay and Mack rented. Mack eventually moved back to Southern California to work. Jay continued on at Hartman Redimix and we lived in the Apt until the house was finished.
When, again, work ran out, Dawn was graduating from High School, so Jay went South to locate work for the Truck. He found building was at a peek in the Orange County Area, so he started looking for a place for us.
I know this sounds repaticious, but again, someone came to the door and asked if we were going to sell. The house across the street from us was for sale and the woman had looked at it but felt the price was too high. The houses were alike, only our house had a portable pool instead of a regular pool. Ours was in the ground, but of course not the value of the built in across the street. A contract was agreed upon - the house was sold.
The house we found in Anaheim was not in the most glamourous part of town, but close to Disneyland. Jay did some upgrading in the back bedroom and kitchen area. Made a closed in room off the back bedroom and painted inside and out. We were comfortable there but, Jay was ready to sell the Truck and retire. I didn't want to stay in the area. Dawn, Greg and the Grand Children were in Atascadero and Paul was still, at that time, in Bakersfield. It was a struggle, but I finally edged Jay towards a move, closer to the Kids. He wasn't sure about it, but while I was with Dawn for Shaylas' birth, I located a new Construction Area in Paso Robles that I thought was a good place for us to retire. When Jay came up he thought it might be fine, so we talked to a Realtor about selling the house in Anaheim. Not good news. She said property in the area was not moving and the price Jay wanted was way out of line. She would list the house, but had little hope it would sell. Jay had a few things he wanted to clean up, so we waited to list the house until April. The Realtor came by on the 15th and said she had brought the wrong sign so she would be back the next morning to post the house. We said: "OK".
She returned at 9 a.m. to put up the sign. Jay was home, but I was at work. He went to work later. When we got home that evening we found a whole bunch of people standing in the street outside the house. We lived on a Cul-da-sac (sp). Our Realtor came over and asked if we could leave as there was someone who wanted to see the house. We agreed, changed our clothes and went to dinner. We came back a couple of hours later. Our phone rang and the Realtor asked if we would talk to another Realtor who was interested in the house. They came at about 9 p.m. Long story short, the Realtor himself had been around when these houses were built and thought they were 'awful'. He only came to see the house as a listing for his firm. When he came in and saw the changes that Jay had made he was shocked and surprised. He decided he would like to buy the house for his Daughter and her Husband. The only trouble, he wanted to use his own financing. That ment we would have to take the house off the market for 24 hours, re-list it for $1000.00 more than what we had listed it for to make up for the finance changes. Can you believe it? Well it is true.
When the LORD is ready for you to move, HE opens doors and windows to make it possible.
One warm evening in Taft when our front yard was full of young people, as it generally was, by the way - Dawn asked if she could go on a Motorcycle with a friend. Her Dad has just gone to bed, leaving instructions she was not to go riding on one of those Motors. The pleading and assurance things would be O.K. made me give way. Off they went. Didn't get far until one Motor ran into the back of another and Dawn was thrown off. A phone call came, to come to the Hospital. You will no doubt appreciate what it was like for me to go wake Jay and tell him. We made it to the Hospital with my being chastised all the way there. Thank goodness Taft is a 'small town'. The injuries were serious enough to keep Dawn down for some time. I doubt if Jay ever forgave me for not following his 'order'.
The phone call telling us Greg and Dawn had been in an Auto Accident on their way back from a visit in Paso Robles while Greg was still in the Marines. What a night. Waiting can be 'forever' under the circimstances.
It wasn't as bad as it could have been. We were greatful the circumstances were not serious, just scarey.
Learning that we were to be Grand Parents. I know it had a great deal different meaning for me than it did for Jay. I was thrilled at having another Baby to hold and love. Jay on the other hand was worried about 'his little girl'. It was that way, four times in a row. The wonder of the Baby for Jay came 'after' the birth.
Learning our Grand Daughter was going to be married. Who was this guy? Keara said: "Oh Grandma, I've known him for a long time, he use to live in Atascadero". With that kind of information, how could I not love him? Still do!!
Realizing our Grand Son had found 'the girl'. Met her 'on the job' and could see just what he ment. We are fortunate that the kids had such great judgement. Two down two to go.
The phone rang - Nemiha announces she is getting married. Well, who is this guy? Well they met at the Apt. she was sharing with friends. He was the maintence guy. Sooooo? Guess what, he is a GREAT hugger! Just what every Grandma is looking for. In fact when his advice to me was to go down to the Niblick Bridge and wrap my arms around one of the supports under the bridge as exercise until he could meet me - he won me over completely. We have been hugging ever since!
Then there was Shayla - the last of the Great Ones! She brought this fella over to meet me at the Apt I had in Salt Lake City, while on my Second Mission. They had been to a Musical at Temple Square where his Mother sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. (He sings too.) Nice fella. I showed her the group picture of all the other family who had gotten married. Informing her that her picture would replace the one of her parents in the group when she got married. Her reply was swift and to the point: "Oh, Grandma I'm never getting married". I could tell by the look on the young mans face; that wasn't something he was anxious to hear. The next time I saw the two of them together, they were engaged.
How can you beat it, four for four. As Grand Parents we have been blessed beyond expectations.
A Son-in-law who has been the best we could have asked for, with parents to match. It has been such a blessing to have the Slane Family as part of our Family all of these years. Three more Grand Sons who so very special and such great additions to our Family as well. Then we have about the sweetest added Grand Daughter who rounds out the count just perfectly.
Since all these Grand Kids have married we have had special moments and memories of eight more editions. Can you believe the luck, four great Grand Sons and four great Grand Daughters. Who knows we could even add a couple more before these kids have their families complete.
No matter how many, the 'moments I remember' can only be more sweet an precious. Age has its' advantages. I can observe, take my pleasure and store it away in tidy little places in my memory and when I am setting quietly thinking about where I have been and what has happened, I bring out some pretty special 'moments', each having sweetness and blessings I count over and over.
One moment more special than the last because I have been so blessed to have had the best companion who gave me the opportunity to be the Mother of a Forever Family that has 'added upon' the family is such a very special and blessed way. How greatful I am for each one, and what they have added to my life. Thank You!
Written they 21st day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
It seems there are always those moments in life that are like haunting melodies, they keep cropping up in my mind. The ones that are not fun, I like to push to the background. Then there are those that make remem-
bering very pleasurable. Here are some I would like to share with you.
I won't dig too deep however.
Realizing the 'kids' were going to leave the nest. Paul first on his Mission and then out on his own to make a life of his own. Quite a change in the household.
Experiencing the changes in the kids as they struggled making the choices that came along. Some were pretty exciting, while some were scarey. It wasn't what they were that brought the feelings, rather it was the trying to stay out of the way while they had them. Being parents can bring some pretty trying times. I guess it goes along with that saying: "if experience is the best teacher, how come it has such a bad reputation?" You know as much as parents hope to avoid the pitfalls of life for their children, the more they learn, each has to find out in their own way. Guidance needs to be part of the experience, true, but not interference at all the wrong times. It doesn't take long to learn. The first rule is to never say: "Oh, my kid would never do that!"
Making moves when Jays' work needs dictated it. Hard on the kids and not a breeze for me either, but in each case, the family was concidered as much as could be. Finding in each case how the way was paved with the most remarkable circumstances.
How do you take care of the responsibilities of the house? Lets see!
When Jay went into the Navy for the Korean Conflict, we had been through such a hard time losing our first home in Norwalk. Now how could we manage keeping the one in Rivera? The story of Jay's recall went through the neighborhood. Someone came to the front door and asked if we were going to rent the house? Of course we had to. We had just bought the house and replaced our car. Two pretty big payments that any job I might get would hardly meet the expenses. The Navy wasn't going to lend that much to our income either. This couple had been living in a Trailer and promised they would take care of the property for us. We had little choice, and the offer from both sides was acceptable, so Paul and I moved in with my parents and left our house, furnished, to be cared for by 'renters'.
When work was slow for the 'transit mixer' Jay went with other 'Bandits' looking for work someplace North. Jay and Uncle Mack found work in Taft for their Trucks. The Oilfields and the California Aquaduct would keep them busy. After some months of trying to work away from home it was decided we should move the family. Paul was to be a Senior and Dawn was finishing up her 6th grade. Not an ideal time to be moving schools. Then there was the house. Again the news was all over the neighborhood. The kids complaining about having to leave, etc. One day, again, someone came to the front door and asked if we were going to sell. You guessed it, a contract was agreed upon, and with little trouble we packed up and moved to Taft.
Jay had been looking for a home for us. A Minister of one of the local Churches had bought a new home, under construction, then got upset with the congregation and moved out of town. The house was available, Jay had been working in the Tract so went to the Realtor and a deal was made to take over the contract - we had a home, only it wasn't ready when we moved to Taft. The Garage was finished enough we could store our furniture and 'stuff'. We lived in the tiny one bedroom apt. that Jay and Mack rented. Mack eventually moved back to Southern California to work. Jay continued on at Hartman Redimix and we lived in the Apt until the house was finished.
When, again, work ran out, Dawn was graduating from High School, so Jay went South to locate work for the Truck. He found building was at a peek in the Orange County Area, so he started looking for a place for us.
I know this sounds repaticious, but again, someone came to the door and asked if we were going to sell. The house across the street from us was for sale and the woman had looked at it but felt the price was too high. The houses were alike, only our house had a portable pool instead of a regular pool. Ours was in the ground, but of course not the value of the built in across the street. A contract was agreed upon - the house was sold.
The house we found in Anaheim was not in the most glamourous part of town, but close to Disneyland. Jay did some upgrading in the back bedroom and kitchen area. Made a closed in room off the back bedroom and painted inside and out. We were comfortable there but, Jay was ready to sell the Truck and retire. I didn't want to stay in the area. Dawn, Greg and the Grand Children were in Atascadero and Paul was still, at that time, in Bakersfield. It was a struggle, but I finally edged Jay towards a move, closer to the Kids. He wasn't sure about it, but while I was with Dawn for Shaylas' birth, I located a new Construction Area in Paso Robles that I thought was a good place for us to retire. When Jay came up he thought it might be fine, so we talked to a Realtor about selling the house in Anaheim. Not good news. She said property in the area was not moving and the price Jay wanted was way out of line. She would list the house, but had little hope it would sell. Jay had a few things he wanted to clean up, so we waited to list the house until April. The Realtor came by on the 15th and said she had brought the wrong sign so she would be back the next morning to post the house. We said: "OK".
She returned at 9 a.m. to put up the sign. Jay was home, but I was at work. He went to work later. When we got home that evening we found a whole bunch of people standing in the street outside the house. We lived on a Cul-da-sac (sp). Our Realtor came over and asked if we could leave as there was someone who wanted to see the house. We agreed, changed our clothes and went to dinner. We came back a couple of hours later. Our phone rang and the Realtor asked if we would talk to another Realtor who was interested in the house. They came at about 9 p.m. Long story short, the Realtor himself had been around when these houses were built and thought they were 'awful'. He only came to see the house as a listing for his firm. When he came in and saw the changes that Jay had made he was shocked and surprised. He decided he would like to buy the house for his Daughter and her Husband. The only trouble, he wanted to use his own financing. That ment we would have to take the house off the market for 24 hours, re-list it for $1000.00 more than what we had listed it for to make up for the finance changes. Can you believe it? Well it is true.
When the LORD is ready for you to move, HE opens doors and windows to make it possible.
One warm evening in Taft when our front yard was full of young people, as it generally was, by the way - Dawn asked if she could go on a Motorcycle with a friend. Her Dad has just gone to bed, leaving instructions she was not to go riding on one of those Motors. The pleading and assurance things would be O.K. made me give way. Off they went. Didn't get far until one Motor ran into the back of another and Dawn was thrown off. A phone call came, to come to the Hospital. You will no doubt appreciate what it was like for me to go wake Jay and tell him. We made it to the Hospital with my being chastised all the way there. Thank goodness Taft is a 'small town'. The injuries were serious enough to keep Dawn down for some time. I doubt if Jay ever forgave me for not following his 'order'.
The phone call telling us Greg and Dawn had been in an Auto Accident on their way back from a visit in Paso Robles while Greg was still in the Marines. What a night. Waiting can be 'forever' under the circimstances.
It wasn't as bad as it could have been. We were greatful the circumstances were not serious, just scarey.
Learning that we were to be Grand Parents. I know it had a great deal different meaning for me than it did for Jay. I was thrilled at having another Baby to hold and love. Jay on the other hand was worried about 'his little girl'. It was that way, four times in a row. The wonder of the Baby for Jay came 'after' the birth.
Learning our Grand Daughter was going to be married. Who was this guy? Keara said: "Oh Grandma, I've known him for a long time, he use to live in Atascadero". With that kind of information, how could I not love him? Still do!!
Realizing our Grand Son had found 'the girl'. Met her 'on the job' and could see just what he ment. We are fortunate that the kids had such great judgement. Two down two to go.
The phone rang - Nemiha announces she is getting married. Well, who is this guy? Well they met at the Apt. she was sharing with friends. He was the maintence guy. Sooooo? Guess what, he is a GREAT hugger! Just what every Grandma is looking for. In fact when his advice to me was to go down to the Niblick Bridge and wrap my arms around one of the supports under the bridge as exercise until he could meet me - he won me over completely. We have been hugging ever since!
Then there was Shayla - the last of the Great Ones! She brought this fella over to meet me at the Apt I had in Salt Lake City, while on my Second Mission. They had been to a Musical at Temple Square where his Mother sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. (He sings too.) Nice fella. I showed her the group picture of all the other family who had gotten married. Informing her that her picture would replace the one of her parents in the group when she got married. Her reply was swift and to the point: "Oh, Grandma I'm never getting married". I could tell by the look on the young mans face; that wasn't something he was anxious to hear. The next time I saw the two of them together, they were engaged.
How can you beat it, four for four. As Grand Parents we have been blessed beyond expectations.
A Son-in-law who has been the best we could have asked for, with parents to match. It has been such a blessing to have the Slane Family as part of our Family all of these years. Three more Grand Sons who so very special and such great additions to our Family as well. Then we have about the sweetest added Grand Daughter who rounds out the count just perfectly.
Since all these Grand Kids have married we have had special moments and memories of eight more editions. Can you believe the luck, four great Grand Sons and four great Grand Daughters. Who knows we could even add a couple more before these kids have their families complete.
No matter how many, the 'moments I remember' can only be more sweet an precious. Age has its' advantages. I can observe, take my pleasure and store it away in tidy little places in my memory and when I am setting quietly thinking about where I have been and what has happened, I bring out some pretty special 'moments', each having sweetness and blessings I count over and over.
One moment more special than the last because I have been so blessed to have had the best companion who gave me the opportunity to be the Mother of a Forever Family that has 'added upon' the family is such a very special and blessed way. How greatful I am for each one, and what they have added to my life. Thank You!
Written they 21st day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A Strange Society We Live In!
That thought struck me as I am driving home from the grocery store this morning. I passed a number of 'Garage Sales' - it is Saturday. People mulling around in yards full of 'other peoples junk'. There might be a bargain or two, but I couldn't help but wonder how many of those folks poking around the 'stuff' had storage lockers full of 'stuff' they never use?
We are a strange lot. We have more stuff than we can use, so we go out and pay rent for space to store it. Things we don't see, things we don't think about, and probably don't need. Why do you suppose we do that? Then again we buy larger houses with more garage space while we park the family cars in the street of the driveway. Reason: we have the garage space full of 'stuff' we don't have room for in the house, or we don't want to put in the house. Eventually it is too dirty to use, or we forget about having it, so it just takes up space. Silly isn't it!?
We seem to have developed into a society of 'stuff' none of which we seem to use or need. If we needed it, we would be using it. You know I should talk, I still have stuff in boxes I brought back from my last Mission. In fact I have been looking for one item I really want and need, but have not been able to locate. Maybe I threw it out, or put it up in one of my 'senior moments' for safe keeping and have no idea where that was, or is now. Why do I do those kinds of things?
Well, I haven't gone so far as pay someone for space to store things, yet!
I do have half of a garage full of 'junk' I should have the gumption to get rid of, but for some reason, I just don't get around to it. Is it because it has such sentimental value that I can't let go of it, or is it I am just too lazy to get out there and rummage through it and make a decision of what to do with it. Keep it, or toss it. Maybe I am too weak to make the move to do something about it. I promised myself it would do it before the rains came in 2009. Here it is 2010 and my car is still setting in the drive way. I half console myself with the thought that it is a good safety feature. When the car is there no one can guess if I am home or not. When I do travel, which is seldom these days, that safety isn't there. Does that make me in more of a hurry to return? No, not really. I think it is another of those Society Things that make up the fabric of life as we know it.
When Grandma 'kept house' she didn't have all those worries, if she couldn't make it, she generally went without. No going to the Mall to shop. No numerous outfits hanging in the closet. Well, they didn't even have closets way back then. No electric lights, no cars, no automatic washers and dryers. No TV, heck, not even a radio. The 'parlor' was kept closed up to keep things nice for company. Early to bed and early to rise was the way of everyday life. Kids didn't spend a great deal of time in school. They were pretty occupied with 'chores' that needed tended to everyday. There were no movies and the biggest excitement in the area would have been a barn raising or something that caused neighbors to get together to help someone who needed help beyond their means to do.
No showers when young pepole got married. They would hold quilting bees and through group efforts help the young bride get her household bedding ready . Every young girl had a 'hope chest' that she was working to fill with lovely hand work she had made to complete her home when she was old enough to marry . In fact I recall hearing a couple talk about their courtship. They had spent their evenings quilting, knitting or embroidering so their home would be full of lovely things. He was as handy with a needle and thread or knitting needles as she was, and they took pride in what they accomplished. Sounds strange doesn't it, but back 100 years ago, that would have been normal. Today we do things a whole lot different, I just wonder if it is all that much better?
Everything today is based on money. Or so it seems to me. Walking and planning simple activities seems to have gone out with the 'buggy'. Sad to see it pass us by. Some of the things from way back then would be worth renewing today. The values and the accomplishments were so much more satisfying. When the youth had more time to exercise their imagination in daily activities. When they knew how to have fun without being 'entertained'. Bored was not a word people used back then. There was always so many things that needed to be taken care of, there was not time enough to be bored.
What if, for some reason, we had to go back to some of those ways or things? How much would it effect us? How would we handle the changes? Hopefully that will never happen, but it is good to evaluate the past and put the present into a better perspective. Do we really need all the 'stuff' we gather over the years? When it has lost its usefulness should we have a garage sale to get rid of it, or should we pass it on to someone who is really in need? Could our life become less complicated it we were not burdened with more than we needed? Questions that call for some real thoughtful answers. I certainly don't have any answers, just a lot of questions. My life is cluttered, and not in a very constructive way it seems. When it cools down, will I move to make the change that is needed? I would hope I will. Then again, I have had that in mind for some time, and don't seem to move on it. Maybe today is the time to make the choice to do what needs to be done, sort, discard and clean up. It would be nice to put the car in the garage, where it should be. Nice to know I won't have to tramp through the junk anymore. It seems to come down to what I want for myself, more than what I want for anyone else.
A garage sale wouldn't help me. Chances are it would be more work to have one than just pass the stuff that still has value on to someone who could see it got to another who really could use it, or maybe needs it. Just a thought.
Today seems to be a Society of too much 'stuff' with little thought of why we gather so much around us that we really don't need and sometimes don't even want. Possibly it is time to just take a good look at what is around us and decide we change things and de-clutter our lives. Let the sunshine in and the breeze pass through. Who knows, we might really like it !
Written this 17th day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
We are a strange lot. We have more stuff than we can use, so we go out and pay rent for space to store it. Things we don't see, things we don't think about, and probably don't need. Why do you suppose we do that? Then again we buy larger houses with more garage space while we park the family cars in the street of the driveway. Reason: we have the garage space full of 'stuff' we don't have room for in the house, or we don't want to put in the house. Eventually it is too dirty to use, or we forget about having it, so it just takes up space. Silly isn't it!?
We seem to have developed into a society of 'stuff' none of which we seem to use or need. If we needed it, we would be using it. You know I should talk, I still have stuff in boxes I brought back from my last Mission. In fact I have been looking for one item I really want and need, but have not been able to locate. Maybe I threw it out, or put it up in one of my 'senior moments' for safe keeping and have no idea where that was, or is now. Why do I do those kinds of things?
Well, I haven't gone so far as pay someone for space to store things, yet!
I do have half of a garage full of 'junk' I should have the gumption to get rid of, but for some reason, I just don't get around to it. Is it because it has such sentimental value that I can't let go of it, or is it I am just too lazy to get out there and rummage through it and make a decision of what to do with it. Keep it, or toss it. Maybe I am too weak to make the move to do something about it. I promised myself it would do it before the rains came in 2009. Here it is 2010 and my car is still setting in the drive way. I half console myself with the thought that it is a good safety feature. When the car is there no one can guess if I am home or not. When I do travel, which is seldom these days, that safety isn't there. Does that make me in more of a hurry to return? No, not really. I think it is another of those Society Things that make up the fabric of life as we know it.
When Grandma 'kept house' she didn't have all those worries, if she couldn't make it, she generally went without. No going to the Mall to shop. No numerous outfits hanging in the closet. Well, they didn't even have closets way back then. No electric lights, no cars, no automatic washers and dryers. No TV, heck, not even a radio. The 'parlor' was kept closed up to keep things nice for company. Early to bed and early to rise was the way of everyday life. Kids didn't spend a great deal of time in school. They were pretty occupied with 'chores' that needed tended to everyday. There were no movies and the biggest excitement in the area would have been a barn raising or something that caused neighbors to get together to help someone who needed help beyond their means to do.
No showers when young pepole got married. They would hold quilting bees and through group efforts help the young bride get her household bedding ready . Every young girl had a 'hope chest' that she was working to fill with lovely hand work she had made to complete her home when she was old enough to marry . In fact I recall hearing a couple talk about their courtship. They had spent their evenings quilting, knitting or embroidering so their home would be full of lovely things. He was as handy with a needle and thread or knitting needles as she was, and they took pride in what they accomplished. Sounds strange doesn't it, but back 100 years ago, that would have been normal. Today we do things a whole lot different, I just wonder if it is all that much better?
Everything today is based on money. Or so it seems to me. Walking and planning simple activities seems to have gone out with the 'buggy'. Sad to see it pass us by. Some of the things from way back then would be worth renewing today. The values and the accomplishments were so much more satisfying. When the youth had more time to exercise their imagination in daily activities. When they knew how to have fun without being 'entertained'. Bored was not a word people used back then. There was always so many things that needed to be taken care of, there was not time enough to be bored.
What if, for some reason, we had to go back to some of those ways or things? How much would it effect us? How would we handle the changes? Hopefully that will never happen, but it is good to evaluate the past and put the present into a better perspective. Do we really need all the 'stuff' we gather over the years? When it has lost its usefulness should we have a garage sale to get rid of it, or should we pass it on to someone who is really in need? Could our life become less complicated it we were not burdened with more than we needed? Questions that call for some real thoughtful answers. I certainly don't have any answers, just a lot of questions. My life is cluttered, and not in a very constructive way it seems. When it cools down, will I move to make the change that is needed? I would hope I will. Then again, I have had that in mind for some time, and don't seem to move on it. Maybe today is the time to make the choice to do what needs to be done, sort, discard and clean up. It would be nice to put the car in the garage, where it should be. Nice to know I won't have to tramp through the junk anymore. It seems to come down to what I want for myself, more than what I want for anyone else.
A garage sale wouldn't help me. Chances are it would be more work to have one than just pass the stuff that still has value on to someone who could see it got to another who really could use it, or maybe needs it. Just a thought.
Today seems to be a Society of too much 'stuff' with little thought of why we gather so much around us that we really don't need and sometimes don't even want. Possibly it is time to just take a good look at what is around us and decide we change things and de-clutter our lives. Let the sunshine in and the breeze pass through. Who knows, we might really like it !
Written this 17th day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July the Month of Celebrations
It is rare that I think of this fact. I guess not being of pioneer stock myself, it never occurs to me the heritage that has been passed down through Jay and his families. For this fact, I will take just a short time to reflect on Pioneer Days as they effect the Harris/Rosenberg lines in your family tree.
The Church was first introduced to the Peterson Family in Scandinavia. It wasn't until later the name was changed to Rosenberg. The Harris lines was introduced to the Church in Wales. Both families felt the urge and necessity to join the migration of new Converts to the 'New World'.
From the Peterson/Rosenberg line you have the benefit of faithful converts who are numbered among those who were martyred for their new faith. A great Aunt, only in her late teens was thrown from an open carriage before the family left their homeland, when a group of roudy young boys, startled the horsed by throwing stones and yelling: "there goes a Mormon". As she fell, her long skirts were caught in the spokes of the carriage wheel. She was dragged to her death before the startled horses could be brought under control.
On the Evans/Harris lines you have a Great Great Grand Mother who was one of the few survivors of a Steamship explosion on the Mississippi River. She lost her husband and children that day. Only she and one of her step-daughters lived.
When looking at the Ford line, you have another Great Great Grand Mother who was visited at her sick bed by two Mormon Missionaries and raised to enjoy full health after being stricken with a malady that had her bedridden for some months. The family heard the message of those Missionaries and joined the Church. She and her husband were in the first 500 to receive their Temple Ordinances in the original Nauvoo Temple prior to leaving with the expelled Saints for the West.
Family members were in a number of the Companies that made the trek West. Others were in Handcart Companies that found their way into the Salt Lake Valley later. One of these was your Great Grand Father Joseph Rosenberg. He was born in Denmark just prior to his parents sailing for the New World. They were late in arriving, so were part of a Handcart Company. While traveling the baby (Joseph), who had been wrapped tightly and laid carefully in the Handcart, was jostled loose and fell out. The baby was not missed until his Mother went to get him to nurse him. The trail was sandy, so they had not heard anything, and had no idea how long it had been since the baby had fallen. No one saw anything, or heard any thing. The weary father left his wife and friends to retrace the days trek. He found the baby in the shade of a sage bush, still wrapped tightly and enjoying a sound sleep in the soft sandy bed he had fallen into. Joseph grew to manhood, helped in the Iron Mission in Cedar City, Utah and had a large family.
There are a number of other famous families in your pioneer heritage. Many brought into either the Harris, Rosenberg, Evans and Ford lines through Plural Marriages that were predominant in the early years of the Church. One reason Thomas Gower Rosenberg use to say: "don't say anything about folks you meet in Cedar, they are probably related to you. I don't know that that is necessarily true today, but back 50 years ago it certainly was.
It is because of all these connections I was able to register the girls as
Daughters of the Utah Pioneers while I was serving my second Mission in Salt Lake City 2003-2006. Those in the Church today who are fortunate to have family pioneers are becoming more rare. As the Church grows and spreads throughout the World, those first faithful folks who heard the word and made their way to the United States have left a postarity that still grows, but is thinning out as the Membership becomes greater with Abrahamic Adoptions. I do not leave this information to cause any swelling of pride over any other members of the Church, but to awaken in the Family the great appreciation needed to acknowledge all these fine family members contributed to the work Joseph Smith, Jr. started when he was called and ordained to Restore the Lords work.
As for myself, I feel as if I had stumbled into a great family who have, over the years, continued to follow the teachings and glean benefits from a life style that awards those who follow the teachings laid out by the Lord Himself. How was I so placed that such a great blessing could be enjoyed by someone like me? Only the Lord knows truely, but I remain very greatful for that 'stumble'. The struggles along the way, the learning and gleaning of greater understanding of what is available through faithful service and observance of the various commandments has been a great journey for me. One I hope to be able to continue beyond the vail. We have so little time here to learn all that may be necessary for complete enjoyment in the Eternities. The quest for a 'Forever Family' is not just a Mortal endeavor. How long we were working for it beyond our Mortal existence may never be know here, but it is certain, this journey on earth is not the only concideration for Eternal Blessings. Each step, each choice, every action has and does lead to the ultimate desire. We can't lean on each other for success. We must join as a Family and labor to keep the connecting links secure and in place. As each new member is added, the chain grows and needs tending throughout this life. No one is secure in the thought they will enjoy Eternal Blessings unless they are on the path that leads to that success. One false step, one loose link, and the Family may not be as complete as we would wish. I pray that I am not a loose link. My desire is to see the journey completed with the minimum amount of stumbles along the way. I desire to end up knowing that:
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention or arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thorougly used up, totally worn out, and saying . . . . WOW, What a Ride!!!"
I already realize the 'body' is far from 'well preserved' the 'slide' I am not sure I can manage, but the 'worn out' I am pretty satisfied I can meet. I definately can say: "What a Ride". Each of you have added much to the joy of the journey. Enjoy YOUR Pioneer Day. It is definately part of your heritage, and something that you should view as an honor to be part of. Not boastfully proud of, but humbled and appreciative of. You come from some pretty great stock. It has been my pleasure to join with them in helping you enjoy that heritage. Let your 'light shine'. I love you!
Written this 13th day of July, 2010
by: Eileen Smith Rosenberg
The Church was first introduced to the Peterson Family in Scandinavia. It wasn't until later the name was changed to Rosenberg. The Harris lines was introduced to the Church in Wales. Both families felt the urge and necessity to join the migration of new Converts to the 'New World'.
From the Peterson/Rosenberg line you have the benefit of faithful converts who are numbered among those who were martyred for their new faith. A great Aunt, only in her late teens was thrown from an open carriage before the family left their homeland, when a group of roudy young boys, startled the horsed by throwing stones and yelling: "there goes a Mormon". As she fell, her long skirts were caught in the spokes of the carriage wheel. She was dragged to her death before the startled horses could be brought under control.
On the Evans/Harris lines you have a Great Great Grand Mother who was one of the few survivors of a Steamship explosion on the Mississippi River. She lost her husband and children that day. Only she and one of her step-daughters lived.
When looking at the Ford line, you have another Great Great Grand Mother who was visited at her sick bed by two Mormon Missionaries and raised to enjoy full health after being stricken with a malady that had her bedridden for some months. The family heard the message of those Missionaries and joined the Church. She and her husband were in the first 500 to receive their Temple Ordinances in the original Nauvoo Temple prior to leaving with the expelled Saints for the West.
Family members were in a number of the Companies that made the trek West. Others were in Handcart Companies that found their way into the Salt Lake Valley later. One of these was your Great Grand Father Joseph Rosenberg. He was born in Denmark just prior to his parents sailing for the New World. They were late in arriving, so were part of a Handcart Company. While traveling the baby (Joseph), who had been wrapped tightly and laid carefully in the Handcart, was jostled loose and fell out. The baby was not missed until his Mother went to get him to nurse him. The trail was sandy, so they had not heard anything, and had no idea how long it had been since the baby had fallen. No one saw anything, or heard any thing. The weary father left his wife and friends to retrace the days trek. He found the baby in the shade of a sage bush, still wrapped tightly and enjoying a sound sleep in the soft sandy bed he had fallen into. Joseph grew to manhood, helped in the Iron Mission in Cedar City, Utah and had a large family.
There are a number of other famous families in your pioneer heritage. Many brought into either the Harris, Rosenberg, Evans and Ford lines through Plural Marriages that were predominant in the early years of the Church. One reason Thomas Gower Rosenberg use to say: "don't say anything about folks you meet in Cedar, they are probably related to you. I don't know that that is necessarily true today, but back 50 years ago it certainly was.
It is because of all these connections I was able to register the girls as
Daughters of the Utah Pioneers while I was serving my second Mission in Salt Lake City 2003-2006. Those in the Church today who are fortunate to have family pioneers are becoming more rare. As the Church grows and spreads throughout the World, those first faithful folks who heard the word and made their way to the United States have left a postarity that still grows, but is thinning out as the Membership becomes greater with Abrahamic Adoptions. I do not leave this information to cause any swelling of pride over any other members of the Church, but to awaken in the Family the great appreciation needed to acknowledge all these fine family members contributed to the work Joseph Smith, Jr. started when he was called and ordained to Restore the Lords work.
As for myself, I feel as if I had stumbled into a great family who have, over the years, continued to follow the teachings and glean benefits from a life style that awards those who follow the teachings laid out by the Lord Himself. How was I so placed that such a great blessing could be enjoyed by someone like me? Only the Lord knows truely, but I remain very greatful for that 'stumble'. The struggles along the way, the learning and gleaning of greater understanding of what is available through faithful service and observance of the various commandments has been a great journey for me. One I hope to be able to continue beyond the vail. We have so little time here to learn all that may be necessary for complete enjoyment in the Eternities. The quest for a 'Forever Family' is not just a Mortal endeavor. How long we were working for it beyond our Mortal existence may never be know here, but it is certain, this journey on earth is not the only concideration for Eternal Blessings. Each step, each choice, every action has and does lead to the ultimate desire. We can't lean on each other for success. We must join as a Family and labor to keep the connecting links secure and in place. As each new member is added, the chain grows and needs tending throughout this life. No one is secure in the thought they will enjoy Eternal Blessings unless they are on the path that leads to that success. One false step, one loose link, and the Family may not be as complete as we would wish. I pray that I am not a loose link. My desire is to see the journey completed with the minimum amount of stumbles along the way. I desire to end up knowing that:
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention or arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thorougly used up, totally worn out, and saying . . . . WOW, What a Ride!!!"
I already realize the 'body' is far from 'well preserved' the 'slide' I am not sure I can manage, but the 'worn out' I am pretty satisfied I can meet. I definately can say: "What a Ride". Each of you have added much to the joy of the journey. Enjoy YOUR Pioneer Day. It is definately part of your heritage, and something that you should view as an honor to be part of. Not boastfully proud of, but humbled and appreciative of. You come from some pretty great stock. It has been my pleasure to join with them in helping you enjoy that heritage. Let your 'light shine'. I love you!
Written this 13th day of July, 2010
by: Eileen Smith Rosenberg
Sunday, July 11, 2010
We have had some interesting visitors
Youth Conference has just ended and after talking to some of those who had invited some of the young people to stay in their homes I had this thought. We really haven't had a lot of company in the 25 plus years we have lived here, but the ones we have, have been memorable. For instance we had two Foreign Exchange Students from Japan stay with us just after Jay had retired from River Road Redi Mix. The girls were in awe that "Dad" was a "house Mom". I went to work, he got them off to school each morning, fixed their lunches and then had dinner ready when they got back. Not usual for Japanese. We found them rather quiet, and pretty much stayed in their rooms. It was obvious after a day of being 'on' with English, they were tired both physically and mentally. Being able to retire to some place where they didn't have to 'be on' was a nice relief. We did enjoy them, and tried in every way possible to show them the area and some of the interesting cultural things of the Central Coast.
They had ample time to study and were eager to share their life style with us. They planned and cooked a Japanese meal for us. It was vastly different than what we ate, and made me wonder if we had been able to really satisfy their taste buds while they were with us. The time was well spent, and seemed to go much faster than we had thought it would.
We had the opportunity to host Pauls' friends, David and Jean Wolfstenholm from England twice. They were delightful to have in the house and enjoyed their stays with us. Not really too fond of our life style. Both Jay and I were retired, and much of the entertaining was left to us as Paul was still not able to deal with things outside of the house too well. He did take them to Las Vegas. You know that is about the most famous place for people from other countries to visit. I think the ride there and back was probably the most interesting. The desert is 'so big' and the places they passed through so vastly different than anything they have in their country. England is an island, and space is not wasted with junk yards in front, side or back yards. Going through the outskirts of Barstow was a real eye opener. Las Vegas was a disappointment with all the glitter and smoke filled Casinos. Just to comercialized. As Jay was use to saying: "someone has to pay for all those lights". Quite a scene when you arrive at night, but in the daytime, it is just a slum-gul-ion of cars, people and noise. Not nearly as glamourous as one would hope it to be. I will admit that the years have not made it more interesting. Fifty years ago when it was only about one tenth of what it is today, it was a bit more fun. Now the competition has robbed it of much of the mystic it once had. Back 'when' you could drive from one Casino to another, find a really cheap meal 24 hours a day and enjoy the oasis in the desert. If you wanted closeness, you went up on Fremont Street - the center of town then. It was really the hub of things back then. You could find penny slots, that you could play for a penny. Now most Slots are multi coins, which means it takes more money to play and the payoff may be larger, but it takes so much more to get it. I remember when you take $2.00 in nickles and play the 5 cent slots and get enough 'cherries' to keep you going for a long time. Can't do that now. But then fifty years has found me far more cautious of how I throw even any nickle around.
Following my discovery of my Grand Fathers second family in Canada, we have entertained family from Canada twice. It was fun taking them around the Central Coast. Once when Jay was well enough to get out and about. The second time when he was not well enough to do that, so I had to take them by myself. We went up the Coast and enjoyed 17 Mile Drive and some time in Carmel. What a lovely place that is. In fact just recently I had a chance to take two friends who were visiting from Arizona on that same trip. It was a real kick as the Sisters wanted to dip their feet in the Pacific Ocean. They had a 'splashing' good time. They miss judged the waves and got not only their feet, but a goodly portion of their pants wet as well. It was a great time - both trips.
One other visitor we entertained was our neighbors Mother who was here from Indiana. She had been here for sometime before I was asked to take her shopping with me. My neighbors both work, and didn't really have time to take her around much. I talked her into going to Solvang with me. We had a great trip down and then spent the day walking around the town. It is such a colorful place to go. In fact come to think of it, we took the Canadian Family Members their on their first visit. Needless to say both times a good time was had by everyone. While Lilly, my neighbors mother was here we took a couple of fun drives. I think the one I had the most fun with was going to Parkfield. You know in all the time I have lived in this area, I had never gone over there. It is a nice drive, and the scenery was worth the trip. Unfortunately we picked a time when Parkfield was closed for the season, I would like to go when everything is open. Well, the everything is not all that much. A resturant and a couple of 'earthquake' hang outs. If you want to stay the night and hopefull experience one of the frequent 'shakes'. They say they have a major quake there evey 20 years. One was due when we moved here in 1985, but as of this date, there hasn't been another one. Not that they do not expect it, but it hasn't come yet. When we bought this property, we were told we could not build until we had earthquake insurance. They expected a major quake at any moment, and would not allow construction to begin until the entire building site was insured for damage. I have carried earthquake insurance on the property every since just in case the house should be so severely damaged it would coast a ton to rebuild it. The one earthquake that shook Paso Robles and the surrounding area enough to cause such damage happened while I was in Salt Lake City on my Second Mission. Fortunately the shake, though very damaging in other parts of town, did not do more than cause some concrete outside to crack, and one seam in the drywall to show signs of a hair line crack in the hallway to the living room. All the dishes, glassware etc. withstood the shake very well. In other parts of town and even in Atascadero things were great deal different. I think the time and energy that Jay put into securing the furniture to the walls was a major reason we were so fortunate. He was pretty good at taking care of such things. Just another reason why he has been missed.
Well that about tells the tale of our visitors. Others who have dropped in for much shorter stays were: Homer and Louise Williams. One of my teen-age bosses from Huntington Park High School. There have been a short stop over by a couple of my Brothers children on their way to or from someplace. Oh, and a couple we worked with in the Los Angeles Temple dropped by on their way home to Hanford. I had asked if they had a use for Jays' white suit. They told me there was always a need for such things in their new assignment at the Fresno Temple. So his suit is now 'on duty' in Fresno. I think he would have been pleased to know it went on doing a worthwhile service.
Visitors are always welcome here. We don't have a lot of great accomodations, but the welcome mat is always out, and we can find space for who ever might want to stop and 'set a spell'. Young or old, foreign of domestic - doesn't matter. If they can stand us, we can stand them.
Written this 11th day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
They had ample time to study and were eager to share their life style with us. They planned and cooked a Japanese meal for us. It was vastly different than what we ate, and made me wonder if we had been able to really satisfy their taste buds while they were with us. The time was well spent, and seemed to go much faster than we had thought it would.
We had the opportunity to host Pauls' friends, David and Jean Wolfstenholm from England twice. They were delightful to have in the house and enjoyed their stays with us. Not really too fond of our life style. Both Jay and I were retired, and much of the entertaining was left to us as Paul was still not able to deal with things outside of the house too well. He did take them to Las Vegas. You know that is about the most famous place for people from other countries to visit. I think the ride there and back was probably the most interesting. The desert is 'so big' and the places they passed through so vastly different than anything they have in their country. England is an island, and space is not wasted with junk yards in front, side or back yards. Going through the outskirts of Barstow was a real eye opener. Las Vegas was a disappointment with all the glitter and smoke filled Casinos. Just to comercialized. As Jay was use to saying: "someone has to pay for all those lights". Quite a scene when you arrive at night, but in the daytime, it is just a slum-gul-ion of cars, people and noise. Not nearly as glamourous as one would hope it to be. I will admit that the years have not made it more interesting. Fifty years ago when it was only about one tenth of what it is today, it was a bit more fun. Now the competition has robbed it of much of the mystic it once had. Back 'when' you could drive from one Casino to another, find a really cheap meal 24 hours a day and enjoy the oasis in the desert. If you wanted closeness, you went up on Fremont Street - the center of town then. It was really the hub of things back then. You could find penny slots, that you could play for a penny. Now most Slots are multi coins, which means it takes more money to play and the payoff may be larger, but it takes so much more to get it. I remember when you take $2.00 in nickles and play the 5 cent slots and get enough 'cherries' to keep you going for a long time. Can't do that now. But then fifty years has found me far more cautious of how I throw even any nickle around.
Following my discovery of my Grand Fathers second family in Canada, we have entertained family from Canada twice. It was fun taking them around the Central Coast. Once when Jay was well enough to get out and about. The second time when he was not well enough to do that, so I had to take them by myself. We went up the Coast and enjoyed 17 Mile Drive and some time in Carmel. What a lovely place that is. In fact just recently I had a chance to take two friends who were visiting from Arizona on that same trip. It was a real kick as the Sisters wanted to dip their feet in the Pacific Ocean. They had a 'splashing' good time. They miss judged the waves and got not only their feet, but a goodly portion of their pants wet as well. It was a great time - both trips.
One other visitor we entertained was our neighbors Mother who was here from Indiana. She had been here for sometime before I was asked to take her shopping with me. My neighbors both work, and didn't really have time to take her around much. I talked her into going to Solvang with me. We had a great trip down and then spent the day walking around the town. It is such a colorful place to go. In fact come to think of it, we took the Canadian Family Members their on their first visit. Needless to say both times a good time was had by everyone. While Lilly, my neighbors mother was here we took a couple of fun drives. I think the one I had the most fun with was going to Parkfield. You know in all the time I have lived in this area, I had never gone over there. It is a nice drive, and the scenery was worth the trip. Unfortunately we picked a time when Parkfield was closed for the season, I would like to go when everything is open. Well, the everything is not all that much. A resturant and a couple of 'earthquake' hang outs. If you want to stay the night and hopefull experience one of the frequent 'shakes'. They say they have a major quake there evey 20 years. One was due when we moved here in 1985, but as of this date, there hasn't been another one. Not that they do not expect it, but it hasn't come yet. When we bought this property, we were told we could not build until we had earthquake insurance. They expected a major quake at any moment, and would not allow construction to begin until the entire building site was insured for damage. I have carried earthquake insurance on the property every since just in case the house should be so severely damaged it would coast a ton to rebuild it. The one earthquake that shook Paso Robles and the surrounding area enough to cause such damage happened while I was in Salt Lake City on my Second Mission. Fortunately the shake, though very damaging in other parts of town, did not do more than cause some concrete outside to crack, and one seam in the drywall to show signs of a hair line crack in the hallway to the living room. All the dishes, glassware etc. withstood the shake very well. In other parts of town and even in Atascadero things were great deal different. I think the time and energy that Jay put into securing the furniture to the walls was a major reason we were so fortunate. He was pretty good at taking care of such things. Just another reason why he has been missed.
Well that about tells the tale of our visitors. Others who have dropped in for much shorter stays were: Homer and Louise Williams. One of my teen-age bosses from Huntington Park High School. There have been a short stop over by a couple of my Brothers children on their way to or from someplace. Oh, and a couple we worked with in the Los Angeles Temple dropped by on their way home to Hanford. I had asked if they had a use for Jays' white suit. They told me there was always a need for such things in their new assignment at the Fresno Temple. So his suit is now 'on duty' in Fresno. I think he would have been pleased to know it went on doing a worthwhile service.
Visitors are always welcome here. We don't have a lot of great accomodations, but the welcome mat is always out, and we can find space for who ever might want to stop and 'set a spell'. Young or old, foreign of domestic - doesn't matter. If they can stand us, we can stand them.
Written this 11th day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What I learned from a neighbor
I just came in from watering - it is Wednesday and one of the only three days each week we can do that now that we are trying to conserve our water supply. While throwing the water around the yard, I couldn't help but remember our neighbor from Pico Rivera. He use to come home from work each night, go to the fridge get a beer and then proceed to come to the front yard, light a cigarett, turn on the hose, hunker down and proceed to water his diacondra lawn - his pride and joy. No one ever wondered where Floyd was, he was visible, with hose in hand along with his beer and cigarett. I suppose he would spend better than a half hour out there doing the same thing every night of the week.
Floyd had been one of the US Army Soldiers that landed on D-Day and who for some reason returned with a very sour attitude on almost everything. He had a lovely family, but he still seemed quite detatched from the rest of the world. He had, I supose made himself a promise while going through those horrible times, after 1975 that he would do just what ever he wanted, when ever he wanted and in the way he wanted. And so he did.
As I thought back over the years we lived next to Floyd and Shirley I was always saddened that their children were never priority in the home. Oh, they were feed and clothed. That was never any problem. They had their own bedrooms and the things that kids normally have, but when it came to the real family things, they were some how lacking. I guess the reason this has come to mind is the way we were, Jay and I, with our kids. Same gender, just a bit different in ages. Every year Jay would plan his vacations so we could have a great time. He first got the pick-up, then the camper and finally the boat. We would load up and go to the Colorado River to Water Ski and camp. Fun for the whole family. While our next door neighbors would load up, go to Mexico where Floyd would fish, Shirley would spend time with other wives and the kids were pretty much on their own to make their own pleasure in all the dirt and lack of entertainment for their ages. Floyds' attitude: "it is MY vacation, and I will do what 'I' want. And so he did.
It always bothered me back then, and strange how now it still tugs at my heart strings to think back on how those kids would talk to Paul about our vacations and wish they had been able to do something like that. It was such a bore going down to Mexico and wait around while thier folks enjoyed their friends and the kids just had to fen for themselves. The nights weren't a whole lot better. The grown ups would get their beer and cigaretts and set around till late talking and laughing while the kids just waited around for the time to turn in.
I am so greatful that as parents, Jay and I felt our children were important enough to see they enjoyed their vacations as a family. In fact it warms my heart to hear them tell about the times we had at Paradise Point. We had camped before we got the boat, but the kids rarely talked about those trips. It was the camping and water sport that still burns bright in their memories. Something a parent can only hope they have given their children, while they were young.
You know it isn't a lot of the things we think as adults that will make the biggest impression on our children. It usually will be those simple things we have done, almost without thinking, that will be remembered with such happiness in later years.
I was always impressed with the way the Grand Children found fun in such things as well. Maybe not the same way our children did, but in ways that bring back good memories now. Then to see Grand Children follow in similar fashion so that the Great Grand Children will have rich memories. Something that money could never buy. Youth is such a very special time. Parents can make childhood memorable in such simple ways. When I go to the ball games of my Great Grand Children and see my Grand Children taking the time to make memories that will last, well, it just is such a great joy for me. It reminds me of a Primary Song, "Love is spoken here". And so it is, in such a very profound way. Almost un-noticed as it is happening, but as the years roll by, the memories will be recalled time and time again with such love and appreciation - well - you just cannot imagine how or why.
If I had not have had the experience with Floyd, I would not have really known what it is like to look back with such affection on the past. Jay did not have such great memories. His family had to work just to keep the family together. Vacations were trips to Utah to spend with one of the Aunts or Uncles families. Entirely different. This was rural living compared to city life style. Home cooking right out of the garden or off the hills from hunting or streams and lakes from fishing. Jay would have to work along with the other kids during part of the time and then they would have time to swim in some near by watering hole, or take their make shift fishing poles and go to the stream or lake near town. It certainly wasn't high tech, but it was such a change from the regular routine of city life, it was a different kind of fun, and Jay made the most of every moment. He couldn't duplicate it for his kids, but he made up the very best substitue for fun he could think of in the time the kids were younger. It took a lot of financial planning for him to put things together, and only those of us who knew what a stickler he was about such things appreciate the time and energy he put into it. Of course the Mom had to do her share of meal planning and packing, but as Keara and I agree, camp cooking is the most fun. Meals weren't fancy, but they fit the time and place, and there was always ample to fill the hungry with plenty of snacks to take care of the in between times as well.
It never hurts to make the simple times we have together memorable. It does, however, take some thought. Not always will the big things make the biggest impression either. Times change, and ability to do may vary, but there is always something out there that will bring about a great family treat for everyone. Jay never minded the financial end of his projects, I never minded the food planning, packing, or prepartion of the minor details. It was fun being together, and seeing everyone relax and enjoy themselves. In my mind I can still see Jay with his swim trunks, tee shirt and hat with the back shade to protect his neck. Climb in the boat and drape a towel over his legs to keep the sun off his 'white' skin. He didn't want another sunburn like the one that nearly killed him. Once was quite enough of that, thank you! He would stay out in the boat dragging the kids behind him as long as the gas held out, or he got hungry. Wonderful memories of a Dad who thought his family was worth the time and effort in seeing they had a great vacation.
It pleases me to see the fathers in the family today follow somewhat in his footsteps. Pres. McKay rightly taught us: "nothing will ever compensate for failure in the home". Youth translates into adulthood quite rapidly and when youth has been spent, it is only the things we have bought with that time that will pay the dividends. Through the hard times of my own youth, it was those picnics and camping trips that stand out in my mind. Not the Christmas that had little, or the fact we didn't have a great many things. We had our imaginations and our desire to 'make' fun out of what we did have. Skates made into scooters, canned milk cans made into stilts. For the girls it was old sheets and bed blankets that formed our 'play houses' and apple boxes and orange crates that made our furniture. Everyone brought a donation to the one house we were able to make in the neighborhood. No fussing over who had brought what. It was a castle. There was a large box that had been filled with old dresses, hats, purses and high heels. Oh, how we could dress up and have 'tea
parties'. Elegant ladies entertaining friends in our 'castle'. Nothing better could have filled our daylight hours than that. What a sad day, when at the end of summer, we had to take it all down and get ready for the winter and school.
Make your memories and be sure to include the things that stick. There is nothing better than being able to set back and recall some very special time with friends and family that warm the heart and maybe even bring a tear or two. Life is wonderful and is made more wonderful when it includes those times when everyone is doing something together that they love to do. Sharing time with family is the choicest time we will ever have. Never sell short those times. Plan and prepare as if it were the most important time of your life - you see, it will turn out, it was!
Written this 7th day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Floyd had been one of the US Army Soldiers that landed on D-Day and who for some reason returned with a very sour attitude on almost everything. He had a lovely family, but he still seemed quite detatched from the rest of the world. He had, I supose made himself a promise while going through those horrible times, after 1975 that he would do just what ever he wanted, when ever he wanted and in the way he wanted. And so he did.
As I thought back over the years we lived next to Floyd and Shirley I was always saddened that their children were never priority in the home. Oh, they were feed and clothed. That was never any problem. They had their own bedrooms and the things that kids normally have, but when it came to the real family things, they were some how lacking. I guess the reason this has come to mind is the way we were, Jay and I, with our kids. Same gender, just a bit different in ages. Every year Jay would plan his vacations so we could have a great time. He first got the pick-up, then the camper and finally the boat. We would load up and go to the Colorado River to Water Ski and camp. Fun for the whole family. While our next door neighbors would load up, go to Mexico where Floyd would fish, Shirley would spend time with other wives and the kids were pretty much on their own to make their own pleasure in all the dirt and lack of entertainment for their ages. Floyds' attitude: "it is MY vacation, and I will do what 'I' want. And so he did.
It always bothered me back then, and strange how now it still tugs at my heart strings to think back on how those kids would talk to Paul about our vacations and wish they had been able to do something like that. It was such a bore going down to Mexico and wait around while thier folks enjoyed their friends and the kids just had to fen for themselves. The nights weren't a whole lot better. The grown ups would get their beer and cigaretts and set around till late talking and laughing while the kids just waited around for the time to turn in.
I am so greatful that as parents, Jay and I felt our children were important enough to see they enjoyed their vacations as a family. In fact it warms my heart to hear them tell about the times we had at Paradise Point. We had camped before we got the boat, but the kids rarely talked about those trips. It was the camping and water sport that still burns bright in their memories. Something a parent can only hope they have given their children, while they were young.
You know it isn't a lot of the things we think as adults that will make the biggest impression on our children. It usually will be those simple things we have done, almost without thinking, that will be remembered with such happiness in later years.
I was always impressed with the way the Grand Children found fun in such things as well. Maybe not the same way our children did, but in ways that bring back good memories now. Then to see Grand Children follow in similar fashion so that the Great Grand Children will have rich memories. Something that money could never buy. Youth is such a very special time. Parents can make childhood memorable in such simple ways. When I go to the ball games of my Great Grand Children and see my Grand Children taking the time to make memories that will last, well, it just is such a great joy for me. It reminds me of a Primary Song, "Love is spoken here". And so it is, in such a very profound way. Almost un-noticed as it is happening, but as the years roll by, the memories will be recalled time and time again with such love and appreciation - well - you just cannot imagine how or why.
If I had not have had the experience with Floyd, I would not have really known what it is like to look back with such affection on the past. Jay did not have such great memories. His family had to work just to keep the family together. Vacations were trips to Utah to spend with one of the Aunts or Uncles families. Entirely different. This was rural living compared to city life style. Home cooking right out of the garden or off the hills from hunting or streams and lakes from fishing. Jay would have to work along with the other kids during part of the time and then they would have time to swim in some near by watering hole, or take their make shift fishing poles and go to the stream or lake near town. It certainly wasn't high tech, but it was such a change from the regular routine of city life, it was a different kind of fun, and Jay made the most of every moment. He couldn't duplicate it for his kids, but he made up the very best substitue for fun he could think of in the time the kids were younger. It took a lot of financial planning for him to put things together, and only those of us who knew what a stickler he was about such things appreciate the time and energy he put into it. Of course the Mom had to do her share of meal planning and packing, but as Keara and I agree, camp cooking is the most fun. Meals weren't fancy, but they fit the time and place, and there was always ample to fill the hungry with plenty of snacks to take care of the in between times as well.
It never hurts to make the simple times we have together memorable. It does, however, take some thought. Not always will the big things make the biggest impression either. Times change, and ability to do may vary, but there is always something out there that will bring about a great family treat for everyone. Jay never minded the financial end of his projects, I never minded the food planning, packing, or prepartion of the minor details. It was fun being together, and seeing everyone relax and enjoy themselves. In my mind I can still see Jay with his swim trunks, tee shirt and hat with the back shade to protect his neck. Climb in the boat and drape a towel over his legs to keep the sun off his 'white' skin. He didn't want another sunburn like the one that nearly killed him. Once was quite enough of that, thank you! He would stay out in the boat dragging the kids behind him as long as the gas held out, or he got hungry. Wonderful memories of a Dad who thought his family was worth the time and effort in seeing they had a great vacation.
It pleases me to see the fathers in the family today follow somewhat in his footsteps. Pres. McKay rightly taught us: "nothing will ever compensate for failure in the home". Youth translates into adulthood quite rapidly and when youth has been spent, it is only the things we have bought with that time that will pay the dividends. Through the hard times of my own youth, it was those picnics and camping trips that stand out in my mind. Not the Christmas that had little, or the fact we didn't have a great many things. We had our imaginations and our desire to 'make' fun out of what we did have. Skates made into scooters, canned milk cans made into stilts. For the girls it was old sheets and bed blankets that formed our 'play houses' and apple boxes and orange crates that made our furniture. Everyone brought a donation to the one house we were able to make in the neighborhood. No fussing over who had brought what. It was a castle. There was a large box that had been filled with old dresses, hats, purses and high heels. Oh, how we could dress up and have 'tea
parties'. Elegant ladies entertaining friends in our 'castle'. Nothing better could have filled our daylight hours than that. What a sad day, when at the end of summer, we had to take it all down and get ready for the winter and school.
Make your memories and be sure to include the things that stick. There is nothing better than being able to set back and recall some very special time with friends and family that warm the heart and maybe even bring a tear or two. Life is wonderful and is made more wonderful when it includes those times when everyone is doing something together that they love to do. Sharing time with family is the choicest time we will ever have. Never sell short those times. Plan and prepare as if it were the most important time of your life - you see, it will turn out, it was!
Written this 7th day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Monday, July 5, 2010
Go Ahead and Cry!
I know that may sound a bit odd, but it seems to be the way the Smith Family does it. I can recall my Grand Father weeping for the slightest reason. He had such a tender heart. I believe I mentioned that he was a small man, with a very slight build. He worked as a 'finisher' in the pottery. Which ment he put a piece of bisk wear on a turn table and would use a tool to clean the mold lines from the edges. This of course caused a great deal of clay dust. Back in those days, they knew the people in the Potteries developed 'silacosis', but never put two and two together to believe there should be some kind of care taken to protect the health of the workers. Grand Father (yes that was what we called him, remember he came from England and proper etiquete was always observed, even here in America) developed the disease that eventually caused his death.
Well, back to the crying thing. It appears that the trait was one that had carried over to the Smith Kids. I don't ever recall Dad being like that, but Ralph and I sure got the 'weeps'. Ralph was always so much more tender than I. He could cry over the slightest thing. I am prone to bringing on the tears when it really reaches in and grabs me. Well, the only really easy time for me is when I see the Flag. Even thinking about it brings the water to the surface. Maybe it was the things Dad had to say about this country and all it ment to him, or it could have been the effect of the War. Either way, I can really tear up when the Flag is passing by. Even when the Scouts bring it into a meeting.
I had a chance to be around Uncle Bill Horton and Uncle Fred Smith, but do not remember them having the same problem. Uncle Bill Horton was an older half-brother to Grand Father. Uncled Fred a younger brother. It was Uncle Bill Horton who first ventured out of England and came to this Country around 1898 or 1899. Grand Father followed in 1900. Uncle Thomas Horton follwed in about 1909. I don't recall when Uncle Fred came. He was married and had a family. His first wife passed away leaving him with two boys and a girl to raise. He sent to England for his deceased wifes' sister. She came over with Grand Mother Ellen Frost Horton Smith and my Dad John Charles Smith in around 1907. Her name was Annie Clark. She and Uncle Fred married. She raised the children, but they did not have any children together. I knew them well.
After Uncle Fred passed away she remarried a man named Brown.
Hey, I guess I filled in some Family History there, didn't I. Well that is O.K. It doesn't add much to the topic at hand, but may be of use somewhere down the line. Who knows?
I have enjoyed the 4th of July week-end, and had many a tear filled eye with all the Celebrations on TV and in the papers. Even putting out our Flag has brought on the 'water works'. Some people apolgize for such things, but I think it shows some deeper feelings that need to be expressed. At one time I told a friend, male, that I concidered his crying as showing his soul was so expanded that it made his eyes water. Kind of a nice way to tell someone that it is O.K. to: 'Go Ahead and Cry'. In fact there is one man I know that has an entire body experience when he is moved to tears. First he becomes quiet, then he shifts his weight on first one foot and then another. This is followed by his mouth trying to speak, but the flood of emotion is too much; then with a great deal of effort he sheds his tears and finds composure enough to carry on. I have always admired this man. He fights the feeling, but when it is bigger than he can manage, he gently gives way to the feeling and adds his tears to the testimony of what he is trying, in words to convey. Of course the tears make a much bigger statement than ever the words can.
One is not a 'cry baby' when they are moved by the spirit to feel deeply something that touches them. On the contrary, it is a sign of much more than weakness. It is a sign the person has deeper instincts than would normally have been known. Men do not cry from weakness, rather, they cry from inner feelings that can only be expressed when the spirit forces the tears into their eyes. It is when that is seen, that I too have to find a kleenex to dab away my own tears. In fact, the Gentleman I discribed above, who fights the feeling, never beats me to the tears. I sence his struggle and feeling within me well up to meet his 'crisis'. Not because I feel he is weak, but because I realize just how much he is feeling, and how much it means to him to share it.
I feel sorry for those who find such moments time to snicker or chuckel over someone else fighting to contain their emotion. Not a thing to be chided for, but rather a moment to reflect on the things that have and are being shared. A time to look within and see if there is not something within that is touched and made better for the exerience. I guess what I am saying is when one spirit is so moved, another may pick up on the moment and gain much from it. No shame to cry, only a time to realize that something worth taking note of is happening. Don't let it slip away without examining it for its' worth. We never know when we have been a witness to the influence of an Angel touching someone with a special spiritual blessing. Think about it. When such a moment has overtaken you did you find a warmth and feeling of wonder of 'where did that come from?'. If not, you should look for those special moments and realize that you have either witnessed something very special, or had something very special happen to you, so - 'Go Ahead and Cry!"
Written this 5th day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Well, back to the crying thing. It appears that the trait was one that had carried over to the Smith Kids. I don't ever recall Dad being like that, but Ralph and I sure got the 'weeps'. Ralph was always so much more tender than I. He could cry over the slightest thing. I am prone to bringing on the tears when it really reaches in and grabs me. Well, the only really easy time for me is when I see the Flag. Even thinking about it brings the water to the surface. Maybe it was the things Dad had to say about this country and all it ment to him, or it could have been the effect of the War. Either way, I can really tear up when the Flag is passing by. Even when the Scouts bring it into a meeting.
I had a chance to be around Uncle Bill Horton and Uncle Fred Smith, but do not remember them having the same problem. Uncle Bill Horton was an older half-brother to Grand Father. Uncled Fred a younger brother. It was Uncle Bill Horton who first ventured out of England and came to this Country around 1898 or 1899. Grand Father followed in 1900. Uncle Thomas Horton follwed in about 1909. I don't recall when Uncle Fred came. He was married and had a family. His first wife passed away leaving him with two boys and a girl to raise. He sent to England for his deceased wifes' sister. She came over with Grand Mother Ellen Frost Horton Smith and my Dad John Charles Smith in around 1907. Her name was Annie Clark. She and Uncle Fred married. She raised the children, but they did not have any children together. I knew them well.
After Uncle Fred passed away she remarried a man named Brown.
Hey, I guess I filled in some Family History there, didn't I. Well that is O.K. It doesn't add much to the topic at hand, but may be of use somewhere down the line. Who knows?
I have enjoyed the 4th of July week-end, and had many a tear filled eye with all the Celebrations on TV and in the papers. Even putting out our Flag has brought on the 'water works'. Some people apolgize for such things, but I think it shows some deeper feelings that need to be expressed. At one time I told a friend, male, that I concidered his crying as showing his soul was so expanded that it made his eyes water. Kind of a nice way to tell someone that it is O.K. to: 'Go Ahead and Cry'. In fact there is one man I know that has an entire body experience when he is moved to tears. First he becomes quiet, then he shifts his weight on first one foot and then another. This is followed by his mouth trying to speak, but the flood of emotion is too much; then with a great deal of effort he sheds his tears and finds composure enough to carry on. I have always admired this man. He fights the feeling, but when it is bigger than he can manage, he gently gives way to the feeling and adds his tears to the testimony of what he is trying, in words to convey. Of course the tears make a much bigger statement than ever the words can.
One is not a 'cry baby' when they are moved by the spirit to feel deeply something that touches them. On the contrary, it is a sign of much more than weakness. It is a sign the person has deeper instincts than would normally have been known. Men do not cry from weakness, rather, they cry from inner feelings that can only be expressed when the spirit forces the tears into their eyes. It is when that is seen, that I too have to find a kleenex to dab away my own tears. In fact, the Gentleman I discribed above, who fights the feeling, never beats me to the tears. I sence his struggle and feeling within me well up to meet his 'crisis'. Not because I feel he is weak, but because I realize just how much he is feeling, and how much it means to him to share it.
I feel sorry for those who find such moments time to snicker or chuckel over someone else fighting to contain their emotion. Not a thing to be chided for, but rather a moment to reflect on the things that have and are being shared. A time to look within and see if there is not something within that is touched and made better for the exerience. I guess what I am saying is when one spirit is so moved, another may pick up on the moment and gain much from it. No shame to cry, only a time to realize that something worth taking note of is happening. Don't let it slip away without examining it for its' worth. We never know when we have been a witness to the influence of an Angel touching someone with a special spiritual blessing. Think about it. When such a moment has overtaken you did you find a warmth and feeling of wonder of 'where did that come from?'. If not, you should look for those special moments and realize that you have either witnessed something very special, or had something very special happen to you, so - 'Go Ahead and Cry!"
Written this 5th day of July 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
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