Our numbers have dwindled down to 'a precious few'. I'm the last of the first family still able to look back over the past and be amazed at all that we have experienced and enjoyed. Kind of makes me set up and take notice all over again. I guess you could say we came and went in an organized fashion. Thinking about it, I was a bit surprised. Maybe you will be as well?
First came John Charles Smith born in England 7th October 1898 he came to the United States when he was about 7 years old. Lived with his father and step mother in East Liverpool, Columbiana County, Ohio. It was there he met Edith Annie Hall (in genealogy research I discovered her listed as
Annie Edith Hall) born in Springhill, Warren County, Iowa 11th February 1902. Edith had moved with her family when she was around 9 months of age to East Liverpool, Columbiana, Ohio. John, or J.C. as he was listed on the marriage registry married Edith 21st October 1920.
The marriage was blessed with three children: Ralph Evron (his second name was chosen from the telephone directory) born 4th September 1921; Ronald Charles born 6th November 1924 (Mom always called him FUZZ - but couldn't remember why) and finally Eileen Charmaine born 7th February 1929.
Notice the birthdates - John the 7th and Edith the 11th. Ralph the 4th, Ronald the 6th and Eileen the 7th.
Now for the deaths: John passed away on the 19th July 1955; Edith on the 11th August 1984; Ralph on the 3rd of June 1995 then Ronald on the 24th of December 2012. The dates aren't progressive, but all passed away in the order they were born. One very interesting note is that John died as the result of an auto accident in which Edith was very serious injuried, but survivied. However, it was noticed by Eileen following Edith's passing that she had passed away 6 months after her 83rd birthday in room 719 - the date that John had died 29 years earlier.
Ralph passed away 2 years before his wife, while Ronald passed away 25 years after his first wife. Ralph left a family of two grown children, Ronald left a family of 5 grown children. At this written, Eileen has survived her husband Jay by 9 years and their son Paul by 2 years. She and Dawn their daughter still representing the Rosenberg side of the family. There will however not be any posterity bearing that sir name, as Paul never had any children.
John and Ralph were both bright and inventive. They worked on a number of projects together, which held a great deal of promise, but neither lived to see any of their ideas come to be. I notice now that their idea of advanced drafting is now covered with the Computer age, turning sea water into drinking water is being done successfully and solar power is now available.
The notebook with all of their drawings and basic notes was never found after the accident, so we have no idea what happened to it.
Ronald, and Ralph as well were both trained as printers. Ralph followed after John as an machinist. John ended up as a Model maker and was working on the ship that would carry man into outerspace at the time of his death. He was well known as 'Capt. John' to the engineers he worked with on the project. Dearly loved and remembered with the purchase of some valueable books that are now housed in the Huntington Library in Pasadena, California in his memory. Ralph, following his service in the Second World War varied his occupation between machinist and printing. He was more a 'jack of all trades' you might say. Ronald was a printer for many years in the Newspaper publishing business then branched out into maintainence machinst then finally a Warehouseman for a Bank. He retired from that and moved to Oregon where he enjoyed being with his family.
Fortunately I spent one of the last months of Ronald's life with him. We had a wonderful visit and a great many moments of family stories and of the many experiences he had when he was in Australia being hospitalized with his malaria. Those moments will ever shine in my memory. That an of course the darling stove he bought while I was with him that looked like a minature fireplace. Every evening before we sat down to dinner he would make sure it was turned on so we could have some 'atmosphere'. It was a joke, but very warming as well.
I believe what I will carry close to my heart from that time is the way Ronald talked about his two wives and how 'lucky' he concidered himself for having had them in his life. He continually spoke about how good his children had been to him. A man who really never intented to or really wanted children, but how very much they ment to him. His middle son
lived with him most of time and he appreciated the help he gave in keeping things in order. 'Shorty' who was Jeannie was a continual joy to Ronald they had what would appear on the surface as a constant struggle, I realized talking to him that it was his odd way of loving her for all she did for him. I guess men are a great deal like that. They love, but want things their way even when they don't have control over things. Ronald I believe found it hard to show his true feelings to anyone most of the time. I know he looked to his oldest son Bill as his rock. The person who seemed to be there and willing to carry out the plans he so longed to have done. His health was not co-operative the last few years of his life, and having Bill and his son Andy step in and do the work so beautifully brought a great deal of pride and joy to Ronald. I am not sure he always showed how much it really ment to him. Mary his great grand daughter was so loving and came regularly and gave Ronald manicures and pedicures. He told me how good his hands and arms and feet and legs felt after she was finished. He did so appreciate her talent and willingness to be with him. Things I am sure he never expressed to her or the other members of the family as he did to me. He worried over Connie and Bob. Connie because of her being so easily hurt, carrying her heart, as he put it, on her sleve. Bob because he couldn't get a grip on his life and take advantage of his many talents. His desire was for both Jay and Bob could have a better control, but knew there was nothing he could do about it personally. We may love our children, but they must find their own way.
The holiday will ever be a reminder that the parents who were loved were to leave, one before Christmas and the other after. There seems to be little sence in such a thing, but then that is life, and how things are.
Those things that we can control, are the things that we need to be involved with. Those things that we cannot need to be viewed as our challenges. We have no need to give into them, we have only to gain strength from the problems they produce. We may feel like avoiding them will help, while that is not always the case. Giving into all the stress and problems only add to our own discomfort. We can do only what we can do.
The family is growing smaller, the time is ticking, and opportunities are growing less and less - let us move forward with the love that we share and the hope that lays just beyond the horizon. This life was never ment to be a cake walk. Rather it was given to help us learn about ourselves and appreciate those things we can or cannot do. My favorite saying:
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up totally worn out, and saying . . . WOW . . .What a ride!!!!!
"So it is written, so shall it be!"
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
It is Christmas Time Again!
The year is 2012 - December has again rolled around and we are all busy with the preparations for the Holiday that this month brings with it. The weather has been a bit rainy this year, which is not all that common, but more than welcome to say the least. The lights have been up since the day after Thanksgiving, thanks to my Home Teachers so the house takes on a look and feeling that goes along with the season.
I have a tree up on the front porch that shows through the side window and tells those who may be interested that the inside is also ready for the Holiday! In fact I have two more trees up in the Living Room. Now how about that for being ready.
All the gifts for the out of state Great Grand Children were left in Arizona for delivery by the Farley Grand Parents which was a real bonus for the family this year. That means all the young ones will be decked out with their Christmas Eve night wear so that they can be "charming" for those Christmas Morning Pictures that everyone so dearly love.
Speaking about Arizona, I had such a wonderful time while I was there with Dawn and Greg. Their new Home in lovely, and it was fun to visit with the
Farley Family. We had all decended on Mesa to see and listen to the Choir that Curtis was singing with. What a delightful evening it was. Nearly 400 singers in a number of different Choirs participating, and the way they were able to move on an off the stage for their part of the program was a real delight to watch. The big thing for me was that not one of the groups had a folder or binder with music. Every piece was totally memorized, even the young children - that was amazing. I am thrilled to have a CD of the program and will enjoy listening to it while I go around with my friends this next week. Really put all of us in the Holiday Spirit.
Along with that wonderful Concert we were able to enjoy (an under-statement) the lights at the Phoenix Zoo. What an unbelievable adventure that was. We were greeted with a life size Lion made out of lights and a beautiful Peacock before we ever got into the Zoo. After that it was just
on wonderful eyeful after another. The huge Butterflies in the Trees that were flapping their wings was just one of the things that we marveled over. The light show on the lake set to the best Music was another eye popper.
All the live animals were safely put to bed and we were treated to the prowling of animals in lights. Of course they moved in slow motion as one stance was illuminated after another as they moved through the brush.
I think we were all amazed at the tear drop lights that gave appearance of rain, and the multi colored tree took everyones eye. A great deal of blue and purple lights made for a very interesting sight as we wondered what seemed like miles. I enjoyed every minute of the time we were there.
To finish off the evening we watched as Curtis and Chris took their little daughters on the Merry-Go-Round. Pictures were taken of as much as we were interested in to save, and of course the young ones on the Merry-go-round were more prized than the rest.
As much as we were interested in the lights at the Zoo, they were not more spectacular than the ones at the Mesa, Arizona Temple. We went there the next evening, and it was breath taking. We didn't stay to hear the 7:00 pm
concert by a Choir, but I am sure it was equally as wonderful as all we saw
on Temple Square. Some folks across the street were taking advantage of the crowds that attend by selling hot chocolate and hot cider. It was chilly so I am sure a great many of the visitors would wonder across to get a cup
of one or the other to warm them. I over heard one of the visitors asking a guide where a certain scene was this year. It appears as they add to the show they move things around. They have so much going on that it is a wonder they can get it all set up, and don't blow a fuse some place or another.
Well I guess you could say that this will be a banner year for the Christmas Season for me. Tonight is Sing Noel in the San Luis Obispo Stake Center and I will be there to help with what ever they need before, during and after their performance. It is always such a great program, and so many local folks look forward to it. Tomorrow night is Vine Street Victorian Walk and so the second performance of Sing Noel will be Sunday Night. I hope they
have a great turn out. The Choir is much smaller this year than we have had in the past, but it is none the less good. The blend has been outstanding, and the Solo music is something to make everyone tear up. We are so fortunate to have such a great group of singers and behind the scene people to do such a great job putting this program together. I am happy to be part of it in such a small way.
As I end this little Holiday piece, I hope it will brighten those who read it and will make their Christmas just a little more special knowing that the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, sets such lovely things into motion and that so many thousands of people can visit, enjoy and feel the spirit that such things bring into our lives. I hope that some of those feelings will spill over into the New Year and find hearts willing, and minds inspired to live and love as Jesus would have us do.
To one all Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year -
from Grandma Rosenberg
I have a tree up on the front porch that shows through the side window and tells those who may be interested that the inside is also ready for the Holiday! In fact I have two more trees up in the Living Room. Now how about that for being ready.
All the gifts for the out of state Great Grand Children were left in Arizona for delivery by the Farley Grand Parents which was a real bonus for the family this year. That means all the young ones will be decked out with their Christmas Eve night wear so that they can be "charming" for those Christmas Morning Pictures that everyone so dearly love.
Speaking about Arizona, I had such a wonderful time while I was there with Dawn and Greg. Their new Home in lovely, and it was fun to visit with the
Farley Family. We had all decended on Mesa to see and listen to the Choir that Curtis was singing with. What a delightful evening it was. Nearly 400 singers in a number of different Choirs participating, and the way they were able to move on an off the stage for their part of the program was a real delight to watch. The big thing for me was that not one of the groups had a folder or binder with music. Every piece was totally memorized, even the young children - that was amazing. I am thrilled to have a CD of the program and will enjoy listening to it while I go around with my friends this next week. Really put all of us in the Holiday Spirit.
Along with that wonderful Concert we were able to enjoy (an under-statement) the lights at the Phoenix Zoo. What an unbelievable adventure that was. We were greeted with a life size Lion made out of lights and a beautiful Peacock before we ever got into the Zoo. After that it was just
on wonderful eyeful after another. The huge Butterflies in the Trees that were flapping their wings was just one of the things that we marveled over. The light show on the lake set to the best Music was another eye popper.
All the live animals were safely put to bed and we were treated to the prowling of animals in lights. Of course they moved in slow motion as one stance was illuminated after another as they moved through the brush.
I think we were all amazed at the tear drop lights that gave appearance of rain, and the multi colored tree took everyones eye. A great deal of blue and purple lights made for a very interesting sight as we wondered what seemed like miles. I enjoyed every minute of the time we were there.
To finish off the evening we watched as Curtis and Chris took their little daughters on the Merry-Go-Round. Pictures were taken of as much as we were interested in to save, and of course the young ones on the Merry-go-round were more prized than the rest.
As much as we were interested in the lights at the Zoo, they were not more spectacular than the ones at the Mesa, Arizona Temple. We went there the next evening, and it was breath taking. We didn't stay to hear the 7:00 pm
concert by a Choir, but I am sure it was equally as wonderful as all we saw
on Temple Square. Some folks across the street were taking advantage of the crowds that attend by selling hot chocolate and hot cider. It was chilly so I am sure a great many of the visitors would wonder across to get a cup
of one or the other to warm them. I over heard one of the visitors asking a guide where a certain scene was this year. It appears as they add to the show they move things around. They have so much going on that it is a wonder they can get it all set up, and don't blow a fuse some place or another.
Well I guess you could say that this will be a banner year for the Christmas Season for me. Tonight is Sing Noel in the San Luis Obispo Stake Center and I will be there to help with what ever they need before, during and after their performance. It is always such a great program, and so many local folks look forward to it. Tomorrow night is Vine Street Victorian Walk and so the second performance of Sing Noel will be Sunday Night. I hope they
have a great turn out. The Choir is much smaller this year than we have had in the past, but it is none the less good. The blend has been outstanding, and the Solo music is something to make everyone tear up. We are so fortunate to have such a great group of singers and behind the scene people to do such a great job putting this program together. I am happy to be part of it in such a small way.
As I end this little Holiday piece, I hope it will brighten those who read it and will make their Christmas just a little more special knowing that the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, sets such lovely things into motion and that so many thousands of people can visit, enjoy and feel the spirit that such things bring into our lives. I hope that some of those feelings will spill over into the New Year and find hearts willing, and minds inspired to live and love as Jesus would have us do.
To one all Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year -
from Grandma Rosenberg
Monday, July 16, 2012
STYLE or FASHION?
Before I start this, I guess I should begin with a disclaimer. I am an olde lady aged 83. That may, or may not help any reader to appreciate my thoughts on the subject I undertake to express some very strong views
about.
First may I say, when I was young, girls and women took very great care, on the most part, to look neatly dressed when they were "in public". Around the house even there were standards. Way back then, pants (which were called slacks) were not heard of. Not until, I believe it was the mid 1940's. Shorts were for Gym class or beach wear, and any thinking young man wasn't willing to take a young lady out for a date unless she 'looked like a lady' by the way she was dressed. May sound arcaic by todays standards, but I am glad that was how it was.
Even after marriage it was common to have my husband ask on Saturday
morning if I would be going with him. Unless I was dressed to suit him I was told to 'get dressed'. As his wife, I had to 'look' right, or I would be left at home. Sound rather stuffy? Well it wasn't. It was wonderful to know it meant so much to him. I was happy to meet his request. I learned during those yrars to 'get ready' in a very few minutes. Not only my dress, my shoes and hair were important. I needed to loook as if I had been 'put together'. Something I feel I have tried to continue over the years.
When, after the Second World War we began to see imports from Japan, foot wear was the first change. Not like we see it in such common use as today. No the entire foot wear was 'tabbies', which were of black broad cloth with a wite sole that had space for the big toe with the rest if the toes fit nuch like a mitten. There where flat hooks at the back of the heel for closer. The foot then fit into the 'thong'. These first were worn around the house. As the space between the big toe was tender the "tabbie' gave a great deal of comfort. Needless to say as the 'thong' became cheaper to make and easier to buy, over the years they have become common footwear through out the country. Where once it was stated "no shoes, no service" shoes no longer have the same meaning they had back in 'my day'.
When we had our children, we took the youngsters to a Childrens Shoe Store to be fitted with "Buster Brown Shoes". When new soes were needed, three pairs if new socks were purchased as well. Care of growing feet was important. The budget might be crimped a bit, but it was unthinkable to not give the selection of shoes the utmost attention. As both our children were born with hip problems that made it important to keep there shoes of high quality, we never minded the cost, or care they needed.
After World War Two the great blessing of Nylon Hose came onto the scene. A great improvement over the awful Rayon Hose we had to wear before Nylon was available. Again we found shopping for them very enjoyable. There were Shops that sold only lovely Ladies Underwear and Hose. One could go in and find beautiful slips, panties, bras, night gowns
and of course hose. They could be bought by the pair, or by the box which had three pair of the same color. The sales clerk would make a fist and pull the sheer hose over it to show the sheerness and color. What a joy to shop!
Of couse that was when all the hose had a seam up the back, so pulling a pair on took skill to get the seams straight. At first the seams were the same as the hose color, then they had dark seams that flattered the leg even more. There those who liked them even fancier so the came out with lace, and even butterflies around the ankles or flowers. They were expensive, but one never minded that if they made the leg attractive. Not only how one dressed was important, but what in!
When I was married in the late 1940's Suits for women were all the rage. I don't know how many I owned. Lovely blouses were necessary to make the right look. Of course that ment jewlery was important as well. So we discovered Costume Jewlery Stores became popular. We could find pins to decorate the lapels of our suits. The big vouge was matching clips to wear at the neck of a colarless dress. It was the "Big Band Era" so a lot of formals were worn with a lot of glittery Costume Jewlery as well. Very few ladies had pierced ears back then, so clip earrings were plentiful and in just about any design and color one could desire.
Hair was long for the most part. Permanents were fashionable, if you had the patience to set under that 'hot machine' to get one. A long time before the Perms you could give yourself. Curlers were used - the forerunners of 'rollers', and of course there were 'pincurls' and 'fingerwaves'. I learned how to do both, In fact when my hair is long, I stll use pincurls to set my hair.
Talk about 'old style'!
I guess I should spend just a few minutes on shoes (something I know Nemiha will enjoy). There were no less than 5 shoe stores on the Blvd. My favorite shopping was checking them all out. Blessed with small feet, I wore 'sample shoes', which were the ones they had in the windows. I would seldom purchase anything until they had their end of the season sales when all the sample shoes were on the sales rack. Usually at a $1.00 per pair. Going from one store to the next I could usually get what I required in color and style and come home with a number of shoe boxes and most of my paycheck stll in my purse. Lucky me!
One of those shopping trips netted me a pair of kelly green suede babydoll 3 inch heeled pumps that I wore with a rust colored linen suit that was trimmed with lemon yellow pipeing. Got a few turned heads when Jay took me out for the evening. Color, style and good times are what I recall.
When I was expecting Paul, my Mother made me two 'maternity dresses'
One was a dark red with black and white flowers, the other was white with lavender and green flowers. The under dress had a white sleeveless top.
Mom made the top large and fit the skirt of color then pleated it so to start it fit neatly. She made a lovely matching smock top to go over the dress. The smock was big enough to cover my enlarge body from start to finish, while the skirt could be let out gradualy as needed. I had one pair of Moms slacks I could wear with a smock around the house. Not many clothes, but all I needed to look Stylish, neat and meet my husbands standards.
So now we get to what is Stlye - SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU LOOK GREAT. Then what is Fashion? Something that someone else is selling as 'what to wear'. It may or may not have a thing to do with what you personally look like it in it.
In todays 'fashions' you may look as if you were poured into what you are wearing, which may or may not make you look great! In fact, except that it is what everyone else is wearing, it may not become you at all.
I believe one of my pet pieves of today is the fact that beautiful ladies have decided being pregnant is the time to expose their bodies in a vulgar and un-lady-like fashion'. God has given women one of His greatest blessings. Creation. He loves us, and delights in our lovilness. As our bodies accomodate this great wonder of creation, we should look our best. We should be as careful of how we look as if we were fasting. Washed, bright, happy and NEAT! I remember in Salt Lake in 2005 when myself and three other Missionaries were shopping at Kohl's. A young women in her mid twenties came into the store with a friend (we thought), she was nearing her delivery date. On the top of her body she had on a cut off t-shirt and a pair of low cut jeans. Her bare belly totally exposed. It looked terrible, and if her desire was a shock factor, she accoplished her goal. Her unborn child was flaunted as 'a thing of naught' instead of one of Gods blessed creations.
I may be wrong, but if I don't have respect for myself, how can I expect anyone else to have any for me? Judge me if I stand in need of judgement,
I am old enough to take it! First however stop long enough to reflect on who you are, a daughter of God, and then how He would like to see you.
Would he see you as the way you were created - prepared to assist Him in his continual work of creation, or a spectical, showing your sacred capabilities 'as a thing to flaunt'?
When we go into His House are we a guest who He could welcome with an eye of love and approval, or would He turn His head so you could not see the expression in His eyes? In Ephesians 6:14-19 we read how we should cover ourselves, with truth, righteousness, and our feet shod (meaning shoes) with the gospel. Are we, as those anciently, looking beyond the mark? Are we marching to a correct drummer? Today we see the call to "work out". Meaning to shape up, tone up, become lovely or mocho. A call which has been taught in ever dispensation - 'WORK YOUR SALVATION.' Who has our ear? To whom are we turning for light? I begin to wonder when I remember how prophets both ancient and modern have counceled us on whom we should look and to whom we should listen.
We are Latter-day Saints - we have the 'further light and knowledge' promised. Do we care more for the things of this world than for the Kingdom promised to those who will see and hear? I wonder. True I am old. I have lived long enough to be able to testify with a perfect knowledge for I have lived to witness it as it has 'come to pass'. Men and women are
different, unfortunately I cannot say in any honesty for the better. Time grows short and we must look to see if we are in the correct path and reaching our eternal goal? To tell you that I love you would only let you know again what I continually tell you. It in no way, however, does it expess my deep feelings for you and for you future joy and happiness, Whether I am fortunate enough to reach the highest blessings of Heaven or not, at this point and time is not my main worry. My main worry, of is whether or not my example has been good enough to inspire you to take a higher path? God bless you and help you to find your way amid all the challenges and trials of this world. This is my humble prayer and desire! Grandma "R"
about.
First may I say, when I was young, girls and women took very great care, on the most part, to look neatly dressed when they were "in public". Around the house even there were standards. Way back then, pants (which were called slacks) were not heard of. Not until, I believe it was the mid 1940's. Shorts were for Gym class or beach wear, and any thinking young man wasn't willing to take a young lady out for a date unless she 'looked like a lady' by the way she was dressed. May sound arcaic by todays standards, but I am glad that was how it was.
Even after marriage it was common to have my husband ask on Saturday
morning if I would be going with him. Unless I was dressed to suit him I was told to 'get dressed'. As his wife, I had to 'look' right, or I would be left at home. Sound rather stuffy? Well it wasn't. It was wonderful to know it meant so much to him. I was happy to meet his request. I learned during those yrars to 'get ready' in a very few minutes. Not only my dress, my shoes and hair were important. I needed to loook as if I had been 'put together'. Something I feel I have tried to continue over the years.
When, after the Second World War we began to see imports from Japan, foot wear was the first change. Not like we see it in such common use as today. No the entire foot wear was 'tabbies', which were of black broad cloth with a wite sole that had space for the big toe with the rest if the toes fit nuch like a mitten. There where flat hooks at the back of the heel for closer. The foot then fit into the 'thong'. These first were worn around the house. As the space between the big toe was tender the "tabbie' gave a great deal of comfort. Needless to say as the 'thong' became cheaper to make and easier to buy, over the years they have become common footwear through out the country. Where once it was stated "no shoes, no service" shoes no longer have the same meaning they had back in 'my day'.
When we had our children, we took the youngsters to a Childrens Shoe Store to be fitted with "Buster Brown Shoes". When new soes were needed, three pairs if new socks were purchased as well. Care of growing feet was important. The budget might be crimped a bit, but it was unthinkable to not give the selection of shoes the utmost attention. As both our children were born with hip problems that made it important to keep there shoes of high quality, we never minded the cost, or care they needed.
After World War Two the great blessing of Nylon Hose came onto the scene. A great improvement over the awful Rayon Hose we had to wear before Nylon was available. Again we found shopping for them very enjoyable. There were Shops that sold only lovely Ladies Underwear and Hose. One could go in and find beautiful slips, panties, bras, night gowns
and of course hose. They could be bought by the pair, or by the box which had three pair of the same color. The sales clerk would make a fist and pull the sheer hose over it to show the sheerness and color. What a joy to shop!
Of couse that was when all the hose had a seam up the back, so pulling a pair on took skill to get the seams straight. At first the seams were the same as the hose color, then they had dark seams that flattered the leg even more. There those who liked them even fancier so the came out with lace, and even butterflies around the ankles or flowers. They were expensive, but one never minded that if they made the leg attractive. Not only how one dressed was important, but what in!
When I was married in the late 1940's Suits for women were all the rage. I don't know how many I owned. Lovely blouses were necessary to make the right look. Of course that ment jewlery was important as well. So we discovered Costume Jewlery Stores became popular. We could find pins to decorate the lapels of our suits. The big vouge was matching clips to wear at the neck of a colarless dress. It was the "Big Band Era" so a lot of formals were worn with a lot of glittery Costume Jewlery as well. Very few ladies had pierced ears back then, so clip earrings were plentiful and in just about any design and color one could desire.
Hair was long for the most part. Permanents were fashionable, if you had the patience to set under that 'hot machine' to get one. A long time before the Perms you could give yourself. Curlers were used - the forerunners of 'rollers', and of course there were 'pincurls' and 'fingerwaves'. I learned how to do both, In fact when my hair is long, I stll use pincurls to set my hair.
Talk about 'old style'!
I guess I should spend just a few minutes on shoes (something I know Nemiha will enjoy). There were no less than 5 shoe stores on the Blvd. My favorite shopping was checking them all out. Blessed with small feet, I wore 'sample shoes', which were the ones they had in the windows. I would seldom purchase anything until they had their end of the season sales when all the sample shoes were on the sales rack. Usually at a $1.00 per pair. Going from one store to the next I could usually get what I required in color and style and come home with a number of shoe boxes and most of my paycheck stll in my purse. Lucky me!
One of those shopping trips netted me a pair of kelly green suede babydoll 3 inch heeled pumps that I wore with a rust colored linen suit that was trimmed with lemon yellow pipeing. Got a few turned heads when Jay took me out for the evening. Color, style and good times are what I recall.
When I was expecting Paul, my Mother made me two 'maternity dresses'
One was a dark red with black and white flowers, the other was white with lavender and green flowers. The under dress had a white sleeveless top.
Mom made the top large and fit the skirt of color then pleated it so to start it fit neatly. She made a lovely matching smock top to go over the dress. The smock was big enough to cover my enlarge body from start to finish, while the skirt could be let out gradualy as needed. I had one pair of Moms slacks I could wear with a smock around the house. Not many clothes, but all I needed to look Stylish, neat and meet my husbands standards.
So now we get to what is Stlye - SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU LOOK GREAT. Then what is Fashion? Something that someone else is selling as 'what to wear'. It may or may not have a thing to do with what you personally look like it in it.
In todays 'fashions' you may look as if you were poured into what you are wearing, which may or may not make you look great! In fact, except that it is what everyone else is wearing, it may not become you at all.
I believe one of my pet pieves of today is the fact that beautiful ladies have decided being pregnant is the time to expose their bodies in a vulgar and un-lady-like fashion'. God has given women one of His greatest blessings. Creation. He loves us, and delights in our lovilness. As our bodies accomodate this great wonder of creation, we should look our best. We should be as careful of how we look as if we were fasting. Washed, bright, happy and NEAT! I remember in Salt Lake in 2005 when myself and three other Missionaries were shopping at Kohl's. A young women in her mid twenties came into the store with a friend (we thought), she was nearing her delivery date. On the top of her body she had on a cut off t-shirt and a pair of low cut jeans. Her bare belly totally exposed. It looked terrible, and if her desire was a shock factor, she accoplished her goal. Her unborn child was flaunted as 'a thing of naught' instead of one of Gods blessed creations.
I may be wrong, but if I don't have respect for myself, how can I expect anyone else to have any for me? Judge me if I stand in need of judgement,
I am old enough to take it! First however stop long enough to reflect on who you are, a daughter of God, and then how He would like to see you.
Would he see you as the way you were created - prepared to assist Him in his continual work of creation, or a spectical, showing your sacred capabilities 'as a thing to flaunt'?
When we go into His House are we a guest who He could welcome with an eye of love and approval, or would He turn His head so you could not see the expression in His eyes? In Ephesians 6:14-19 we read how we should cover ourselves, with truth, righteousness, and our feet shod (meaning shoes) with the gospel. Are we, as those anciently, looking beyond the mark? Are we marching to a correct drummer? Today we see the call to "work out". Meaning to shape up, tone up, become lovely or mocho. A call which has been taught in ever dispensation - 'WORK YOUR SALVATION.' Who has our ear? To whom are we turning for light? I begin to wonder when I remember how prophets both ancient and modern have counceled us on whom we should look and to whom we should listen.
We are Latter-day Saints - we have the 'further light and knowledge' promised. Do we care more for the things of this world than for the Kingdom promised to those who will see and hear? I wonder. True I am old. I have lived long enough to be able to testify with a perfect knowledge for I have lived to witness it as it has 'come to pass'. Men and women are
different, unfortunately I cannot say in any honesty for the better. Time grows short and we must look to see if we are in the correct path and reaching our eternal goal? To tell you that I love you would only let you know again what I continually tell you. It in no way, however, does it expess my deep feelings for you and for you future joy and happiness, Whether I am fortunate enough to reach the highest blessings of Heaven or not, at this point and time is not my main worry. My main worry, of is whether or not my example has been good enough to inspire you to take a higher path? God bless you and help you to find your way amid all the challenges and trials of this world. This is my humble prayer and desire! Grandma "R"
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Something About Jay
I am not sure just how much I have written about Jay Ford Rosenberg. It may have been some, or maybe, now that I think about it, it may be nothing at all. That would be a grave oversite it that is the case. Thinking about it I felt I should set here for a short time and drop a line or two about him, so here goes.
The Beginning - Jays parents had moved from Utah to Southern California in late 1925 or early 1926, I am not sure just which. They were looking for a new life, and a chance to make more money than they were able to do in the little town of Cedar City where they had grown up and married. The first two children they had of course was LaMar Harris Rosenberg and Afton Rosenberg. They moved into a duplex on Pacific Blvd. in Huntington Park, California. Last I knew that building was still standing. I haven't, however, been in that part of Huntington Park for over 45 years. It was a white cement block structure that pretty much stood by itself with wide open country all around it. In fact the family always said that when the time came for the hasty trip to Bell Mission Hospital they drove across open fields to get there. Even when we moved to California in 1935 I don't believe that could have been done.
When Itha was finally admitted to the Hospital Jay was pretty anxious to get into this world, in fact he made his appearance on a gearny in the hall of the Hospital. This was the same Hospital Jay had his appendix removed after it had ruptured when he was 13 years old. In fact the Hospital was around and fully operative into the 1960's.
The family now numbered parents and three siblings and one Grandpa, the widowed father of Itha who had moved to California some time after the family had. Both Itha and Slim had to work to keep the family fed and clothed, so Grandpa Harris was the Baby Sitter. Jay had many fond memories of Grandpa and loved hearing his many stories of the early days in Utah. Of course the story of the Harris family moving from Rigby, Idaho to Cedar City in the early 1900's in a Covered Wagon was pretty interesting as well. Grandpa Harris had been a Pony Express Rider when he was younger carrying the mail from Cedar City, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada. The gold watch he carried and belonged to the family was picked out of a stream I believe in the Virgin River area on one of those rides. Jay felt a great loss when he Grandpa passed away in 1933. It was then that his Sister Afton took over the baby sitting. He was always very close to his Big Sister.
I am not sure if it was because of a poor food supply in the home or because Jay was left to his own eating habits that he developed Rickets. I recall him saying many times that he ate a lot of Renit Pudding, which I don't know if it is available in stores now or not. It was to help build him back up. I believe he felt Rickets was what caused his bow legs. It may have, it may not have been the cause. Jay was very ill for a good part of his early life and due to it I believe became pretty spoiled. He was always in conflict with his older brother. One because LaMar was upset that he had to 'put up' with his little brother when he wanted to be with his friends. Of course being the little brother Jay wanted always to be in the middle of what the olders boys were up to.
Jay admitted he was a 'brat' during his pre teen years. Quite a 'bully' to hear him tell it. Picking fights and being the 'mean little kid'. Knowing him only as a grown up, I never saw any of those characteristics in his make up. Jay was a loyal friend and had a great many when I met him. He talked his Dad into signing for him so he could enlist in the Navy during his Senior Year of High School. The War was winding down and he wasn't all that thrilled with school, so he went to Boot Camp and then returned home, dawned his Civilian Clothes and Graduated with his Class at Bell High School. He received his final credits for his time in Boot Camp in San Diego, California.
Jay loved his Navy experiences. He became a 'Motor Mach' and was diligent during his time in the service to advance to become a Petty Officer. When it was time to be assigned to a Ship he stood amid a group of new Seaman in alphabetical order. The fella to his right was named Reed and was assigned to a ship that was sunk and lost most of it Sailors. Jay always said he would have been one who was lost because his duty was in the engine room and would have been in an area that escape would have been nearly impossible. I wish this old brain could remember the name of the ship, but I apologize not being able to recall it.
Another experience he was to mention a number of times was that he was on deck when the ship carrying the Atomic Bomb aboard went sailing by and the Sailors exchanged waves and shouts - none of them knowing what a momentous occasion they had just been part of. For no one on either ship knew what was aboard. They later learned that same ship had been sunk on its' return trip from dropping the Bomb off. Jay also talked about the day when a few of the men aboard the LSM 330 were invited to go ashore and see the B-29's that were on an airfield not far from where they were anchored. So Jay was able to visit the Nola Gay and have the airmen tell these Sailors all about the airplane, but not what their job was going to be. In fact I am not sure any of the crew knew just what they were there to do. What ever, it was two very interesting events while Jay was serving in WWII that were very interesting to tell and think about.
Had the Atomic Bombs not been dropped as they were, a large number of ships that were gathered for an Invasion of Japan would have been numbered among the killed or wounded had an invasion been necessary. There were so many ships in that group and they were anchored according to their size and their jobs. To help you get some idea - the ship Jay was on was at anchor 10 miles out of the harbor. To make it more interesting you need to know that his ship had been made the 'flag ship' of that particular class. Normally they had a Crew of 50 but being 'flag' they had 80 aboard.
I believe Jay was proudest of the fact he had advanced from 'polly wog' to a 'sheel back' when he was put through the trials of crossing the equator. In the 'memories book' we put together for the 50th Anniversary of the LSM 330 being commissioned there is a whole section with pictures and a full written account of the ceremony. Don't hesitate to ask to see the book and read all about Jays days aboard his first Navy experiences.
Of course everyone knew that Jay left the Navy after the War and went into the 'inactive Navy Reserve' to finish his 6 years. As it turned out he was recalled in 1950 for the Korean 'Conflict' and served aboard the APA 202 USS Menifee. This ship had been out of commision and was brought back into service. Jay served again for 18 months before he was finally discharged from the Navy for good. He always said he would like to go back to Japan and Hong Kong. He had many fond memories of the South Pacific and felt he could recall some of his time if he could have returned. When, however, he visit Pearl Harbor in 1985 he was disappointed because things had changed so much he couldn't even figure out where the launches came and went for 'liberty' while he was stationed in Hawaii. I believe he felt a trip to the other places he had visited would be the same, so he didn't talk about much after that trip.
Jay joined the LSM 330 in San Pedro after the ship had been commission in the Great Lakes Amphibious Base. Only he and I believe it was one other Crew Member joined there. All the others were from the East Coast and so Jay never felt that he really was a welcomed addition. In fact when the first Reunion was planned in 1989 Jay was reluctant to go. I kept talking to him and finally got him to say o.k. He was sure he would never remember any of the men. They met in Norfolk, Virginia at the Amphibious Base. The Hotel was not far from the Base and we were standing in the Lobby waiting to see if we could find the Group. Jay said to me: "see those men over there talking?" I turned and saw about 6 men. He began to name each one and tell what they did aboard the '330'. I coaxed him to walk over to them, which he did rather slowly. When they finally saw him moving in their direction they all said: 'Hi Jay' and the Party was on. What a blessing it was to re-connect with these men and may I say what a great joy it was for me because all the wives - none having met before became fast friends on meeting, and I have remained close to each one up until this time. In fact I am still acting - in Jays' absence as the Secretary-Treasure for the USS LSM 330 Family Group. Our numbers get smaller every year, but we still keep in touch and love knowing we are still here for each other.
Thus brings to a close the 'Ramblings' about Jay and his Navy experiences.
I am sure there is a great deal more he would have added if I could have been able to get him to set down and talk about it. I believe putting the 'memory book' together was one of the best ways he had of telling about it.
It is an interesting note that a copy has been added to the Library of Congress. So all those hours and hours of work and care was well worth it. The USS LSM 330 may have been a very small ship, and had a small company of men and officers, but it has its place in History and in the hearts of those who served aboard her. Jay was one of the last who was aboard her. He left the ship in Lousiana. Only 6 were left to take her into dry dock there. She was 'moth balled' and kept for a number of years before she was cut into scrap metal as so many other ships that served so well.
Gone, but not forgotten by those who worked aboard her and brought her back home. So it is written - and so it was. Eileen C. Rosenberg
The Beginning - Jays parents had moved from Utah to Southern California in late 1925 or early 1926, I am not sure just which. They were looking for a new life, and a chance to make more money than they were able to do in the little town of Cedar City where they had grown up and married. The first two children they had of course was LaMar Harris Rosenberg and Afton Rosenberg. They moved into a duplex on Pacific Blvd. in Huntington Park, California. Last I knew that building was still standing. I haven't, however, been in that part of Huntington Park for over 45 years. It was a white cement block structure that pretty much stood by itself with wide open country all around it. In fact the family always said that when the time came for the hasty trip to Bell Mission Hospital they drove across open fields to get there. Even when we moved to California in 1935 I don't believe that could have been done.
When Itha was finally admitted to the Hospital Jay was pretty anxious to get into this world, in fact he made his appearance on a gearny in the hall of the Hospital. This was the same Hospital Jay had his appendix removed after it had ruptured when he was 13 years old. In fact the Hospital was around and fully operative into the 1960's.
The family now numbered parents and three siblings and one Grandpa, the widowed father of Itha who had moved to California some time after the family had. Both Itha and Slim had to work to keep the family fed and clothed, so Grandpa Harris was the Baby Sitter. Jay had many fond memories of Grandpa and loved hearing his many stories of the early days in Utah. Of course the story of the Harris family moving from Rigby, Idaho to Cedar City in the early 1900's in a Covered Wagon was pretty interesting as well. Grandpa Harris had been a Pony Express Rider when he was younger carrying the mail from Cedar City, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada. The gold watch he carried and belonged to the family was picked out of a stream I believe in the Virgin River area on one of those rides. Jay felt a great loss when he Grandpa passed away in 1933. It was then that his Sister Afton took over the baby sitting. He was always very close to his Big Sister.
I am not sure if it was because of a poor food supply in the home or because Jay was left to his own eating habits that he developed Rickets. I recall him saying many times that he ate a lot of Renit Pudding, which I don't know if it is available in stores now or not. It was to help build him back up. I believe he felt Rickets was what caused his bow legs. It may have, it may not have been the cause. Jay was very ill for a good part of his early life and due to it I believe became pretty spoiled. He was always in conflict with his older brother. One because LaMar was upset that he had to 'put up' with his little brother when he wanted to be with his friends. Of course being the little brother Jay wanted always to be in the middle of what the olders boys were up to.
Jay admitted he was a 'brat' during his pre teen years. Quite a 'bully' to hear him tell it. Picking fights and being the 'mean little kid'. Knowing him only as a grown up, I never saw any of those characteristics in his make up. Jay was a loyal friend and had a great many when I met him. He talked his Dad into signing for him so he could enlist in the Navy during his Senior Year of High School. The War was winding down and he wasn't all that thrilled with school, so he went to Boot Camp and then returned home, dawned his Civilian Clothes and Graduated with his Class at Bell High School. He received his final credits for his time in Boot Camp in San Diego, California.
Jay loved his Navy experiences. He became a 'Motor Mach' and was diligent during his time in the service to advance to become a Petty Officer. When it was time to be assigned to a Ship he stood amid a group of new Seaman in alphabetical order. The fella to his right was named Reed and was assigned to a ship that was sunk and lost most of it Sailors. Jay always said he would have been one who was lost because his duty was in the engine room and would have been in an area that escape would have been nearly impossible. I wish this old brain could remember the name of the ship, but I apologize not being able to recall it.
Another experience he was to mention a number of times was that he was on deck when the ship carrying the Atomic Bomb aboard went sailing by and the Sailors exchanged waves and shouts - none of them knowing what a momentous occasion they had just been part of. For no one on either ship knew what was aboard. They later learned that same ship had been sunk on its' return trip from dropping the Bomb off. Jay also talked about the day when a few of the men aboard the LSM 330 were invited to go ashore and see the B-29's that were on an airfield not far from where they were anchored. So Jay was able to visit the Nola Gay and have the airmen tell these Sailors all about the airplane, but not what their job was going to be. In fact I am not sure any of the crew knew just what they were there to do. What ever, it was two very interesting events while Jay was serving in WWII that were very interesting to tell and think about.
Had the Atomic Bombs not been dropped as they were, a large number of ships that were gathered for an Invasion of Japan would have been numbered among the killed or wounded had an invasion been necessary. There were so many ships in that group and they were anchored according to their size and their jobs. To help you get some idea - the ship Jay was on was at anchor 10 miles out of the harbor. To make it more interesting you need to know that his ship had been made the 'flag ship' of that particular class. Normally they had a Crew of 50 but being 'flag' they had 80 aboard.
I believe Jay was proudest of the fact he had advanced from 'polly wog' to a 'sheel back' when he was put through the trials of crossing the equator. In the 'memories book' we put together for the 50th Anniversary of the LSM 330 being commissioned there is a whole section with pictures and a full written account of the ceremony. Don't hesitate to ask to see the book and read all about Jays days aboard his first Navy experiences.
Of course everyone knew that Jay left the Navy after the War and went into the 'inactive Navy Reserve' to finish his 6 years. As it turned out he was recalled in 1950 for the Korean 'Conflict' and served aboard the APA 202 USS Menifee. This ship had been out of commision and was brought back into service. Jay served again for 18 months before he was finally discharged from the Navy for good. He always said he would like to go back to Japan and Hong Kong. He had many fond memories of the South Pacific and felt he could recall some of his time if he could have returned. When, however, he visit Pearl Harbor in 1985 he was disappointed because things had changed so much he couldn't even figure out where the launches came and went for 'liberty' while he was stationed in Hawaii. I believe he felt a trip to the other places he had visited would be the same, so he didn't talk about much after that trip.
Jay joined the LSM 330 in San Pedro after the ship had been commission in the Great Lakes Amphibious Base. Only he and I believe it was one other Crew Member joined there. All the others were from the East Coast and so Jay never felt that he really was a welcomed addition. In fact when the first Reunion was planned in 1989 Jay was reluctant to go. I kept talking to him and finally got him to say o.k. He was sure he would never remember any of the men. They met in Norfolk, Virginia at the Amphibious Base. The Hotel was not far from the Base and we were standing in the Lobby waiting to see if we could find the Group. Jay said to me: "see those men over there talking?" I turned and saw about 6 men. He began to name each one and tell what they did aboard the '330'. I coaxed him to walk over to them, which he did rather slowly. When they finally saw him moving in their direction they all said: 'Hi Jay' and the Party was on. What a blessing it was to re-connect with these men and may I say what a great joy it was for me because all the wives - none having met before became fast friends on meeting, and I have remained close to each one up until this time. In fact I am still acting - in Jays' absence as the Secretary-Treasure for the USS LSM 330 Family Group. Our numbers get smaller every year, but we still keep in touch and love knowing we are still here for each other.
Thus brings to a close the 'Ramblings' about Jay and his Navy experiences.
I am sure there is a great deal more he would have added if I could have been able to get him to set down and talk about it. I believe putting the 'memory book' together was one of the best ways he had of telling about it.
It is an interesting note that a copy has been added to the Library of Congress. So all those hours and hours of work and care was well worth it. The USS LSM 330 may have been a very small ship, and had a small company of men and officers, but it has its place in History and in the hearts of those who served aboard her. Jay was one of the last who was aboard her. He left the ship in Lousiana. Only 6 were left to take her into dry dock there. She was 'moth balled' and kept for a number of years before she was cut into scrap metal as so many other ships that served so well.
Gone, but not forgotten by those who worked aboard her and brought her back home. So it is written - and so it was. Eileen C. Rosenberg
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Grandmas Craft Closet
If you have ever heard about Fibber McGees closet, you have some idea of what this one looked like. Over the years I guess I have gathered just about any and everything you might want to become "crafty". Of course at one time I was, "very crafty", however at my age those ideas have long been dulled. Now I set, read, crochet, of knit. Keeping busy has been limited to the movement of my hands and eyes it seems. I still enjoy pretty, fun things, but have no more room for them in the house, and definately no room in the Closet.
What to do? Well I learned my Grand Daughters were coming home for a short visit and I got a great idea! Let those girls come and fight over what they could possibly find for their busy hands and minds to work with. Soo -
yesterday they arrived early and tackled the job of going into that MESS I
had gathered over the 28 years I have lived in this house. My only thought in the matter was not to look at what they found, and definately not to get caught up in what they either took or tossed into a large trash can I gave them.
They didn't have time to go through things piece by piece. They just had a very quick look into each bag, box, basket or whatever to decide whether it was something one or the other of them might use, or were intersted in. A
time or two I heard an exicted gleeful sound as one or the other of them found something they had good use for. I didn't want to know. They really did a great job of emptying the closet and taking away any number of things I had felt at one time or another would be fun to do. Now, I have no idea what any of those things might be, but really I don't care. At least it is out of the Closet and I can now put the space to good use for storing some items of greater worth to me personally.
We all seem to become collectors of "stuff" much of which we really cherished at one time, but as we grow oldler we find have no use for in our scaled down lives. Watching the girls find things that might be useful either in their own homes or in the jobs they have in the Church gave me a good
feeling that all was going to a better place than it had been in many a day.
I'm sure there were things in one or another of the boxes, bags or baskets that I might find a use for, but knowing the slow methodical manner in which I now live, it would probably have just layed around without being thought of again. We seem to hang on to so many things that are no longer useful or needed.
Which leads me to say: "Thanks girls for coming and getting those things moved into another area and possibly found a great use for. Like they say if you haven't thought of it, needed it or used it for 6 months, you don't need it any longer. I am relieved to know I can open that door now and not be afraid of an avalance of buttons, ribbon, paint, glue or misc. items jumping
out at me. Plus the frustration of knowing somethings I am looking for are definately somewhere in that MESS, but I have neither the time nor the
will power to dig into it to find it. Now I don't have to think about it, or worry about it. I shall be ever greatful to the three of you for coming and doing a job that has needed done for a long, long time. May I add as well,
ENJOY! - Grandma "R"
What to do? Well I learned my Grand Daughters were coming home for a short visit and I got a great idea! Let those girls come and fight over what they could possibly find for their busy hands and minds to work with. Soo -
yesterday they arrived early and tackled the job of going into that MESS I
had gathered over the 28 years I have lived in this house. My only thought in the matter was not to look at what they found, and definately not to get caught up in what they either took or tossed into a large trash can I gave them.
They didn't have time to go through things piece by piece. They just had a very quick look into each bag, box, basket or whatever to decide whether it was something one or the other of them might use, or were intersted in. A
time or two I heard an exicted gleeful sound as one or the other of them found something they had good use for. I didn't want to know. They really did a great job of emptying the closet and taking away any number of things I had felt at one time or another would be fun to do. Now, I have no idea what any of those things might be, but really I don't care. At least it is out of the Closet and I can now put the space to good use for storing some items of greater worth to me personally.
We all seem to become collectors of "stuff" much of which we really cherished at one time, but as we grow oldler we find have no use for in our scaled down lives. Watching the girls find things that might be useful either in their own homes or in the jobs they have in the Church gave me a good
feeling that all was going to a better place than it had been in many a day.
I'm sure there were things in one or another of the boxes, bags or baskets that I might find a use for, but knowing the slow methodical manner in which I now live, it would probably have just layed around without being thought of again. We seem to hang on to so many things that are no longer useful or needed.
Which leads me to say: "Thanks girls for coming and getting those things moved into another area and possibly found a great use for. Like they say if you haven't thought of it, needed it or used it for 6 months, you don't need it any longer. I am relieved to know I can open that door now and not be afraid of an avalance of buttons, ribbon, paint, glue or misc. items jumping
out at me. Plus the frustration of knowing somethings I am looking for are definately somewhere in that MESS, but I have neither the time nor the
will power to dig into it to find it. Now I don't have to think about it, or worry about it. I shall be ever greatful to the three of you for coming and doing a job that has needed done for a long, long time. May I add as well,
ENJOY! - Grandma "R"
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Love That Train!
You guessed it, I will be off again to Oregon on the Coast Starlight on March 28th. Spend 21 days with my Brother in Redmond. Looking forward to it too. I knew that my Nephew Jay was leaving to go to Arizona to visit his Brother, but wasn't sure just when. As it turns out it will be during the time I am able to be there. So Ron and I can 'paint the town' without the younger generation telling us we have to mind ourselves at our age. Now just who wants to do that?
My Train experiences started when Jay and I made our Alaska Cruise, way back when. Then we were in the Chair Car, trying to grab some sleep and find comfort. It was on our return trip from Seattle, Washington that we happened to be joined by an employee of the Company and he told us if we wanted to have a nice trip, try the Roomette the next time. It gives you the privacy, a place to sleep at night and of course your meals are all included. Well it took Paul to get me on the first trip, and from then on I have been hooked. I don't think it is cheaper than flying, and of course it takes more time than flying, but it is so much more accomodating than any of the Airlines are today. Plus you don't have to go through all that Security Check. You do have to check your bags if you are going cross country and have to change Trains, but with the way I am going, I take my luggage with me, and get on and off with ease.
I realize the leg room isn't all that great if there are two in the Roomette, but there are upper and lower bunks, and sleeping on a Train is a great experience. Going from Paso Robles to Oregon there are a number of stops. Of course there is no longer Smoking on the Train, so when they have long enough breaks, folks get off to have a smoke. In some cases the passengers can only get out from certain cars, so it could mean quite a walk if they are at the wrong end of the Train. I am greatful I don't have to worry about such things.
The Parlor Car is nice if you like to watch the landscape go by, but I can see what I want from the window of my Roomette. It seems they always put me on the top. As I only have to go up the Stairs once when I get on and once when I get off, so that is not bad. There are Restrooms both upper and lower in the Sleeper Cars, so I don't have a problem that way. Of course the way to the Parlor and Dining Car are on the upper lever, so that is an aid, however I usually have them bring my meals so I don't have to cross the connecting portion of the cars going and coming. Not that steady on my feet with the cane while I am on the move. Part of the service that they offer, and I am greatful for it!
The Train takes 16 hours to make the trip. I leave around 4:00 PM on Wednesday and arrive at Chumult at about 9:00 AM the next morning. I have to get off the Train there and take the Shuttle Bus up to Redmond which is another 2 hours. Because the Bus has a Wheel Chair Ramp, it does a great deal of rattle, banging, but the ride is smooth, the driver is always helpful, and there are generally about 6 people who take the Bus.
Not everyone is going as far as I am, so I usually have the Bus all to myself after we leave Bend which is just a short ride from Redmond. The Bus only went to Bend at first, but they extended the Service, and the Bus now stops in Redmond at the Airport Parking Lot. Easy to catch going both ways, and is a great help as the family doesn't have to come down to Bend to pick me up anymore.
The return trip is kind of different. I have to catch the Bus at 5:00 pm and then get the Train at 8:08 pm. My bed is always made up for the return trip, so I can just get into my Jammies and cuddle down in the comfort of the bed. Some times I read, other times I am tired enough to go to sleep and wake up in plenty of time to have Breakfast and enjoy the early view along the way that I missed on the night going up. They give me Lunch just before we come into Paso Robles on the return trip, so I get two meals going and two on my return. I have to admit the choice is always good, and of course if I choose to go to the Parlor Car, I can have what ever it is they are serving. The Menu there is different than the Dining Car offers, so you have a choice. If I was a drinking person, they have Cheese and Wine right after I board in Paso Robles going up, so there are always a lot of things to enjoy for the price of the ticket, and I say, it is far better than anything the Airlines offer. I think the extra time it takes to get where I am going is better spent than having to get on and off so many planes to make the same distance in about 1/3 the time. I just don't seem to make those connections as smoothly as once I did, plus as I say, the Airlines are no longer offering any Service to speak of. It is no benefit to have to get 'fast food' in the terminal to take care of any need you might have while you are on the move. I guess that is the sign of the time. Very little service from the many places we do business these days. Once you went into a store, and were greeted by someone at every counter to take care of us. Now you have to gather up your purchases and then stand in line to have them checked out. Banks use to have a whole line of tellers to take care of the Customers, not anymore. It seems there is only one or two, and they spend more time chatting with the Customer in front of me. When I get up there, they either don't know me, or don't care. Oh well, just one of those things we have to live with these days. The Train certainly has a great deal to offer. I would like to take it to San Diego again and spend a couple days down there looking around. So much to see and do there, and the Trip down the Coast is one of the best. When I find someone willing to share the time, I think I just may do that. In the mean time, I am greatful to have the Train to take me to and from Oregon with so much service and beauty along the way to make the trip fun and beneficial.
You might try the Train yourself - who knows, you might like it too?
Written this 25th day of February 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
My Train experiences started when Jay and I made our Alaska Cruise, way back when. Then we were in the Chair Car, trying to grab some sleep and find comfort. It was on our return trip from Seattle, Washington that we happened to be joined by an employee of the Company and he told us if we wanted to have a nice trip, try the Roomette the next time. It gives you the privacy, a place to sleep at night and of course your meals are all included. Well it took Paul to get me on the first trip, and from then on I have been hooked. I don't think it is cheaper than flying, and of course it takes more time than flying, but it is so much more accomodating than any of the Airlines are today. Plus you don't have to go through all that Security Check. You do have to check your bags if you are going cross country and have to change Trains, but with the way I am going, I take my luggage with me, and get on and off with ease.
I realize the leg room isn't all that great if there are two in the Roomette, but there are upper and lower bunks, and sleeping on a Train is a great experience. Going from Paso Robles to Oregon there are a number of stops. Of course there is no longer Smoking on the Train, so when they have long enough breaks, folks get off to have a smoke. In some cases the passengers can only get out from certain cars, so it could mean quite a walk if they are at the wrong end of the Train. I am greatful I don't have to worry about such things.
The Parlor Car is nice if you like to watch the landscape go by, but I can see what I want from the window of my Roomette. It seems they always put me on the top. As I only have to go up the Stairs once when I get on and once when I get off, so that is not bad. There are Restrooms both upper and lower in the Sleeper Cars, so I don't have a problem that way. Of course the way to the Parlor and Dining Car are on the upper lever, so that is an aid, however I usually have them bring my meals so I don't have to cross the connecting portion of the cars going and coming. Not that steady on my feet with the cane while I am on the move. Part of the service that they offer, and I am greatful for it!
The Train takes 16 hours to make the trip. I leave around 4:00 PM on Wednesday and arrive at Chumult at about 9:00 AM the next morning. I have to get off the Train there and take the Shuttle Bus up to Redmond which is another 2 hours. Because the Bus has a Wheel Chair Ramp, it does a great deal of rattle, banging, but the ride is smooth, the driver is always helpful, and there are generally about 6 people who take the Bus.
Not everyone is going as far as I am, so I usually have the Bus all to myself after we leave Bend which is just a short ride from Redmond. The Bus only went to Bend at first, but they extended the Service, and the Bus now stops in Redmond at the Airport Parking Lot. Easy to catch going both ways, and is a great help as the family doesn't have to come down to Bend to pick me up anymore.
The return trip is kind of different. I have to catch the Bus at 5:00 pm and then get the Train at 8:08 pm. My bed is always made up for the return trip, so I can just get into my Jammies and cuddle down in the comfort of the bed. Some times I read, other times I am tired enough to go to sleep and wake up in plenty of time to have Breakfast and enjoy the early view along the way that I missed on the night going up. They give me Lunch just before we come into Paso Robles on the return trip, so I get two meals going and two on my return. I have to admit the choice is always good, and of course if I choose to go to the Parlor Car, I can have what ever it is they are serving. The Menu there is different than the Dining Car offers, so you have a choice. If I was a drinking person, they have Cheese and Wine right after I board in Paso Robles going up, so there are always a lot of things to enjoy for the price of the ticket, and I say, it is far better than anything the Airlines offer. I think the extra time it takes to get where I am going is better spent than having to get on and off so many planes to make the same distance in about 1/3 the time. I just don't seem to make those connections as smoothly as once I did, plus as I say, the Airlines are no longer offering any Service to speak of. It is no benefit to have to get 'fast food' in the terminal to take care of any need you might have while you are on the move. I guess that is the sign of the time. Very little service from the many places we do business these days. Once you went into a store, and were greeted by someone at every counter to take care of us. Now you have to gather up your purchases and then stand in line to have them checked out. Banks use to have a whole line of tellers to take care of the Customers, not anymore. It seems there is only one or two, and they spend more time chatting with the Customer in front of me. When I get up there, they either don't know me, or don't care. Oh well, just one of those things we have to live with these days. The Train certainly has a great deal to offer. I would like to take it to San Diego again and spend a couple days down there looking around. So much to see and do there, and the Trip down the Coast is one of the best. When I find someone willing to share the time, I think I just may do that. In the mean time, I am greatful to have the Train to take me to and from Oregon with so much service and beauty along the way to make the trip fun and beneficial.
You might try the Train yourself - who knows, you might like it too?
Written this 25th day of February 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Monday, February 20, 2012
Friends and Family
Good Morning One and All:
I have been enjoying a sum what different kind of visit here in the Sacramento Area for the past week. Came to spend some time with a Missionary Friend who is having some health problems.
Of course while I have been away from home things have been happening to some of my other 'friends and family members'. Part of life in the fast lane I suppose?! What seems to be part of life in general!
I was only here a day when I got a call that informed me my friend Lilly Straw became Grandma again, after a lengthy wait that had her family all on pins and needles. Well it all came about in a very normal and happy way, so that was good news indeed. Then I learned that one of my grand daughters had some extended problems from when her Dad and Mom had visited her just a week earlier, and had everyone on pins and needles in our family. It was quite a scare according to her Blog Account, but again things came to a happy conclusion, for which everyone in our family is very pleased.
All of this brings up that age old question of just why such things happen to such nice folks, and of course we end up with the same age old answer: "Who Knows Why?" As the Sage once said, "Ours not to reason why". No, we just tuck up, lean in and carry on. The one thing we all seem to have to learn in this life is that we are here for the experience and when these things come into our lives, we just have to accept them, adjust to what ever they bring to us, and then smile, for it is soon learned: "This too, came to pass". How I wish for those I love so dearly it wasn't the way some things stress us out, but that is just the way it is.
If love could change these kinds of things, it would be easier, but we are here to learn to experience and endure. What ever we have come our way is the "stuff" that makes us what we are to become. I have that extreme hope that when we reach the end of our journey here we will see the wisdom in all that has transpired in our lives, and to those we love and care for. Then I suppose we will strike our heads with those famous words: "Why didn't I think of that!?" The perfect way of realizing that hind sight was always the way we see the "better way!"
I start home tomorrow. Hoping the traffic will be light, and the drivers who share the highway with me are thoughtful and stay in their lanes and leave me to mine. That I will be able to make all the correct connections with the many Freeways I must "mearge" with when I am suppose to.
My trip up was smooth and enjoyable, I am hoping for a repeat performance for me and my little car. As for my friends here, and those I will be returning to, I hope they are all in good condition and will enjoy life and all of it's many blessings. I feel blessed with having each of them in my life and pray they will keep me in their prays while I am away, and when I return home to find my cat has become very snooty about being left. Which means it will be a time before she makes me her special friend again. They do get an attitude when they are left behind. Of course she wouldn't go with me even if I wanted her to. (I don't believe my friend would welcome MIA because she is allergic to cats.) I will accept what I have to and be happy to make what ever adjustments will be necessary to bring her back into my 'tender loving care'. And of course that goes for each of you as well. God Bless and Keep You!!!!!!
P.S. Thanks Keara for getting me into the Computer Program that was causing me fits.
Found what we needed and hopefully my friend can get her problem worked out!
Written this 20th day of February 2012
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
I have been enjoying a sum what different kind of visit here in the Sacramento Area for the past week. Came to spend some time with a Missionary Friend who is having some health problems.
Of course while I have been away from home things have been happening to some of my other 'friends and family members'. Part of life in the fast lane I suppose?! What seems to be part of life in general!
I was only here a day when I got a call that informed me my friend Lilly Straw became Grandma again, after a lengthy wait that had her family all on pins and needles. Well it all came about in a very normal and happy way, so that was good news indeed. Then I learned that one of my grand daughters had some extended problems from when her Dad and Mom had visited her just a week earlier, and had everyone on pins and needles in our family. It was quite a scare according to her Blog Account, but again things came to a happy conclusion, for which everyone in our family is very pleased.
All of this brings up that age old question of just why such things happen to such nice folks, and of course we end up with the same age old answer: "Who Knows Why?" As the Sage once said, "Ours not to reason why". No, we just tuck up, lean in and carry on. The one thing we all seem to have to learn in this life is that we are here for the experience and when these things come into our lives, we just have to accept them, adjust to what ever they bring to us, and then smile, for it is soon learned: "This too, came to pass". How I wish for those I love so dearly it wasn't the way some things stress us out, but that is just the way it is.
If love could change these kinds of things, it would be easier, but we are here to learn to experience and endure. What ever we have come our way is the "stuff" that makes us what we are to become. I have that extreme hope that when we reach the end of our journey here we will see the wisdom in all that has transpired in our lives, and to those we love and care for. Then I suppose we will strike our heads with those famous words: "Why didn't I think of that!?" The perfect way of realizing that hind sight was always the way we see the "better way!"
I start home tomorrow. Hoping the traffic will be light, and the drivers who share the highway with me are thoughtful and stay in their lanes and leave me to mine. That I will be able to make all the correct connections with the many Freeways I must "mearge" with when I am suppose to.
My trip up was smooth and enjoyable, I am hoping for a repeat performance for me and my little car. As for my friends here, and those I will be returning to, I hope they are all in good condition and will enjoy life and all of it's many blessings. I feel blessed with having each of them in my life and pray they will keep me in their prays while I am away, and when I return home to find my cat has become very snooty about being left. Which means it will be a time before she makes me her special friend again. They do get an attitude when they are left behind. Of course she wouldn't go with me even if I wanted her to. (I don't believe my friend would welcome MIA because she is allergic to cats.) I will accept what I have to and be happy to make what ever adjustments will be necessary to bring her back into my 'tender loving care'. And of course that goes for each of you as well. God Bless and Keep You!!!!!!
P.S. Thanks Keara for getting me into the Computer Program that was causing me fits.
Found what we needed and hopefully my friend can get her problem worked out!
Written this 20th day of February 2012
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Houses We Bought
You know when Jay got out of the Navy after World War II housing was in very short supply. Even renting was a problem for newly weds. We found a furnished apartment before we married. I believe I may have written about that. New Housing was part of the Post War boom and we were like others who looked forward to the GI Bill that would help us get into a home of our own. The first of the areas to really open up were farther out of town than we were use to living, but the only place where there was enough land to accomodate the vast Tracts of Housing that were going to be needed. Norwalk was such a place. Formerly it had been Dairy country and Farm lands. Now these acreages were being bought up and sub-divided into house hold lots. I am not sure now how Jay found out about where we looked, but the houses were priced right, we could get in for $1,000.00 down payment and have payments that included the taxes which were well within our budget. Jay had decided before he got married that he didn't want his wife working, especially after Paul was born. So I became a 'stay at home Mom', and he took over the responsibility of 'bringing in the bacon'.
Our home was on Gard Avenue. A two bedroom with one bath, a living room and kitchen/eating area. There was a small 'utility porch' where I had a wringer washer. We put up clothes lines in the back yard, and I hung the close outs. I am not sure if there were dryers at that time. I know there were no Automatic Washers available. My folks loaned us the $1,000.00 for the down payment and we had to quickly find furnishings.
They weren't first rate, but they were enough to make our home comfortable. The bedroom furniture was some that my Grand Parents had left. We bought a mattress and box springs. In Pauls Room was a Crib and small dresser with lots of room left over. There were hardwood floors and no rugs. In the kitchen we bought a range and table and chairs. My folks had bought a new Fridge so we inherited their old one which met our needs just fine.
This was our first, but unfortunately not our last experience with crooked Contractors. We were faithful in making our payments and felt we were doing fine. One day we found out that the payments had not been put to the proper account - we were going to lose the house. After a lenghty bit of bargaining we learned that if we would sacrifice, the Loan Company would be able to save the other home owners, one of which was one of our best friends who we had talked into joining us in the Tract. The Veterans Administration was quick to admit they had not followed up on this particular Contractor, so they didn't charge the loan against Jay. In fact they went out of their way to find another home, in another area, they were willing to give us a loan on. That is how we ended up on Cord Avenue in Rivera. Some time after we moved there the name of the area was changed to Pico Rivera.
This particular Tract of houses was in an Orange Grove. Every house had at least one Orange Tree left on the property. Ours was rather a sad example, but it was an Orange Tree. Again a two bedroom, one bath living room and kitchen. There was no Laundry Porch, the washer was next to a laundry tub in the two car garage. On the Norwalk home all we had was a car port. No garage. I guess the trade off of a laundry porch was a better deal. Things went well here at this house. We lived in this 'flat topped' home until we moved to Taft, California in 1965.
Paul was a Senior in High School and Dawn was in the 6th grade. Which ment she was ready to start in Junior High School when we made this move. (As I have covered this in Pauls History, I will not go into again here.) Work had become difficult in Southern California for Jay, who by now had gone into business for himself with an 8 yard Transit Mixer (Cement Truck). He and a group of 'Bandits' (what the independent drivers were called), went North to find work for their trucks.
Jay and Uncle Mack McCann found a place in Taft (which I believe I have covered elsewhere), which ment we would have to move. Jay found a home on Irene Street that had been bought by a Minister, but before the house was finished he decided not to take the position in Taft and so the house needed a new buyer. Jay heard about it and put in his bid, which was accepted. Now to sell Cord Avenue. Which at the time was to be a bit of a problem. Not many people were buying older homes with so many new ones available. Apparently the Lord wanted us to move to Taft. One day in the midst of my sorting, and packing a women walked up on the front porch and asked if it was true we were going to sell. I assured her that was true. We hadn't listed the house at that time. She had a realtor who was looking for her. The house was listed, she made her bid, we accepted it and that is the name of that tune!
We lived on Irene Street until Dawn graduated from Taft High. Again work had become lean and Jay was looking back in the Southern California Area. He found a new broker who needed more 'Bandits'. Jay moved to Orange County and I was back to sorting, packing and getting ready to move. Dawn had been hired at the Telephone Company and was well pleased with her job. She would live in the house until we could sell it, so that would be taken care of. Pauls 'bride-to-be' offered to move in with Dawn, so we felt pretty safe with leaving.
What about another home? Well Jay and I looked, you could not believe what was being offered. Well, if you have looked, maybe you do know. Anyway, a clean and ready to move in was finally found. We made a bid and it was accepted. This place was on Alvy St. in Anaheim, California close to Disney Land. Again a two car garage, three bedrooms, two baths, kitchen and combined living and dining room. With a small laundry room seperate from the garage. There was a covered patio on
two sides of the house. By now I had a Automatic washer and dryer, but the covered porch made a keen place to hang out things when the weather was nice. The only problem was the fireworks from Disney Land had a fall out from the fireworks that made a mess if you had clothes on the line overnight. We lived here for 13 years. It was close to the Ward House and so I was happy. Jay did a lot of work out of town, so I spent a great deal of time alone here. When Jay decided to retire, we thought we might like to live closer to Dawn, Greg and the Grand Children. It was a debateable issue with Jay. He was not sure he wanted to take on another house, especially with all the work it would mean in getting it the way he wanted it. When Shayla was born, I went up to be there as back-up while Dawn got on her feet. It was while I was there I found the property and was able to decided on a floor plan of a house to be built, if I could convince Jay it was to our advantage. My Mother had passed away and left me enough money to pay cash for the property. Selling Alvy Street would give us the money to build the house. Finally Jay was ready to say yes to the move. In the mean time we found a Realtor who came to give us information on the saleability of our property. It wasn't good news. There hadn't been a house in the neighborhood sold for 6 months, and on our particular tract - little to no interest. She asked Jay what he wanted for the house. When he quoted her the price, she shook her head and said: 'no way'. Jay said he had some things he waned to do to the house. He was not working, and had the time to do it. She accepted the house for sale and set the date for April. In the mean time Jay painted the outside, and did some upgrading he had in mind. When she came to put the sign up on April 15th she found she had the wrong stake. She asked if it made any difference if she waited until the next day. Jay didn't care, so she said she would be back before the 'walk through' for the other Realtors took place in the afternoon. Jay kept himself busy out of the house. I was still working at the time. When we arrived home at a little after 5 pm all the Realtors were standing in the Street talking. Our lady came and asked if we could leave for another hour or so, there was one Realtor who wanted to go through it again. We changed and went out for dinner. When we came back, everyone was gone. At 9 pm we got a call from our lady and she asked if we might concider applying for the loan through another source. The buyer wanted to use their own loan company. We had no argument, so the 'unsaleable house' was sold in 12 hours from the time the sign was posted. With, I might add $1000.00 more than the asking price. I guess you never say never!
The house in Paso Robles was not under construction yet, so we had to rent an apartment up on Olive Sreet for the time we were under construction. As it turned out Dawn and Greg were building out in Paradise Valley at the same time, so Jay was kept pretty busy, while I worked.
Now here is the interesting part. Prior to Jay selling his truck, he talked to one of the Contractors he knew and was told: "if you are building and paying for it as you go, make sure you get 'lean releases' on each phase. So that is what Jay did. Fortunately for us, we were the only house in this
new Tract that did so, because we were paying cash as we went. Again we had run into a crooked Contractor. He was using our name to get supplies for his ventures. Taking money he was given to buy airplanes and do some other fun things. When it came down to the finish, some of the people who bought through regular lenders were stuck with paying double for some of their construction. If Jay hadn't have learned how to go about a cash as you build, we might not have had this house. The Lord provides!
This is our House History. There have been 5 in total with the renting of three apartments. One when we first got married, one while we waited for the house to be finished on Irene Street and one while we waited for the final on this house in Paso Robles.
None of this may be of interest to anyone other than myself, but I felt it was worthy of the time it has taken to make note of it. You pay as you go and hopefully learn in the process. I don't believe I would care to buy again. Especially without Jay around to guide me through the ordeal!
Written this 6th day of January 2012.
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Our home was on Gard Avenue. A two bedroom with one bath, a living room and kitchen/eating area. There was a small 'utility porch' where I had a wringer washer. We put up clothes lines in the back yard, and I hung the close outs. I am not sure if there were dryers at that time. I know there were no Automatic Washers available. My folks loaned us the $1,000.00 for the down payment and we had to quickly find furnishings.
They weren't first rate, but they were enough to make our home comfortable. The bedroom furniture was some that my Grand Parents had left. We bought a mattress and box springs. In Pauls Room was a Crib and small dresser with lots of room left over. There were hardwood floors and no rugs. In the kitchen we bought a range and table and chairs. My folks had bought a new Fridge so we inherited their old one which met our needs just fine.
This was our first, but unfortunately not our last experience with crooked Contractors. We were faithful in making our payments and felt we were doing fine. One day we found out that the payments had not been put to the proper account - we were going to lose the house. After a lenghty bit of bargaining we learned that if we would sacrifice, the Loan Company would be able to save the other home owners, one of which was one of our best friends who we had talked into joining us in the Tract. The Veterans Administration was quick to admit they had not followed up on this particular Contractor, so they didn't charge the loan against Jay. In fact they went out of their way to find another home, in another area, they were willing to give us a loan on. That is how we ended up on Cord Avenue in Rivera. Some time after we moved there the name of the area was changed to Pico Rivera.
This particular Tract of houses was in an Orange Grove. Every house had at least one Orange Tree left on the property. Ours was rather a sad example, but it was an Orange Tree. Again a two bedroom, one bath living room and kitchen. There was no Laundry Porch, the washer was next to a laundry tub in the two car garage. On the Norwalk home all we had was a car port. No garage. I guess the trade off of a laundry porch was a better deal. Things went well here at this house. We lived in this 'flat topped' home until we moved to Taft, California in 1965.
Paul was a Senior in High School and Dawn was in the 6th grade. Which ment she was ready to start in Junior High School when we made this move. (As I have covered this in Pauls History, I will not go into again here.) Work had become difficult in Southern California for Jay, who by now had gone into business for himself with an 8 yard Transit Mixer (Cement Truck). He and a group of 'Bandits' (what the independent drivers were called), went North to find work for their trucks.
Jay and Uncle Mack McCann found a place in Taft (which I believe I have covered elsewhere), which ment we would have to move. Jay found a home on Irene Street that had been bought by a Minister, but before the house was finished he decided not to take the position in Taft and so the house needed a new buyer. Jay heard about it and put in his bid, which was accepted. Now to sell Cord Avenue. Which at the time was to be a bit of a problem. Not many people were buying older homes with so many new ones available. Apparently the Lord wanted us to move to Taft. One day in the midst of my sorting, and packing a women walked up on the front porch and asked if it was true we were going to sell. I assured her that was true. We hadn't listed the house at that time. She had a realtor who was looking for her. The house was listed, she made her bid, we accepted it and that is the name of that tune!
We lived on Irene Street until Dawn graduated from Taft High. Again work had become lean and Jay was looking back in the Southern California Area. He found a new broker who needed more 'Bandits'. Jay moved to Orange County and I was back to sorting, packing and getting ready to move. Dawn had been hired at the Telephone Company and was well pleased with her job. She would live in the house until we could sell it, so that would be taken care of. Pauls 'bride-to-be' offered to move in with Dawn, so we felt pretty safe with leaving.
What about another home? Well Jay and I looked, you could not believe what was being offered. Well, if you have looked, maybe you do know. Anyway, a clean and ready to move in was finally found. We made a bid and it was accepted. This place was on Alvy St. in Anaheim, California close to Disney Land. Again a two car garage, three bedrooms, two baths, kitchen and combined living and dining room. With a small laundry room seperate from the garage. There was a covered patio on
two sides of the house. By now I had a Automatic washer and dryer, but the covered porch made a keen place to hang out things when the weather was nice. The only problem was the fireworks from Disney Land had a fall out from the fireworks that made a mess if you had clothes on the line overnight. We lived here for 13 years. It was close to the Ward House and so I was happy. Jay did a lot of work out of town, so I spent a great deal of time alone here. When Jay decided to retire, we thought we might like to live closer to Dawn, Greg and the Grand Children. It was a debateable issue with Jay. He was not sure he wanted to take on another house, especially with all the work it would mean in getting it the way he wanted it. When Shayla was born, I went up to be there as back-up while Dawn got on her feet. It was while I was there I found the property and was able to decided on a floor plan of a house to be built, if I could convince Jay it was to our advantage. My Mother had passed away and left me enough money to pay cash for the property. Selling Alvy Street would give us the money to build the house. Finally Jay was ready to say yes to the move. In the mean time we found a Realtor who came to give us information on the saleability of our property. It wasn't good news. There hadn't been a house in the neighborhood sold for 6 months, and on our particular tract - little to no interest. She asked Jay what he wanted for the house. When he quoted her the price, she shook her head and said: 'no way'. Jay said he had some things he waned to do to the house. He was not working, and had the time to do it. She accepted the house for sale and set the date for April. In the mean time Jay painted the outside, and did some upgrading he had in mind. When she came to put the sign up on April 15th she found she had the wrong stake. She asked if it made any difference if she waited until the next day. Jay didn't care, so she said she would be back before the 'walk through' for the other Realtors took place in the afternoon. Jay kept himself busy out of the house. I was still working at the time. When we arrived home at a little after 5 pm all the Realtors were standing in the Street talking. Our lady came and asked if we could leave for another hour or so, there was one Realtor who wanted to go through it again. We changed and went out for dinner. When we came back, everyone was gone. At 9 pm we got a call from our lady and she asked if we might concider applying for the loan through another source. The buyer wanted to use their own loan company. We had no argument, so the 'unsaleable house' was sold in 12 hours from the time the sign was posted. With, I might add $1000.00 more than the asking price. I guess you never say never!
The house in Paso Robles was not under construction yet, so we had to rent an apartment up on Olive Sreet for the time we were under construction. As it turned out Dawn and Greg were building out in Paradise Valley at the same time, so Jay was kept pretty busy, while I worked.
Now here is the interesting part. Prior to Jay selling his truck, he talked to one of the Contractors he knew and was told: "if you are building and paying for it as you go, make sure you get 'lean releases' on each phase. So that is what Jay did. Fortunately for us, we were the only house in this
new Tract that did so, because we were paying cash as we went. Again we had run into a crooked Contractor. He was using our name to get supplies for his ventures. Taking money he was given to buy airplanes and do some other fun things. When it came down to the finish, some of the people who bought through regular lenders were stuck with paying double for some of their construction. If Jay hadn't have learned how to go about a cash as you build, we might not have had this house. The Lord provides!
This is our House History. There have been 5 in total with the renting of three apartments. One when we first got married, one while we waited for the house to be finished on Irene Street and one while we waited for the final on this house in Paso Robles.
None of this may be of interest to anyone other than myself, but I felt it was worthy of the time it has taken to make note of it. You pay as you go and hopefully learn in the process. I don't believe I would care to buy again. Especially without Jay around to guide me through the ordeal!
Written this 6th day of January 2012.
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Say! What was that?
It was late at night. Jay and I had been out for the evening, I can't remember where or for what reason. Paul, who was about 6 months old, as I recall, was asleep in my lap. (Again years before seat belts or car seats were mandatory in cars.) We were in our 1940 Black Two Door Chevrolet Sedan. The same car that Jay had bought and taken me on our first date. The year would have been 1948 as I recall. We were living in Norwalk, California, in our first home.
This is rural country. One of the first Tract of Houses that had been built after World War II. Things were looking pretty good for us - or so we had believed at the time - I will tell you more about that at another time. First on with this bit of 'rambling'.
We had turned off the main road onto the dark side street that took us back into the tract of houses in which we lived . As we started down the road, we both saw something flash by, some distance in front of us, very quickly, and exclaimed: "what was that?" It was too dark to see even in the head lights. It had been far enough ahead of us that we could not make out just what was going on. Jay had slowed down, and we were both trying to see what was ahead. It was a clear night, so there was no trouble at seeing. Just about the time we came along side the first building to our left, there was a flash from the right. We did not have time to stop, or realize just what was happening. To our shock and amazement a hugh horse tried to jump the moving car. The front legs came down on the cross bar in the windshield - with the car moving even slowly it caused the horse to be thrown to the side of the car and slam into the back panel caving it in. The horse was stunned and went off back, from where it had come.
How greatful we were that the legs of the horse had not crashed through the windshield. It would have killed both Paul and myself trying to free itself from being caught. The car was badly damaged, and the horse was in a pretty shaken state, but not seriously injured. We had no idea how it had escaped its corral. The owner was a bit upset with us for hitting his 'jumper', but of course we had no idea that the horse was loose nor that it would be returning and try to jump a moving car.
Amazing how many auto accidents I have been in. Not one being less serious than another - yet in each instance I have come out, as did Paul
in two of them.
The car was repaired. Jay had it painted a 'baby blue', I think he regretted it afterwards, but then one has a way of making poor choices when such unexpected things happen. I learned to drive in that car. It had a 'stick shift' but I would learn to drive a 'floor shift' as well. Very important to know how, even though there are not many of them left on the road these days. Automatics are the way to go, but the old way of driving with a 'clutch' is still a good way to learn if you have the chance.
Moral - I guess we could say, if you are driving in the country it does pay to keep an eye out for the horses, they can come upon you suddenly and with the new windshields being what they are, the outcome might prove a great deal different than what we experienced. Way back then!
Written this 6th day of January 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
This is rural country. One of the first Tract of Houses that had been built after World War II. Things were looking pretty good for us - or so we had believed at the time - I will tell you more about that at another time. First on with this bit of 'rambling'.
We had turned off the main road onto the dark side street that took us back into the tract of houses in which we lived . As we started down the road, we both saw something flash by, some distance in front of us, very quickly, and exclaimed: "what was that?" It was too dark to see even in the head lights. It had been far enough ahead of us that we could not make out just what was going on. Jay had slowed down, and we were both trying to see what was ahead. It was a clear night, so there was no trouble at seeing. Just about the time we came along side the first building to our left, there was a flash from the right. We did not have time to stop, or realize just what was happening. To our shock and amazement a hugh horse tried to jump the moving car. The front legs came down on the cross bar in the windshield - with the car moving even slowly it caused the horse to be thrown to the side of the car and slam into the back panel caving it in. The horse was stunned and went off back, from where it had come.
How greatful we were that the legs of the horse had not crashed through the windshield. It would have killed both Paul and myself trying to free itself from being caught. The car was badly damaged, and the horse was in a pretty shaken state, but not seriously injured. We had no idea how it had escaped its corral. The owner was a bit upset with us for hitting his 'jumper', but of course we had no idea that the horse was loose nor that it would be returning and try to jump a moving car.
Amazing how many auto accidents I have been in. Not one being less serious than another - yet in each instance I have come out, as did Paul
in two of them.
The car was repaired. Jay had it painted a 'baby blue', I think he regretted it afterwards, but then one has a way of making poor choices when such unexpected things happen. I learned to drive in that car. It had a 'stick shift' but I would learn to drive a 'floor shift' as well. Very important to know how, even though there are not many of them left on the road these days. Automatics are the way to go, but the old way of driving with a 'clutch' is still a good way to learn if you have the chance.
Moral - I guess we could say, if you are driving in the country it does pay to keep an eye out for the horses, they can come upon you suddenly and with the new windshields being what they are, the outcome might prove a great deal different than what we experienced. Way back then!
Written this 6th day of January 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Teaching 'Granny' to Drive
In other blogs I have related, I believe, how my Mother was left a widow when she was in her early 50's. She had never learned to drive. As I believe I have mentioned in many of the other blogs that we did a lot of walking, driving at the time was not a key issue. In fact Dad didn't drive all that much either. The car was usually at home during the day, as he rode the bus to work. So . . . when Mom was left alone, she did need to learn to drive.
It wasn't until she had married 'Slim' that she took advantage of a car. He had the car all tuned up for her, and I was willing, or should I say, I took on the project of helping her to learn to drive. We had gone out any number of times. She was doing so well, and was just about to take her test when, on one day we were doing her last driving lesson. Little did either of us know just how that day would end up.
I decided to take her out on some narrow streets so learn how to execute left hand turns. She was not the least bit nervous, but anxious to get this under her belt. She had to finish practicing her parking as well, and this was a perfect time to do that as well. We were in South Gate, as I recall.
I said: "make a left at the next side street". As she did, the car jerked forward at an excellerated speed and before she could get the wheels straight we jumped the curb, missed a tree, shot across the lawn of a house and slammed into the steps of a house which sent us airborne. The car fortunately was high enough in the air that it landed on top a picket fence. The motor was still churning at a high speed. Fortunately the car could not go any further with the front wheel suspended in air the back wheels I believe were stopped by the steps we had hit.
Mother had been slammed into the arm rest of the door. I had been thrown across the car and hit the steering wheel with quite a hard stop. (This was years before 'seat belts' mind you!) I was finally able to reach and turn off the ignition. I don't remember now just how we got out of the elevated car. I am not, at this writting, sure who came and got us, or how we were taken care of. I know that Mom was x-rayed and her injuries evaluated. I got her home and into bed then I went to pick up Jay at work. He had let me have the car to go to Moms' that day. My car had been left in the driveway on Belgrave Avenue.
I had been on the move for some time, so was not really aware that I was hurt, except that my upper left arm hurt. It was bruised badly, but I knew it was not broken. When I walked into the shop where Jay was working, he took one look at me, realized there was something wrong, and got to me just as I began to sink to the ground. I guess the relief at seeing him, I just let go. He took me directly to the Dr. and we were told that I had sustained some pretty serious internal injuries and should go to the Hospital. I was serious about not doing such a thing, knowing if Mom thought she had hurt me worse than she was, she would never finish her driving. It was a big chance I was taking, according to my Dr., but I would not allow them to take me to the Hospital.
Mom had 9 of her 13 ribes broken and some other injuries that kept her down for some time. My left lung had been bruised and my spleen was damaged. They said it was the blood filter that was most necessary prior to birth, but of little use, to medical knowledge, after birth. It was serious because if it ruputred, due to damage, one could bleed to death before proper surgical help could stop the flow of blood. There is much more to this story, but it would not add to the story by going into it, suffice it to say, that though the spleen became very enlarged, it opened and drained some time later, and all ended quite well. (I need to insert here, that the Elders had administered to me - which I am certain had a great deal to do with the outcome.)
Jay took me back and forth to visit Mom, she never guess that I was not feeling well. We just let her believe I was stiff and sore from the bump I had taken. She took quite a long time to get over her injuries, but did finish her driving, got her licence and drove until she was 83 years old. Even making a number of trips from her home in Huntington Park to Santa Cruz to visit with Aunt Ila. Each trip, she came and went by herself, and took Ila many places while she was there. She was quite a gal. (Both Mom and Aunt Ila - who incidentally lived to be 100 years old.)
About the car - we learned when they had given the car a going over before Mom started her driving lessons - it was a red Mercury - there had been a problem with the carburator - something had become stuck in it, that was what made it excellerate as Mom made that left hand turn. She did not do anything wrong. It was a malfunction. We were greatful for two things. One - the people who had been sitting on the porch just a few minutes before we came charging at it - had left to go inside. Two - the picket fence was there - without it, we have no idea what might have happened with the car moving at the speed it was. Greatful were we, that we didn't hit a tree, the house, or something else solid that could have made this story a great deal different. Maybe there wouldn't have been anyone to tell it even? (It is the 'small things' which give us pause to stop and give thanks.)
Written this 6th day of January 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
It wasn't until she had married 'Slim' that she took advantage of a car. He had the car all tuned up for her, and I was willing, or should I say, I took on the project of helping her to learn to drive. We had gone out any number of times. She was doing so well, and was just about to take her test when, on one day we were doing her last driving lesson. Little did either of us know just how that day would end up.
I decided to take her out on some narrow streets so learn how to execute left hand turns. She was not the least bit nervous, but anxious to get this under her belt. She had to finish practicing her parking as well, and this was a perfect time to do that as well. We were in South Gate, as I recall.
I said: "make a left at the next side street". As she did, the car jerked forward at an excellerated speed and before she could get the wheels straight we jumped the curb, missed a tree, shot across the lawn of a house and slammed into the steps of a house which sent us airborne. The car fortunately was high enough in the air that it landed on top a picket fence. The motor was still churning at a high speed. Fortunately the car could not go any further with the front wheel suspended in air the back wheels I believe were stopped by the steps we had hit.
Mother had been slammed into the arm rest of the door. I had been thrown across the car and hit the steering wheel with quite a hard stop. (This was years before 'seat belts' mind you!) I was finally able to reach and turn off the ignition. I don't remember now just how we got out of the elevated car. I am not, at this writting, sure who came and got us, or how we were taken care of. I know that Mom was x-rayed and her injuries evaluated. I got her home and into bed then I went to pick up Jay at work. He had let me have the car to go to Moms' that day. My car had been left in the driveway on Belgrave Avenue.
I had been on the move for some time, so was not really aware that I was hurt, except that my upper left arm hurt. It was bruised badly, but I knew it was not broken. When I walked into the shop where Jay was working, he took one look at me, realized there was something wrong, and got to me just as I began to sink to the ground. I guess the relief at seeing him, I just let go. He took me directly to the Dr. and we were told that I had sustained some pretty serious internal injuries and should go to the Hospital. I was serious about not doing such a thing, knowing if Mom thought she had hurt me worse than she was, she would never finish her driving. It was a big chance I was taking, according to my Dr., but I would not allow them to take me to the Hospital.
Mom had 9 of her 13 ribes broken and some other injuries that kept her down for some time. My left lung had been bruised and my spleen was damaged. They said it was the blood filter that was most necessary prior to birth, but of little use, to medical knowledge, after birth. It was serious because if it ruputred, due to damage, one could bleed to death before proper surgical help could stop the flow of blood. There is much more to this story, but it would not add to the story by going into it, suffice it to say, that though the spleen became very enlarged, it opened and drained some time later, and all ended quite well. (I need to insert here, that the Elders had administered to me - which I am certain had a great deal to do with the outcome.)
Jay took me back and forth to visit Mom, she never guess that I was not feeling well. We just let her believe I was stiff and sore from the bump I had taken. She took quite a long time to get over her injuries, but did finish her driving, got her licence and drove until she was 83 years old. Even making a number of trips from her home in Huntington Park to Santa Cruz to visit with Aunt Ila. Each trip, she came and went by herself, and took Ila many places while she was there. She was quite a gal. (Both Mom and Aunt Ila - who incidentally lived to be 100 years old.)
About the car - we learned when they had given the car a going over before Mom started her driving lessons - it was a red Mercury - there had been a problem with the carburator - something had become stuck in it, that was what made it excellerate as Mom made that left hand turn. She did not do anything wrong. It was a malfunction. We were greatful for two things. One - the people who had been sitting on the porch just a few minutes before we came charging at it - had left to go inside. Two - the picket fence was there - without it, we have no idea what might have happened with the car moving at the speed it was. Greatful were we, that we didn't hit a tree, the house, or something else solid that could have made this story a great deal different. Maybe there wouldn't have been anyone to tell it even? (It is the 'small things' which give us pause to stop and give thanks.)
Written this 6th day of January 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
I've Learned: "it's the little things!"
Well here we are into another year - 2012 - and I guess I had best start it off with some tid bit of my life. Not that I haven't been on line with a great many other tid bits that is! Having said that, I will sprint forward with another of my 'ramblings'.
Over the years it has been quite obvious that the 'big things' do matter, but it is the 'little things' that seem to bring the greatest shock, or happiness. I have no idea why that is, but it is a known fact. Purhaps it is because when they come, they always leave such lasting impressions on ones mind. Those small gestures that were not expected, but some how just seemed to jump out at you when you least expected it, or purhaps needed it the very most. They may come form someone in the family, or at times they may be recieved by some friend, or even a person not so well known, but who came forward at just the right time. I am not sure I can come up with any particularly exciting instances at this writting, but I know they have happened in my long life, and when they did, I have been profoundly greatful for each and every one.
I am sure as you read through this little 'rambling' you too can think of a time or two when something just 'wonderful' happened, when you needed it or least expected it. Times when your day has been 'sparked' by that 'little something'. In fact I think one of the times that most sticks out in my mind is not what happened to me, but a time, when my Visiting Teaching Partner and I were given a Family who had just moved into our Ward in Pico Rivera. My partner had 6 children. I believe at the time there were only 2 in school. I had 2 with only 1 in school. We stopped by, just after this family had just moved in. Things weren't in a settled way, but with, as I remember it, 4 children in the house that wasn't much of a surprise. After a short visit, and the children getting to know each other, we found out the oldest, a girl, was having a Birthday and was a bit upset because she didn't know anyone to have a Party with.
My partner, after we got into the car, suggested we plan and give a 'surprise party' for the little girl. Why not, I thought, we have a built in party list in our two families with what was in the home, it would be fun!
And so it was. Mary Lou (my partmer) baked a cake, decorated it, and we were set to go. The gifts as I recall weren't all that fancy, but that was not the point of the whole thing, now was it? We put all the kids in the Station Wagon - that filled the bill, but was certainly not the newest, or greatest. I believe our kids were so much more excited than the little girl was when she saw us. (Oh, I believe our family brought the ice cream), and the Party was on. You know it wasn't what we had done that made it all come together, but the fun the kids had, and the total appreciation of a Mother who was tired from the move, and at a loss to know how she could make the girl happy, as well as make her chiildren feel welcome in their new home. Well when the next Primay Day came (you have to remember this was years before the 3 hour block schedule) there were a bunch of new friends who were happy to see each other in Primary . It wasn't much of a stretch to put something together on such short notice. It wasn't even a bother, but it turned out to leave a lasting impression on some children who, I venture to say, have never forgotten it!
Another time when Visiting Teaching struck such a cord was when I had the chance through the Relief Society to set up a 'move in dinner' for a family I heard was coming into the Paso Robles area. I happened to work with the Sisters Son. He alerted me to this, and I talked it over with some of the other Sisters who lived close to where this new family was moving in. As the trucks drove into the drive-way, here set two other cars with everything needed for a set down spagetti dinner. Hot and ready to enjoy. A table was quickly set up, chairs for those who were moving and those who were helping with the move. It wasn't fancy, it was just good, hot food. Everyone took their seats and enjoyed a rest and some quick exchange with those they were meeting for the first time. After the meal was finished. We picked up all the mess, saw the food that was left was ready to be stored in the Fridge when it was hooked up and we were on our way. Those who had made the long drive from Los Angeles felt refreshed, fed and ready to unload. You know I have never forgotten that day, nor have the people envolved in joining us in Paso Robles. We have been friends, and enjoyed many sweet experiences together since. Lets see, that was about 20 years ago, as I recall.
Yes it is the 'little things' that we appreciate, and remember. Whether they were recieved, or given, it matters not. The thing is that as we give a little we seem to receive so much more in return. Purhaps that is because in giving we receive the 'better part'. A loving heart and a spirit, I like to think, is much closer to the Savior than any other experience produces.
So in life, learn to accept the 'little things'; be quick to give 'little things'. Notice when things are given and relish the pleasure in giving. It may not be much, but we may never know how very greatful a small thoughtful-ness may mean to someone else!
Written this 6th day of January 2012
Over the years it has been quite obvious that the 'big things' do matter, but it is the 'little things' that seem to bring the greatest shock, or happiness. I have no idea why that is, but it is a known fact. Purhaps it is because when they come, they always leave such lasting impressions on ones mind. Those small gestures that were not expected, but some how just seemed to jump out at you when you least expected it, or purhaps needed it the very most. They may come form someone in the family, or at times they may be recieved by some friend, or even a person not so well known, but who came forward at just the right time. I am not sure I can come up with any particularly exciting instances at this writting, but I know they have happened in my long life, and when they did, I have been profoundly greatful for each and every one.
I am sure as you read through this little 'rambling' you too can think of a time or two when something just 'wonderful' happened, when you needed it or least expected it. Times when your day has been 'sparked' by that 'little something'. In fact I think one of the times that most sticks out in my mind is not what happened to me, but a time, when my Visiting Teaching Partner and I were given a Family who had just moved into our Ward in Pico Rivera. My partner had 6 children. I believe at the time there were only 2 in school. I had 2 with only 1 in school. We stopped by, just after this family had just moved in. Things weren't in a settled way, but with, as I remember it, 4 children in the house that wasn't much of a surprise. After a short visit, and the children getting to know each other, we found out the oldest, a girl, was having a Birthday and was a bit upset because she didn't know anyone to have a Party with.
My partner, after we got into the car, suggested we plan and give a 'surprise party' for the little girl. Why not, I thought, we have a built in party list in our two families with what was in the home, it would be fun!
And so it was. Mary Lou (my partmer) baked a cake, decorated it, and we were set to go. The gifts as I recall weren't all that fancy, but that was not the point of the whole thing, now was it? We put all the kids in the Station Wagon - that filled the bill, but was certainly not the newest, or greatest. I believe our kids were so much more excited than the little girl was when she saw us. (Oh, I believe our family brought the ice cream), and the Party was on. You know it wasn't what we had done that made it all come together, but the fun the kids had, and the total appreciation of a Mother who was tired from the move, and at a loss to know how she could make the girl happy, as well as make her chiildren feel welcome in their new home. Well when the next Primay Day came (you have to remember this was years before the 3 hour block schedule) there were a bunch of new friends who were happy to see each other in Primary . It wasn't much of a stretch to put something together on such short notice. It wasn't even a bother, but it turned out to leave a lasting impression on some children who, I venture to say, have never forgotten it!
Another time when Visiting Teaching struck such a cord was when I had the chance through the Relief Society to set up a 'move in dinner' for a family I heard was coming into the Paso Robles area. I happened to work with the Sisters Son. He alerted me to this, and I talked it over with some of the other Sisters who lived close to where this new family was moving in. As the trucks drove into the drive-way, here set two other cars with everything needed for a set down spagetti dinner. Hot and ready to enjoy. A table was quickly set up, chairs for those who were moving and those who were helping with the move. It wasn't fancy, it was just good, hot food. Everyone took their seats and enjoyed a rest and some quick exchange with those they were meeting for the first time. After the meal was finished. We picked up all the mess, saw the food that was left was ready to be stored in the Fridge when it was hooked up and we were on our way. Those who had made the long drive from Los Angeles felt refreshed, fed and ready to unload. You know I have never forgotten that day, nor have the people envolved in joining us in Paso Robles. We have been friends, and enjoyed many sweet experiences together since. Lets see, that was about 20 years ago, as I recall.
Yes it is the 'little things' that we appreciate, and remember. Whether they were recieved, or given, it matters not. The thing is that as we give a little we seem to receive so much more in return. Purhaps that is because in giving we receive the 'better part'. A loving heart and a spirit, I like to think, is much closer to the Savior than any other experience produces.
So in life, learn to accept the 'little things'; be quick to give 'little things'. Notice when things are given and relish the pleasure in giving. It may not be much, but we may never know how very greatful a small thoughtful-ness may mean to someone else!
Written this 6th day of January 2012
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