tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459665525986225552024-02-20T04:06:23.035-08:00"Rambling Rose"Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-32001222376767175332015-09-11T07:56:00.002-07:002015-09-11T07:56:53.667-07:00Toy LoanYou may ask, what ever is a 'Toy Loan'? Not 'is', but 'was'. During the 'great depression' many children were not blessed with Toy's. Those who had toys, and no longer needed them, donated them to a local 'Toy Loan'. Just like you go to the Library and check out books to read, then return them, this was a place where a child without Toys could go and look at all the offerings and decide what they would like to have for a few days to play with. Anything that was checked out had to be returned in a number of days. I had to be in good condition and clean for the next child to have for a time. It was so much fun to check the shelves each week to see what was there. As things were rotated every week, it made the choices quite a joy to so many whose parent couldn't afford to buy things.<br />
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I didn't find my home was lacking in things, but I will admit that we, my brothers and I, didn't have an over abundance of toys around. Christmas was the time for such things, and even then there was not a lot under the tree. Our parents made sure that we had every needful thing. I don't remember feeling as if I had been 'left out' in any way.<br />
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Today the children have an over abundance of so many things and with the High Tech products that are in every hand, it appears they have little chance to find themselves like we did way back then. So up comes the questions? What was it like before Television? Well there was plenty of daylight and we had so many friends in the neighborhood that we played outside until it got dark, or our favorite Radio Program came on. How did you get around? We walked everywhere. Why not, the streets were safe, and everyone was doing it. What you may ask? No cars? Well of course there were cars, but surprising at it may seem - why use them when the weather was good, town wasn't that far away and walking gave us all a chance to 'stretch our legs'. Or as Dad use to tell us: "come on kids let's<br />
shake a leg". If we shopped while we were up town, there was plenty of us to carry the packages back home. We thought nothing of it. How lucky can you get!<br />
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How did we fill the time, and believe me there was plenty of it, we used our 'imagination'. We played house, school, office or what ever came into our heads to imagine. Personally I was a dress designer - making outfits for my paper dolls. Used what ever was handy to make our 'make believe'<br />
places to play in. There was nothing as fun as making up something and then spending hours being who ever or what ever you thought up. Today the children or so 'hooked up' to something they are not using their brains to develop life around them. Rather they shut out every good thing around. Something you would never heard expressed out of our mouths was the words: "I'm bored".<br />
Lands we didn't have enough time to be bored. Too much to think up to do. Too many objects to turn into 'make believe'.<br />
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I believe I have mentioned before about Tuna Cans being turned into headlights for the boys home made scooters. Canned Milk Cans to be hammered around our shoes to make stilts that clanked on the Sidewalk as we clomped along on unsteady legs. Now that was really FUN. How many homes did it take to make a play box of old clothes, shoes and purses to Play House? Now that really took imagination.<br />
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I guess you could say that we were too busy to know that things were'nt 'grand'. Everyone was in the same financial condition. Moms didn't work, they were home when the kids came and went. That changed when the Second World War began. Until then we had a very regular way of life. We didn't envy anyone else. We just used what we had and didn't give it a thought that there could be any other way of doing things. When you are using your imagination, you are too occupied to have other things on your mind. There were others not as well off, but we didn't have TV to tell us things were any different any place else. Radio did have news, but we never listen to it, we were waiting to hear what the Lone Ranger and Tonto were up to. We waited to hear the trials of Elery Queen and what he was about or what the Shadow was solving. We went to the Movies and then looked forward to hearing them replayed on Lux Radio Theatre. There was always and Fiber McGee and Molly to listen to and wait for the Closet door to open and have everything come crashing to the floor. Yes, those were the days. Wouldn't take a Million for those days. Hate to think all that todays children have missing by not having to: "make it do, or do without". We may not have had it posh, but we did have it "our way". If we could think it, we could bring it into the light of day and enjoy every minute of it. What a lucky bunch we were and are. We leaned that 'life is what you make it'. If you think it, you can do it. There wasn't time to be bored. We hated the end of each day because it meant we had to stop having FUN.<br />
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No we didn't have a lot of things, but we enjoyed the things we did have. We weren't worried about what someone else had that was different. In fact, if someone had a break, we all thought it was great. No keeping up with Jones' back then. We learned thrift, we learned how to take care of things. We shared bedrooms, one bath to a house and laundry was done each week, hung on a line, taken down folded or dampened down to be ironed. No drip dry for us. Some things were starched so that they were stiff and looked right when they were worn. Just to think about it brings back such wonderful memories. We never miss what we never had, so todays generations haven't a clue as to how it is really done. Times may change and lessons may have to be learned on how to really do it. I'm grateful that I had the days and times to do just that. Grateful for the 'Toy Loan' and what it added to my young life. What I didn't understand then, has become so beautifully clear to me and appreciated now.<br />
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Written this 11th day of September 2015<br />
By: Eileen C RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-28620734594862092502014-07-25T12:05:00.000-07:002014-07-25T12:05:02.909-07:00My DADI suppose every little girl thinks her Dad is about the greatest 'guy' that ever lived. Which means that I must be normal! I always thought my Dad was about the smartest 'fella' I ever knew. He was not born into a great situation, nor did he have a wonderful childhood. His birth took place in England. I suppose it was during a time when things weren't very good in the Country. His family there were pretty average, and so it was when his father decided to make a new beginning in the 'Colonies' that change was to begin for Dad.<br />
Having an older half brother, namely William Horton, living in the United States, Charles Smith was of a mind to give this new Country a try for a better life. So he packed up his wife and son and sailed the Atlantic to begin anew.<br />
I'm sure the change was a hard adjustment for such a young wife, with a small child. Eliza was not only unhappy and homesick, but she wasn't willing to make things work out. She must have complained enough that Charles made arrangements, after only 6 months to return her and John back to England. The last we see of her is in the 1901 British Census where she appeared with John, living with her parents, John and Maria Chatting Bunn. Where she went, or what happened to her we have not been able to learn up to this date. We do know that John was given, or sent to his Paternal Grand Mother to raise. What his life was like during that time, we can only guess. The house hold was full of nothing but adults. His only contact with children was the visits his Grand Mother Ellen Frost Horton Smith arranged with the Bunn Family. The family was large with younger children about the same age as John. He said he always had a good time when he was able to visit. His Grand Mother would set in her buggy and wait for him. So I would surmise that the visits were not as comfortable as they might have been.<br />
In research, it has been learned that Charles made a couple of trips back to England. If one of them was to secure his separation from Eliza is not known. So far checking into Parish Records not divorce or annulment has been proven. Charles did remarry, so it is assumed that one or the other had been arranged. John sailed back to the United States with his Grand Mother and an Aunt Annie Clarke, who came to marry her brother -in-law and younger brother of Charles who had also come to the United States. His family was living in East Liverpool, Ohio, as was Charles. His, Fred, first wife had died leaving Fred Smith with 3 children to raise. His sister-in-law came as nanny to John on the trip, and then went to help Fred with her nephews and niece. They married shortly after her arrival to manage the family and home.<br />
My Dad went to live with his father and new step-mother. Sad to say it was not a happy household. The<br />
step-mother, Carrie Bowman McIntyre Smith was apparently jealous of John, not being able to have any children of her own. John was a very resourceful young man, and worked hard from his youth. Carrie it seemed felt his earnings were more hers than his. She would take his pay, and give him a small allowance for his own use. One has to admire him, because he never spoke or acknowledge her poor treatment of him. When his father passed away, John took Carrie in and gave her a home until her health failed and then he saw to her hospitalization until she passed a year later.<br />
My Dad, John Charles Smith, was a scholar. Not that he had much schooling, but because he was ever seeking more and more knowledge. He would spend hours in second hand book stores and find books that held information he felt would be of interest to him. He read everything. History, Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Religious well, everything. When he was killed, it was hard to decide which of his Library was worth keeping and which would be returned to the book shelves to be sold to someone else. He would explore many different avenues of life.<br />
He loved to work in his yard. Cultivate any number of different plants, so long as the weather where we lived would encourage the plants to grow and produce fruit. We had a little of everything in our yard. His greatest love was his Camellia bushes. He had many varieties, and they were larger than most grew. He<br />
made his own liquid fertilizer and so his plants were large and healthy, be they fruit, or flower. His tree roses were of the greatest interest. The front walk was lined with them. He spent ours learning how to graft and so each rose bush turned into a fragrant bouquet when they bloomed. It was something to see. His lemon, orange and grapefruit trees produced every season, and kept us in fruit. We had figs, passion fruit and guavas to name just a few of his other cultivated varieties that made our yard a 'garden' par none. Yes! he also planted a garden each year, and we enjoyed the 'fruit' of that labor as well.<br />
He trained himself in many fields, but his occupation was as a machinist. When it was necessary to move the family from Ohio to California, Dad was not afraid to strike out for a job, as he was well qualified to meet the challenges that the new State might offer. As it turned out, it was the Aircraft Industry. Dad fit in very well, and stayed in that capacity for many years. When things slacked off after the Second World War, Dad worked for a time in the Pottery Industry and found a great deal of satisfaction in what was needed there in the way of maintenance of the equipment.<br />
After years away from Aircraft, Dad found his way back into it, and became very involved in Space Models.<br />
It was not that Dad had been educated as an Engineer, but that his years of work and study had broadened his mind so that he was more than equal to any of the challenges that this new side of flight would bring. He could think and work his way through problems that became stumbling blocks to his more learned colleagues. With his personality, he never found himself outside of their respect and friendship. If it was a problem, they all knew they could ask 'Capt. John' and it would be abel towork it out, no matter how long it would take him. Shortly before his death, he took the model for the Space Module that was the forerunner of the one that landed on the moon, back to the Ohio Wind Tunnel. <br />
When the trial ship blew up and killed the Astronauts, he stated they would have to change the fuel if they didn't want such accidents to happen again. He was right!<br />
What was my Dad like as a man? Well he was a very gentle giant. I don't mean in size, but in his character. He always had time for us kids. He was willing to teach us, and eager to talk to us about what he was interested in. One time he worried about his eye sight, so he sought out ways to exercise his eyes and then made his own piece of equipment that he used to keep his eyesight sharp. Yes, he wore glasses, and they had a bi-focal in the lenses, but he was ever eager to keep his eyesight from becoming a problem because of the many things he did that took a keen vision to accomplish the desired results. His grafting was one of those things that needed good vision. He wore a jewelers glass on his glasses when he was doing close work. It seemed that nothing escaped his search to make things easier and his projects more successful.<br />
One of the things I remember most about Dad was his constant searching for things to brighten our lives. He was quick to find fun things for us to do, then he would save his money so he could share them with all of us. I remember when he worked at the pottery way out of town, he discovered a place that made caramel corn.<br />
We would drive way out to the place on Friday night and get a big bag. What fun. Now you have to remember that Dad never used the car, even to go to work. He rode the bus. So to take the car and go for that long of a drive was a treat in itself. I know I have mentioned before the way he would take all of us out to nice eating places for dinner. We were taught how to dress, how to act, and how to enjoy such things while we were growing up. Ever ready to prepare us for the finer things of life, that neither he nor our Mother had every enjoyed until much later in their lives. Living through their youths in families that were depressed, then marring into depression times, they learned to be frugal, and to make life good with the very simple things. We enjoyed camping, and hiking and having a picnic in the quaintest places. We may not have had a lot of money, but we kids never knew it, our parents were eager to see us learn the finer things of life from some of the simple things. When they were able to add the culture because there was more funds to do that, the outings became more educational. I believe attending the theater was probably the more of the interesting things we did. There were not many children in the audiences, which showed just how far sighted our parents were.<br />
Some of the fondest things I did with Dad was our walks up town. He had a way of walking that made me stretch my legs. He loved to walk, and he wanted all of us to enjoy it too. Living in town there were not many chances to get out and hike, but he never passed up an opportunity to ask us to 'shake a leg'. Having a car was never an advantage. When we could walk someplace, that was always the way we went. Life was pretty well geared when we were kids, so we walked to get places. Both my brothers had bikes, but I never had one. I didn't drive until I was 21 and married for a number of years, so walking was just the natural part of life. Even when I could ride the bus to work, I would walk instead. It was the most natural thing to do. Why pay .15 cents when I could 'hike it'?<br />
Well, my Dad was just about the greatest 'guy' that ever walked on this earth. He had a generous heart, a mind that was open and full of excellent advise, if you needed it. One of his talks, could either raise you to the heights, or make you want to find a hole to crawl into. You always knew he had your best interest at heart, but he could make you feel pretty bad. Knowing how far he had come on so little, it was easy to make us feel like we were not stretching far enough. I suppose that is why each of us found our own way to the satisfaction of ending up where we did.<br />
I could have gone to college, there was the way to do that, but I had found an occupation that suited me and was happy in exploring it. It gave me all that I needed and filled me with a feeling of accomplishment over the years. I had a number of chances to educate myself much as my Dad did, and I grabbed each and every opportunity that presented itself, because I knew, from his experience, that much could be gained by extending myself. I'm grateful for the examples of my two parents. They came from very 'humble' beginnings, but they both were pretty much self taught. If they could have gone to college, I am not sure they would have become more accomplished as they were. They came from a generation that had little but their own ability to push them forward. In both their cases they did very well. <br />
My Dad had a heart as big as all outdoors. I never heard him down trod anyone, he was ever eager to help in anyway that he could. He always was the first to encourage us to reach out and do the best that was in us, in what ever pursuit we found interest in. I don't believe I would have gone forward to study and be the teacher I have become without the great encouragement my Dad gave me, or by the examples that he set. <br />
I am only sad that my Dads life was cut short at such an early age. He had so much to offer, but then I do not know just how much he was needed where he went either. With his heart and faith, I am sure that he has been busy and occupied with much more than he could ever have accomplished here on this side of the veil. What a wonderful reunion it will be when I once again can spend time with him, set at his feet and gain the knowledge that he has to impart from what he has learned since last we spent time together.<br />
Yes, I was blessed to have a very special Dad who was wise to pick my very special Mother to give me and my siblings the basics of life and love. I shall remain eternally grateful to a very wise and loving Heavenly Father who made this journey in their company possible.<br />
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Written this 25th day of July 2014<br />
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg <br />
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..................................................Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-86890350598593873072014-06-07T10:51:00.002-07:002014-06-07T10:51:20.595-07:00Remember Things About WW IIYesterday was D-Day and the TV was full of the scenes of that momentous day and the things that had gone before. The many battles that had been fought the numerous victories that had taken place in the South Pacific and throughout Europe. Americans never wanted to get into the fighting, but when the Japanese attacked our Fleet in Pearl Harbor on the 7th of December in 1941, things changed and very rapidly. It seemed as if the Country was mobilized over night. Men were anxious to make the enemies pay for all the heartache that had gone before, and would yet strike at any moment. Lights went out all over the world and the slogans began: "loose lips sink ships"; "Kilroy was here"; "Lucky Strike Green Has Gone To War" and oh, so many others. Uniforms were seen everywhere. Highways were lined with Service men trying to find their way from point A to point B. Service men's Canteens were popping up around the communities. New or revitalized Mothers Organizations were seen active everywhere. Red Cross bandage making sessions were taking shape with regularity in local parks and schools. Everything was turned over to the 'war effort'. Gas was rationed to keep the Military supplied. Leather was sent into the manufacture of boots and other needs for the Military. No more Nylon hose for the women - that was being used to make parachutes. Well the changes seemed endless and the needs were unnumbered.<br />
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But what really brings back the excitement, rather than the drudgery of it all was the site of the large flights of Aircraft in the skies. When they were built and ready for use, women took to the cockpits and flue the bombers and fighter planes in large formations to their needed areas. The sky was full, the sound was loud even to the point of causing things to vibrate. I can remember watching them fly overhead with tears in my eyes knowing they were going to be part of something big and important in my life and in the years to come. I also remember the many convoys of trucks, jeeps and armored vehicles that went down the roads on their way to points to be shipped overseas. Every day there were reminders of a War that was being fought and followed by every civilian who was left behind. I don't believe we appreciated the devastation that was being brought down on people elsewhere. Since the Civil War, battles haven't gone on in this Country and so we have no idea what it is like to have things shot out from under us, or bombed out of existence. How fortunate we are, and have been.<br />
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I have driven through many of the battlefields of the Civil War. Things look very peaceful there now, but one can still see the bullet holes in the houses and the cannon still left in the fields where men and animals died from the effects of the effort to win took place. Not wanting to see anyone injured or hurt, it boggles my mind how anyone would want to cause such scenes as we witnessed on the TV yesterday. Why young men have to take up arms to keep peace and safety for those they love at home? The cost of such things is beyond comprehension, but they seem to be revived and brought back, generation upon generation. Man<br />
does not seem to learn from their past errors. There is always some stupid, power hungry individual who gets it into his head that they have a great plan of how to make others bend to their selfish will. No wonder it has been taught: "it is better that one man die, than an entire generation dwindle". Better to destroy the wicked minded than to have an entire nation have to pay such a price ever again.<br />
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Being a Teenager during the Second World War, I witnessed what went on, felt the helplessness of so much waste, and dreamed of a day when things would be better for all of us. I was a child of the great depression. I knew the lean years throughout my youth, and then the privation that War causes during my teen years. None of it as a youth seemed hard, because everyone I knew, and their families, was in the same condition. We made do with what we had, and was grateful for an imagination that kept our lives on a level course. When the War started, I learned that doing without wasn't all that hard. We still had food to eat, and our homes were safe to live in. We didn't have to drag out at night to find shelter from bombs or attacks of any kind. We leaned to do without the things that were needed to help the War effort. Walking was no problem, I had done it all my life up until that point, and I enjoyed it. Watching Servicemen come in and out of town was normal. We tried to make them feel at home in every way that we could. Once the War was ended, we looked forward to welcoming home our own. Until that day, we watched the windows of the homes around us, hoping that the blue stars in the windows wouldn't be changed to gold. Nearly every window had a flag telling how many from that house had answered the call. When the gold stars showed in the windows, we knew there was one who would not come home to celebrate what they had fought for. Oh how we learned to grieve with each family. So much to remember - and hopefully - with my generation to keep remembering so that we pass on the horrors of such things and not the glory that weak minded individuals throw out there as a dream of masterful ideas.<br />
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May we, as a nation, as well as individuals, remember than nothing good comes of War. May we rise to the challenge, as we did in WW II, though that was not our desire. May we always dream of peace and the safety of our nation and it's people. May be find greatness in what we accomplish, and how we live our lives, rather than look to put others down. May we praise God and all He has given us to enjoy and keep safe. May we be grateful for what we have - great or small - so long as it is ours, gained by our own efforts, and regard it and keep it safe<br />
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Life is short and very valuable. We should not waste it on greed or envy!<br />
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Written this 7 day of June 2014<br />
by: Eileen C. RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-79545485918504671442014-03-05T08:55:00.001-08:002014-03-05T08:55:06.254-08:00So You Want To Drive?I believe I might have covered some of this some time ago, but yesterday I saw an advertisement on the TV of a young lady changing a tire. Her father came around after she had finished and was pleased she had learned the lesson well. I was 21 before I learn to drive, and felt it was necessary for me to be able to take care of the car when I was out and about by myself. Changing a tire was one of the things I felt would possibly come up, so I wanted to know how to do it properly. It wasn't an easy lesson, but one I tackled with the best I had in me. In the first place getting those lug nuts loose, as shown in the TV Ad was the biggest problem. Especially when they had been put on at the Tire Shop. <br />
In a learning experience it was one thing, but on a main street in town, outside the Post Office, it was just a bit more! At least I was alone at the time. Didn't have either of the children with me to keep calm while I went about getting a flat off and the spare on. Oh, and then it was a full size tire. It had been raining, so that added to the problem. I got the car jacked up, and with every bit of leverage I could manage finally got the lug nuts removed and the tire off. Now with my size at the time, not being height alone, it was a job. I was able to get the tire out of the trunk, put the flat in, and then go about mounting the spare. One middle aged man offered to help, but I explained that I wanted to do it. He stayed handy, but didn't try to stop me from what I was successfully doing.<br />
I made sure all the lug nuts were secure. Then I let the car back down and went on my way feeling quite satisfied that I had been able to care for myself in such a circumstance! I still believe that if young ladies want to drive, they should have their Dad or Brother help them learn how to take care of themselves when they are out alone with a car. To be able to change a tire, check the oil or in general have some understanding of the car they are driving will benefit their safety and security. <br />
A young lady should also remember to have her cell phone charged and ready to get help when and where it might be needed. If there is an Insurance that covers Roadside Assistance, than by all means call and take advantage of it, but should something happen where there is a space where cell phones are not working, it will be important to be able to assist ones self in taking care of small emergencies. <br />
It doesn't take up much space to keep a Jumper Cable handy in the truck either. Small preparations are so vital when one is out and about alone. We don't live in a climate where other emergency supplies might be of help, but if one should be living where it could get cold suddenly, it is always wise to keep Space Blankets in the trunk, or under the front seat. Always have a flash light of some sort as well. One with a red portion will be good in case of an accident. Uncle Paul always made sure he had flares in case of an accident. Many a time he stopped to put out flares when he came upon an accident while driving. The Highway Patrol was always please to replace what he had put out.<br />
Driving is one of things we should not take for granted. It is something that should be done with great care. When our children were ready to drive the first thing I told them was that I was putting a weapon in their care. One false or careless action could be deadly to themselves and any number of other people. They were to remember that speed might be exciting, but being able to control the car was far more important!<br />
Driving in all kinds of weather conditions brought different kinds of hazards and thought should be given to the type of road conditions. The first rain was cause to watch. The road glaze from so much summer use caused road slick that could mean hydroplaning and traction of the tires on the road could be difficult. Thus the car could do all sorts of strange things. Learning to steer when those kinds of things happen will be vital to safety within the car and without as well.<br />
I remember hitting a street where someone had been washing out a Filling Station area. It washed out a slick that I drove over and lost traction in a second. I had a car full of Sisters I had taken to a meeting. The car began to fish tail. Fortunately I had been taught to turn into the various turns the car took. Within a few seconds I had the car under control, we were past the danger area and we continued our journey. Had I not known what to do, we could have gone into a spin, even caused us to roll over. It would have only taken a few seconds and there could have been some serious injuries or even deaths. We can never take driving as a casual thing. Once we get behind the wheel of a car, once we turn on the engine and start moving, we are responsible for everything that car does. It may, or may not be, the conditions of the road, or how someone else is driving that is under our control. What ever we find we must be ready to accept the responsibility to keep things going correctly. True, we cannot control the other drivers, but if we are alert, and keeping our car under control, we can save ourselves.<br />
If your tired, stop, rest and then go on. If you are not well, don't get in the car. If you have to take any kind of medication that could cause you to be less alert, get someone else to drive you, or stay home until you are sure you have yourself capable of doing what may need to be done.<br />
Remember one very important thing as well. If you keep the Commandments of the LORD, you have no need to ignore the Laws of the Road. If it says 25 miles an hour, drive 25 miles an hour in that area. If you follow the guide lines that are marked along the way, you won't get into trouble, or pay high prices for tickets that you don't need. Be a good driver. Be alert and careful. Driving is something that has become so necessary in the time in which we live. No horse and buggy for us. Make sure you leave the house with ample time to make it to your appointed place and ON TIME. MORMON STANDARD TIME is not acceptable. If you know the time you are to be someplace, make sure you give yourself ample time to get ready, leave and arrive with time to spare. Don't slide into the Parking Lot, Jump out of the car and Run to get where you are suppose to be. Now, I am not saying there will be times you can't make it due to traffic, or something that is beyond your control, but NEVER leave it up to chance. Keep yourself ever ready to do what needs to be done with thought and preparation. There will be times when you will be called upon to do something in an emergency. That is when you will need to get a grip on yourself and become part of the solution not part of a problem. <br />
So you want to drive? DO IT - but remember that when you are behind the wheel of any moving object, you can come to one quick stop that could mean the very end of health or life. Your choice, choose very carefully.<br />
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Written this 5th day of March 2014<br />
by: Eileen C. RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-41332881395484231532014-02-27T21:27:00.000-08:002014-02-27T21:27:47.567-08:00Oh Yes, The MoviesThought I would express a word or two about Movies. During the early days of Movie Making they didn't have a lot of money I guess. The Silent Movies were great for their time, but seem a little 'hoakey' to me when I look at them. Of course even at my age, they were out of date when I was going to the Movies as a kid. I had the joy of seeing some of the best, and would stay to see some of them twice they were so go.<br />
Back then, once you were in the Theater, you could stay, they just kept running the program over and over again. <br />
During the Depression, which was my very early years, Movies were a great escape. There was little that people had to make their days brighter. My Dad always had work. The folks were ever mindful that we kids were able to have some fun. It might not be much, but we did some great things as a family. I believe I have mentioned in previous Bolgs' that we had a car, but we seldom used it. When we wanted to go someplace, we used "shanks ponies" and stretched our legs and walked. Always as a family, or at least me along with my two brothers. <br />
Saturday was Movie Day. That was then they made REAL MOVIES. Something you could go to and set in and be uplifted and enjoy yourself. You weren't bombarded with car crashes or everyone shooting or a lot of physical activity on the screen. No those were the days when they had a story line. When they had a moral to their base, and characters that were telling their story with as much normal action as we could believe. No fake stuff, well, there was, but it was so fake, it didn't even fool a kid my age. Most of that was in the Serials they played every Saturday for the kids. Things like "Buck Rogers" which was suppose to be a space thing, but all the rocket ships and the space scenes were so weird that it was not the least bit in any form, reality. But they were entertaining and fun anyway.<br />
There were the Cowboy hero films that all the kids loved. In fact many of them turned up on TV when it was in it's earliest times. We don't ever see them now. They aren't 'hip' enough, or what ever the 'in' word is these days. It seems, from all I see, that unless you are scared half out of your seat, it isn't in the Movies anymore. I recall the one film I went to that had me spending most of my time under the seat. That was<br />
"King Kong". Now when I see scenes from it, I realize just how fake that was, but it still scared me when I was in the theater that Saturday. Ronald laughed at me. I wonder how he really felt, now that I look back on it?<br />
There were the Cartoons that we all laughed at, and the Comedy Films that kept us in stitches. There were the Adventure Films and the Historical Melodrama Films that I liked so much. I remember when Color came out and we saw "Robin Hood" for the first time. Man what a thrill. The Kids shows that came out and we all were so thrilled. "Cinderella", "Bambi", "Dumbo" to name some. The Love Stories were so well done and their was no foul language or sex scenes. The entire experience of going to the Movies was for entertainment and we were certainly entertained. Some of the great stars of those days were: Lorretta Young, Carol Lombard, Madelaine Carrol, Clodette Colbert, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper and of course the Cowboy Stars like Tom Mix, Richard Dix, Hop-a-long Cassidy, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and back then even John Wayne. He became better know much later in different rolls and was great in everything he did. <br />
No language that would cause for alarm and no action that was unkind to the younger viewers. Yes, we were blessed. I am grateful for the TV re-runs of many if not most of those old movies. The comedy ones are still funny, the action ones are still exciting, or at least to me, and the love stories are just a sweet and delightful as they were back then, when I didn't know a lot about what they all ment at the time. Innocence is so special and it is a shame that it is no longer valued. Language has slipped into such a sink hole that it is unfortunate. Relationships with individuals is portrayed in such a way, so out fashion that it boggles the mind trying to figure out just what the writers and producers are thinking about. Most of what is projected is so far a field from normal life as we know it, that is is unreal. Moral standards have been shot full of holes in the many formats they are producing for not only the movies but for TV as well. It is so bad, in my opinion that very little of reality is out there for the normal person to view.<br />
Sex is the means for selling most everything on TV. In fact when they started using it to sell 'hamburgers'<br />
I really decided someone had slipped a cog in the advertising business. I don't need to be exposed to such junk as they are producing today, so I don't watch much TV and I rarely ever go to a movie theater. I have walked out of a number of theaters when what I saw or heard so insulted my intelligence that I wouldn't spend another minute wasting my time. At one of those times, the Manager of the theater heard my loud disgust at what had just be said and apologized to me. I think he was even upset that such language was coming out of the speakers, and the mouth of a women no less. Well it taught me well that I didn't need to waste my time or money being insulted. I don't even want to hear one bad word, or watch one insulting scene between a man and women. I am not a prude. I just like to think of myself as having good sense and good judgement in what I want to see and hear. For I realize what goes into the mind is something that stays in the mind. No scrubbing will remove it.<br />
I loved the Movies and I loved going to the Theater. I have been fortunate to see some great Stage Plays and Productions. My Dad and Mother wanted us kids to be raised with cultural backgrounds. We were taken to some of the nicest places to eat and then out to see a great live show in Los Angeles. I was and am grateful for their careful teachings and guidance in such things. I have enjoyed Musicals and Drama in live as well at the Movies. I have seen Variety Shows on the Stage in person and on the Movie Screens. I have even performed on the stages of some of those theaters. That was before the days that the live entertainment in between the Movies was no longer deemed necessary. Of course in those days they gave away glass ware and dishes too. Things were a great deal different back then. There were the nights when they had sneak previews. I think I have talked about those before as well. It was such a great thing to see the big lights in the sky outside the Theater announcing there would be a special showing. It didn't cost any more to get in, but it was a thrill to see the first showing of a new Film. One never knew what it would be but everyone was excited to watch and then fill out their suggestion cards at the end. If one was lucky they could catch a glimpse of one or more of the Stars as they left the show. Been there to get the reaction of the audience, don't you know.<br />
Well like most of what I have experienced in my life, things change, and in this case I have to admit I don't think the change has been to the better. The cost has risen and the content has sunk way low. One is not given entertainment, one is exposed to all sorts of unusual action that is so far fetched that it is stupid. I just recently saw one of the old Musicals called "That's Entertainment". Yes, it was! They don't make things like that anymore. They say it would be too expensive. I don't believe it could be any more expensive than what they crank out of their Tech Labs and Computer set ups. It just is they don't have the talent to display. All the singers yell now, they don't style a song. Even the old songs they have to sing out of style and yell the lyrics. They kill the Star Spangled Banner with all their catterwalling and screaming. I have even heard them do a 'job' on America the Beautiful. Apparently nothing is sacred to them. Actors and Actresses that have to reduce themselves to such low levels to put a Film together have never studied what went before, or they would have known that what they are acting in not life, or at least not normal life. I guess the old adage of'<br />
'you get what you pay for' has a whole new meaning in today's standards. <br />
I'll take the good old days when their were Stars who made entertaining Movies. I know the Studios were different back then and molded their Stars and watch over their actions on an off the screen. They guarded their moral code and had ways of keeping things in check. I realize they did have a strict code that had to be followed. A shame that the one they use today only tells how bad the action and language is, not what is in good taste. Even their way of trying to let the public know what is in any given film, they lack the ability to even keep that in any kind of order that the public can really tell. <br />
Well, these are the signs of the time. Everyone has their Agency to make the choices of what they will watch. As for me, I choose not to be part of what is being produced. No, not even on TV, and I pay a lot of money for no more than I do watch. Even the NEWS programs are so bulked up with commercials it takes more time to wade through them. I certainly don't feel like I am getting much for what I pay for. <br />
<br />
They don't play Hop-a-Long Cassidy either, or the Cisco Kid. Now there was some real good adventure and moral watching. I did like the Long Ranger too! Well not the new one they turned out. It looked as if it might have come out of the brain of some horror writer? I guess if you want to remake something that was good once, you have to tweak it a bit. Life has it's changes and I am too old to adjust to what they are cranking out as entertainment. Just a cranky old lady here I guess. I do however wish my growing family could look forward to enjoying some of the great things that I was able to enjoy. I wish there were Comedians like Red Skelton, Danny Kaye, Jimmy Durante, Martha Raye, Joan Davis and the venues they played. Why there were the friendly competitions of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, Jack Benny and Fred Allen. There were the fun Fibber McGee and Molly and so many others that made the nights fun and the air bright with laughter that was uplifting and enlightening. Chuckles that returned until the next time you saw or heard them. <br />
We need a lot of laughter and we need a lot of love, real love to make the days great and happy. No long faces, no heads full of things to make them scared or unhappy. We had some wonderful things to share, and OH, how I wish we had a number of them around right now as well.<br />
This is a wonderful world, and there is a lot of wonderful things in it to make us happy and proud and loved and needed. We need lifting and patted on the back for the goodness that is in each of us. We need the entertainment and laughs that brighten our days and brings happiness in to our lives. We need a lot of what is lacking in the society we are dealing with daily. Too many heads are bowed over small phones that keep them connected to each other, but they have little time to look up and enjoy the things around them. Life is short, it slips away from us one minute at a time. On day at a time, one week at a time. Before the child realizes they are not children any longer. It happens, I can testify to it. I have had a great life. I have enjoyed many things, but most of all I have enjoyed my family. I hope in some way I have put into their lives some of the good that was placed into mine by parents who wanted me to see and experience good things. There are so many around us all the time, but in today's society, it appears one has to dig deep to find them.<br />
Technology has run us right into a whole new way of living. Being as old as I am, I don't find it a place I fit very well. Even the Cell Phones have advance too far for me to manage. How far we have come in so short a time. It must be time for me to slip into the past and let the rest of the world go rapidly by. I won't go quietly however, I have to have my say. I have to leave some word of caution to those who may read my 'rambling'. Don't allow the world to tell you what is good. Don't let the modern things so catch your attention that you forget to enjoy the greatest gifts that God has left here for us. Stop and smell the roses. Lend an ear to the sweet sounds of nature. Wind in the trees, birds singing, animals exploring and playing, the smell of the grass being mowed and the happiness of children laughing. Make the day the best you can, look for the good around you, enjoy being part of something so wonderful as the family you have been blessed with. Gain your place in life by being all that you can be. Love deeply, Laugh from the very bottom of yourself, and touch life with a heart and soul full of gratitude for what you have been blessed with. Be free to enjoy this life, and to return each day with a happy heart in what you accomplish with the time you have been given. Nothing lasts forever, but while you have it, embrace it, and appreciate it. With all my love, now and forever.<br />
<br />
Written this 27th day of February 2014<br />
by: Eileen Rosenberg Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-10468170899585987392014-02-27T19:45:00.000-08:002014-02-27T19:45:35.585-08:00Then There Was MusicWe live in a day and age when we have more noise than Music. The beat of the Drums seem to be what is the major part of any piece that is Banging out of car radios as I drive down the Streets. What is being done to the tender ears of those in the cars I pass, I have no idea. I only know that what I hear is NOT MUSIC.<br />
Guess it gives away my ancient age when I make a statement like that. So be it! There is nothing so sweet as a Melody that soothes the ears and makes the heart beat in mellow rhythm. <br />
<br />
Back when I was still quite small - maybe 7 or 8 years of age, I went to a Movie - Ziegfield Follies - that was a Broadway Show that was one of the highlights of New York. The sets were spectacular and the girls were dressed in lovely gowns and wore fancy head dresses. In one particular scene Dennis Morgan stood on a huge staircase surrounded by these girls and sang "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody". I can still hear the Music and Lyrics in my head after all these years. "A pretty girl, is like a melody, that haunts you night and<br />
day. Just like the strains of a haunting refrain, she'll start upon a marathon and run around your brain. You can't forget her, she's in your memory, morning, night and noon. She will leave you, and then, she will come back again. A Pretty Girl Is Just Like A Melody". Now, that is MUSIC! <br />
<br />
I am not into Opera. Though I am sure it is wonderful, just not what touches my soul and brings the bright lights into my eyes. Music speaks to the soul and is uplifting. Brings hope and insight into ones very being.<br />
It isn't loud, or hard, is can be jazzy, even have a bit of razz-ma-taz and still be MUSIC. During my youth I know there were a few crazy songs that were popular, but that was mainly their lyrics. Like "Ashe-b-del-a-zuch, Castle Abbey. That a Little English Town by the sea. Where the skies are full of blue and the cows are full of moo. In Ashe-b-del-a-zuch by the sea!".<br />
<br />
During the Second World War we were blessed with so much Good Music. There were the Big Bands and the Musicality of the performers. The Soloists, the Groups that belted out the songs with such delight. Every toe tapped and everyone knew every word, but didn't blend in just mouth the words as the singers gave out<br />
with the tunes. That was when Frank Sinatra, Frankie Layne, Mel Torme, Ginny Simms, Lena Horne, Doris Day, Vaughn Monroe, Vic Damon and so many others were getting started. There were the groups that were so great at that same time. One of my very special favorites were the Lettermen. Oh, and who could ever forget the Williams Brothers or the Ink Spots. The olde master Bing Crosby was well established before that time, but he wasn't behind in any of the others you can bet on that.<br />
<br />
Being War Time of course the songs were about the Army, and Coming Home Again. Of sweethearts and of the longing of being together. "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "Don't Set Under The Apple Tree With Anyone Else But Me.", "I'll Be Loving You Always", "Bugle Boy From Company 'B', "You're In The Army Now", "Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder" and of course the many sound tracks of the many Movies that told stories of the War and of the men and women who were to live with the dangers and the time of separations. Oh, those were the days when Music spelled out the true feelings of those who were caught up in a time in History that is so sadly lost to the Generations of today. Most of what we lived during those years will never be found in History Books. Memories will slowly fade away and die, because those who were fortunate to have experienced them will die and not leave the least bit of their feelings behind to help their families carry on in even a small way what that time means to their everyday lives. <br />
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I remember singing many of the songs over and over when Jay and I would drive along on dates and after we married. We both loved them so much, and they were such a part of our lives at that time. How I fell for those who are young today. That which they classify as Music seems so lacking in the ability to lift them and make their day peaceful and delightful. No Melody to 'run around their brain'. Oh a 'beat' yes, but nothing<br />
to inspire or bring the heart into a sweet pace that helps the whole being feel inspired. Nerves calm and<br />
the mind relaxed and happy. <br />
<br />
Music is so special. We enjoy the Hymns at Church because they feed the soul and bring to mind the love and enlightenment to our sacred sides. Their words tell of us such great things and help us learn, through<br />
music what the heart and soul needs to understand. So should the music we listen to for recreation bring us into mellow and sweet mental avenues. When we aren't hearing tones and sounds that bring us into a peaceful place, we aren't really having enjoyment. Well, not in my way of thinking, anyway. I do Love Music. All kinds really, but I don't need 'high tech sound' to help me appreciate the notes that come out of instruments. I love the smooth and even beat of a drum. I will admit that Gene Krupa had a wild way of rapping the drums, but those were mainly in a solo break in a piece that let everyone know that he was a real artist. It was great to watch him, he was a showman, and he could rap out on those Drums like no one could believe. Then the Band went back to the regular Music, and the show went on. The Drum returned to the place it had in the arrangement. It was there, but it was not the BEAT.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for the talent of those who can write, and even more so for those who can arrange a piece of Music so that every instrument has their part, and they blend and bring out the beauty of the notes that are on the page. To me Music is another language that has been given to us. Some can read it, but all can hear it. There are many types of Music, and for each, there is an audience. I do not care to take away from anyone what they consider their favorite. I just want to remember that which has brought me so many hours of great pleasure. And still hold such fond memories of times, places, people I don't ever want to forget. I guess it is part of me to love the finer things of the past. My Dad had a lovely voice, as did my Grand Father who sang on the Radio. Dad was a baritone and Grand Father a Tenor. I never heard them sing together but I bet they would have been great. I have sung, good, bad or indifferent all my life, and have enjoyed every minute of it. Now at my age, the voice is no longer of enough quality, and I certainly don't have the wind to maintain notes like I should, but I still sing out when I feel the music, and don't apologize for any lack I may have. After all, the Lord loves to hear us sing. I don't believe He is judging how well we do it, just if we have our HEART in it. I certainly put all my heart and soul into Music. One way I can express myself and be sure I am not insulting anyone.<br />
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I am sure when God made the world, He carefully left the Melody in everything He did. That is why their is so much beauty all around us. The wind in the trees, the sweet sound of water running and the clouds drifting lazily over the blue sky. The streaks of color when the sun rises and sets. The bright flash of lightening and the boom of the thunder. Music in a different form, but yet letting our ears and eyes know that there is so much to see, hear and enjoy. Shouldn't we be mindful of just how much Noise we bring into our lives. There is enough racket to jog our nerves, why ply our tender body parts with such crashing and abrasive sounds? I guess it is all in the eyes and ears of the beholder. Thankfully this beholder is grateful for the 'melody that runs around my brain'. I am happy to 'not forget it'!<br />
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Written this 27th day of February 2014<br />
by: Eileen RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-8748091948819435472014-01-30T08:45:00.000-08:002014-01-30T08:45:12.726-08:00What a Birthday Brings to MindToday is my daughters Birthday. She is in Serbia serving an 18 month Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aka Mormon Church. I won't say which Birthday it happens to be today, not because I believe it isn't important, but because it hasn't any bearing on what is on my mind at present.<br />
Jay and I were only blessed with two children. A Son Paul LaMar who was born 48 days before my 19th Birthday. He had a big head and large hands. He grew into both, and though he was very badly cross eyed, he grew out of that as well. Starting out as rather an odd looking baby, he soon grew into being a cute little thing, that unfortunately was mistaken as a 'girl'. No wonder seeings he had beautiful blue eyes and a mop of yellow curls, plus a smile that could charm anyone. Paul was friendly, happy and a joy to be around.<br />
He was six (6) years old when he was finally changed from and 'only child' into a Big Brother. He had started Kindergarten and was anxious about whether he was going to have a little brother or sister. As you may well guess his parents were hoping for a girl to round out the family.<br />
Dawn joined the Rosenberg Family 8 days before my 25th Birthday. I always teased Jay about that as I had told him I didn't want to have any children after I was 25. He was sneaky and slipped Dawn under that wire, so to speak. I am sure most of the family has heard that the night she decided to appear on the scene it was FOGGY. We inched our way from our home in Pico Rivera to Downey where my brother Ronald and his wife Willetta lived. They were to take care of Paul while Jay was at the hospital. Once we were able to drop Paul off safely, we started out for the Hospital that was just a short drive away. It seemed to take for-<br />
ever. We had to really watch for the driveway into the parking lot. Once inside, it was determined that I would be awhile, so they told Jay to go back home. (The same thing they told him when I was expecting Paul). Of course, the problem was getting the Dr. to the hospital. I did my normal thing and progressed much faster than the nurses thought I would. Once again I was given something to slow the process down as the Dr. had not been able to get to the hospital. Fortunate for me two Doctors that I had been seen by, prior to my pregnancy were in the hospital. They couldn't leave due to the FOG, so they were setting by my side<br />
talking when I woke up, well slightly that is. I asked who was there. They laughed and told me it was<br />
Dr. Frost and Dr. Sylvester. If Dr. Bloomquist didn't get here in time, they were willing to deliver the baby.<br />
Fortunately shortly after that Dr. Bloomquist burst into the delivery room and was able to assist Dawn into<br />
her earth life. Jay was at home, as usual! They called him, the FOG was not as bad so he made it back to the hospital, but the person at the desk was told that under no circumstance were they to tell Jay the baby was born. Dr. Bloomquist wanted to tell Jay he had 'his girl'.<br />
Dawn was a cute little baby. Beautiful Auburn hair that thrilled me to pieces. Unfortunately it turned blonde over night and I was heart broken. They explained to us she had a very large imbilical (sp) rupture. It was<br />
the size of a silver $. She had difficulty keeping food down. We learned she needed to be burped prior to being fed. My mother made 'belly bands' for her which helped the weakness in her stomach muscles. It<br />
was a constant worry that she could have problems and even pass away. We watched her constantly. Paul was great a setting by her bed and making sure she was O.K. while I had to be taking care of things around the house and cooking. <br />
When Dawn was 9 months old she had grown, but the problem was only becoming more serious. It was decided an operation was in order. Dr. Crum was the surgeon who was recommended to us. I took her to the hospital after taken Paul to school and Jay to work. No pediatric care in the hospital. She looked so tiny in a regular hospital bed. It was about 9 am when they came to take her down to surgery. They picked her up and carried her down. She was quite happy and playful. When they brought her back she was slapping he hand over her face and smiling. I couldn't figure out what was the problem. The nurse came back from surgery and explained they had played with her with the mask to put her to sleep. She would try to push it away and they would laugh and put it back over her nose and mouth until she had received enough medication to put her to sleep. It was apparently a playful time to her, and didn't leave any sad effects on her. Dr. Crum came down and explained the surgery was pretty complicated, but he was able to repair the weakness. He felt Dawn was so tiny he couldn't repair the outer layer like normal, because he didn't want her to feel 'different' than other people, not having a 'belly button'. The incision he had made was a half moon directly under her navel. After she came around, I took her home. As I said they had to pediatric care, so she was better off at home. For them maybe, but it was a real nerve racking time for us. The second day after her surgery I had put her in the small rocking chair while I fixed her breakfast. When I looked back, she had slipped out of the rocker and was holding on the arm standing. She had never done that before. I dropped what I was doing and went to the phone and called Dr. Crum right away. He laughed at me and said: "don't worry, she won't do anything that will hurt her. For the first time in her life she had muscle strength she hasn't had before!". He was right, from then on, she was up and at it and had no fear. Became quite a monkey and could climb <u>anything</u>.<br />
Paul was always proud of his 'little sister' and she of course wanted to be doing anything he did. Not a good thing. He was a 'boy' and didn't really think a 'little sister' was the right kind of 'playmate' for a 'big boy'.<br />
She was more boy than 'little miss'. Loved working along side her Dad. Could do just about anything he could do before she was any size at all. A constant fight over tools when they were in the garage working on something. Many a time I would hear Jay yelling: "Charmaine, come and get this kid, I can't find any of my tools, she has them all over the place!" They would argue and carry on like you wouldn't believe, but never<br />
seemed to want to do anything unless the other one was around.<br />
Age didn't seem to change that much. I can remember when Dawn and Greg were first married, if we would go some place together. Greg walked next to me as we followed Jay and Dawn walking ahead of us sometimes hand in hand. I don't think they ever gave it a thought that they never lost the closeness they had from the time she was born. Jay never was a 'singer'. In fact one might say he couldn't sing. He often told the story about a class he had where the class was all singing. The teacher went up and down the isle listening. When she came to Jay she said: "you - shut up!" Well that never stopped him from singing to Dawn. When she was small, he worked Swing Shift. He would get ready for work, take Dawn and set in the rocker. Feed her and sing to her before putting her down for her nap. I could sing to her and she would never fall asleep. When he sang to her she went out like a light. I don't believe I will examine that further. She either loved his voice, or she was tired. You take your choice on that one.<br />
I never had a sister, and for so many years I hoped for a little girl. I was blessed with a very deal little girl, but it never turned out to be the relationship I had envisioned. Instead of the close relationship I had envisioned I ended up with enjoying the loving and sweet relationship Dawn had with her Dad, like the one I had with mine. Believe me, I couldn't have wished more for her. She was blessed with a Dad who loved her like my Dad loved me. A choice relationship that is worth far more than Gold. Jay named her, and<br />
cherished her. I have felt very blessed to have had them both in my life. Well I guess I should say all three of them in my life. Once a Mother, always a Mother. The best job in the whole world. Every Birthday has been a milestone in our lives. Each has added many more blessings than the ones before. The years just seem to roll by. The changes and adjustments make life both challenging and fun. It has been a very interesting life. School activities, projects, Scouts - both Boy and Girl. Church and the many things it has<br />
added to our lives. Marriages, Grand Children, Great Grand Children and yes deaths. We have experienced them all. There will be more ahead, some of each I am sure. None of it can change the joy of being Family and sharing both the ups and downs. We all have things which made us happy and things that had made us all sad, but we have done them all together. That is what life is all about. Doing and growing and loving and sharing. I feel like Bob Hope - "thanks for the memories." I have certainly enjoyed the journey. Look forward to the winding down scenes as well. For I am one of the very blessed. I Know that Families Are Forever. I am grateful to be part of OURS!<br />
<br />
Written this 30th day of January 2014<br />
by: Eileen C. RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-89691030823305496402014-01-07T09:48:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:48:02.102-08:00The Melody Lingers OnYes, the music in our lives seems to continue even when we are not paying attention to it. I especially felt this during the recent Holidays. There is nothing quite as sweet as the Christmas Carols of olde or the New tunes that have been developed over the years. It seems we warm to the melody and words of "Chestnuts Roasting" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Along with the fun tunes like "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and of course "Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer". Music both heard, played and enjoyed by one and all is the beauty that touches each of our lives in such a wonderful way. <br />
As for myself, I can't play and instrument, or read a note easily, but I do enjoy singing and have many times enjoyed spending time with others belting out one tune or another. For some time I sang in Church Choirs. I was asked to sing at Funerals of friends as well. A time or two I joined one or two other singers to sing at Church Meetings. At the age I am now, the voice is not what it once was, but then there is a lot of the Olde<br />
Girl that isn't what it once was. Not to complain, just a statement of fact.<br />
There was a time I sang with a group of Senior Ladies called the Silver Belles. We started out as part of the Women's Club of Paso Robles, then set out on our own and happily earned funds by singing at various functions in and around the city, which we gave Music Scholarships to Students from the Local High School. Those were some fun times, and rewarding as well. Age taken its toll made it a wise choice to start being support rather than a singer. I still belt out a mean solo around the house, but with my asthma the breath is not what it should be. When I have to take a breath where it shouldn't be, it doesn't effect my enjoyment.<br />
I have learned that listening gives me much pleasure also. It doesn't have to be singing, I enjoy a great band, or orchestra with arrangements of music that I have learned to love over the years as well. Nothing thrills me as much as listening to the Big Bands of the 40's and 50's. Now that was real music, and how we could dance to it. Well in some cases the dance floor was so crowded one could merely swayed<br />
to the tunes. It certainly did not make the listening any less enjoyable.<br />
When I was a Missionary in Salt Lake City, I was fortunate to be in the Elijah Choir and sing at our Devotionals. The practices were early in the morning. Like 5:30 am that is. But even we older Missionaries were up to the challenge of rising early and making practice. Sister Jorgenson was worth the effort. She was a great director, and singer in her own right. I developed a wonderful relationship, and visited her<br />
office a time of two when I was back in Salt Lake. In fact, now that I think of it, I was the last Missionary to plan a Devotional Program. They had scheduled them for years, and then with the change of the Mission Presidency, that policy was changed. The program I had arranged was fun. I had looked all over for an old Hymnal that had Primary Music from way back. I found one in a Used Book Store in Murray, Utah. It contained some Music I had never heard before. I asked for some Solo, Mixed Quartet, and Piano Solo<br />
numbers. It was fun to do, and brought back a great deal of sweet memories for the Missionaries who had been raised in the Church for years. One of the Elders whistled one of the old songs, and I witnessed a few<br />
tears shed. Which brings up the Memory of the Program I was asked to do for a Devotional before Jay and I left the Mission Field on my First Mission. I sang a duet with Elder Bishop. Can't remember where he was from, but he had a lovely voice and sang in the Elijah Choir too. The Music for that particular Program was songs from the Primary, the Hymnal and Special Numbers. What I remember most was the fact that this<br />
program, like all the others was put on before Devotional stated. I ended my Program with: "Jesus Was No Ordinary Man". Just when I finished singing and sat down the Mission President Brimhall and his wife walked into the Auditorium. When he reached the podium he looked out over the 300+ Missionaries and said something to the effect he had never seen the group so quiet. He was sorry he had missed what had caused such a reverent feeling. I felt the effort had been worth all the trouble and practice. Finding time and a pianist who was willing to do the hard work of playing so much music for myself and Elder Bishop was not an easy task. The ones needed never seem to work in the same area or same time. Part of us had to work the 'late shift', which made our time from 11:00 am until early evening. this was because of the shortage of computers at the time. Well, it all came together, and ended well.<br />
I love music and am pleased to have the Melody Linger On in my life, and hope that it fills just as much in your life as well. The Lord has told us that His soul delighteth in the song of the righteous" (Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants) I'm greatful to have had many opportunities to share my voice alone, or with others in singing unto the Lord!<br />
Another New Year, more time to lift up our voices and sing, or shout. May we be happily enjoying both the song and musical rendition of instrument and voice with delight and appreciation during this year!<br />
<br />
Written this 7th day of January 2014<br />
by: Eileen RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-80693146069728563982013-09-28T14:05:00.002-07:002013-09-28T14:05:51.424-07:00V-MailOne of the interesting things that have changed over the years is how we send the written word to each other. During the Second World War, there was regular mail, airmail, which was suppose to go faster, then there was V-Mail. It was form that had wings that folded in and then you folded it into thirds with a flap that had glue on it so it could be sealed. It was light blue in color and had red and blue strips down each side. It was the common way to send letters to the service men. They didn't have to open an envelope and pull out the papers inside to read their mail. I suppose in a 'foxhole' it was even more appreciated. I wrote hundreds of them, and wish I had kept one of them as a reminder of how we use to keep in touch.<br />
<br />
Amazing how many of those kinds of items have come and gone in and out of our lives. We had Savings Bonds, and Savings Stamps that helped with the War Effort. Keeping money available for funding the various things that was needed for those who were away fighting for our Freedom. In fact,<br />
as I think of it there are some such things left over from the First World War in the Safe in the Office. Once we had such things, it is sad we don't have a little of it left around. We use to have stickers on the windshield of the car that told what class the car was to make it O.K. for gas. We even had that limited. Dad use to save his gas stamps so we could take our trips up to the Cabin we had in the mountains for a vacation. Back then we only used the car for such things. We walked most everywhere. If it ment a further amount to get where we had to go we rode a bus or the "J" car. There was a bus that got us around town, and of course the Red Bus that would take us all the way to Long Beach. Once we got there we had to walk down to the Shore to enjoy the sand. The trip with a transfer to get back was .50 cents.<br />
<br />
Back in those days there was mail delivered twice a day. We watched for the mailman to gather in whatever we were lucky to receive. With both my bothers away in the South Pacific and our cousin in the Airforce, we had plenty of mail going, and prayed we would get some coming in. It was slow, and far between, but every letter was priceless.<br />
<br />
I remember going to the market and hoping there had been meat delivered. We had coupons for that as well. A lot of mock this or that showed up. I remember mock chicken legs. Haven't seen them since. They were some kind of veal I believe that was mixed with filler of some kind and formed around a stick. Mom fried them and made gravy. They were pretty good,<br />
I think? To make chicken stretch when Dad would invite the single guys who were 4-F home to dinner Mom would ask for a piece of veal and stew it with the Chicken to make it go further. Once it was in with the chicken, it took on the flavor of the chicken and it was good. That was when veal was cheap. Today I don't believe they sell it the same way. Times change!<br />
<br />
I guess going into the Super Markets of today and taking a look around we feel a little safe with so much on the shelves, but it would only take one day of a road shut down when the trucks couldn't get into an area until all the shelves would be bear, and it would look like it did during the days of the Second World War. It wouldn't take much to bring our normal daily life to a screaching halt. Something to think about. One major disaster, one terrible crash on a major highway, one, just one, and our whole lives could take a sudden turn. One never should feel safe if they haven't made some preparation for a back-up to carry them over in case of a sudden change in daily living. It may not be within our control, but it is in our control to prepare and be covered at least for three or four days. If everyone had to depend on the stores in their areas, they would learn quite quickly that there is no supply adequate to take care of everyones needs over a limited amound of time. That is not only in food, but in water as well.<br />
<br />
Well - V-Mail is gone, regular mail is now expensive and Airmail is a thing of the past. There is Priority and Plus, which still wouldn't compete with the Airmail of yesteryear. Some changes haven't improved some things, but we can certainly tell that the prices have advanced with the quality of the service going down hill. How pleased I am to know that we are able to look back and remember how great some things were and how far we have come, but with some things still not as good as they once were. Old Age has some good things thrown in the mix. I guess our Memories are one of those things. <br />
<br />
Written this 28th day of September 2013<br />
by: Eileen RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-88707141372352247902013-09-28T13:35:00.000-07:002013-09-28T13:35:48.749-07:00My Chair!When I was about 4 years old, Santa Claus delivered a table and chair set. I had so wanted one to play 'tea party' with the lovely tea set my grand parents who lived in California had sent me. When I came down the stairs and saw that table and chair set, I was thrilled. I don't think I let the chairs be empty from that day until we put them in the trailer to bring them to California - that was in 1935. Those same grand parents had sent me a knife, fork and spoon set they had bought while visiting Long Beach, or at least I believe that was where they had found it. They were a childs set and had abalone shell handles. I have no idea what happened to each piece, but just the other day I found one of the shell coverings. May have been off the knife. So many such things seem to get lost over the years, by one means or another.<br />
<br />
However, I wanted to talk about "my chair". That set was around for so many years. Only one chair survived. The table I remember lost a leg and Dad put a branch from tree in its' place. The sad little table was left in the yard, under the bathroom window where the eves gave it some protection and it was loaded regularly with newpapers that were periodically bundled and taken to school for a "paper drive". The final where about of that table is lost to me, but that one chair has been kept over all these years. It at one<br />
time was hung in the rafters of the garage, so it wouldn't be in the way. then it was put up in first one garage then another. Needed to have some "TLC"<br />
but never seemed to get any attention to receive what it needed. <br />
<br />
Each time we moved, I think Jay wondered why in the heck we hung on to the poor thing, but I wouldn't part with it, just had it put some where safe until the time I could "get around to it". With all the furniture Jay worked on over the years it is surprising he didn't get around to it himself, but he never did. It wasn't until my Son-in-law got envolved - how that came about I am not sure - the chair was secretly spirited away, never missed, and given the "TLC" it had so sadly lacked over all the years.<br />
<br />
I was in the last stages of getting Christmas Dinner ready to serve when the<br />
Slane family came in the front door. I hollered a "hello" and went right on with what I was doing. When I looked up a short time later I spied Greg with "MY CHAIR" in his hands, trying to sneak it in the house. One glance, and those words came very loudly out of my mouth, and tears came<br />
into my eyes. I didn't need to guess, I just knew it was "MY CHAIR". I<br />
was thrilled and if I hadn't of had my hands full of what ever it was I was doing, I am sure I would have sprinted to take a closer look. It was so wonderful to see it - all solid, freshly stained and varnished. Well it is such a prize, it is in my "reading room". Any child would love to set in it, but at<br />
present it has a doll bent over it in prayer. Just a very special edition to the<br />
room. The doll was a gift to me from a very dear friend I served my second<br />
mission with in Salt Lake City.<br />
<br />
I guess there are somethings in life that take a special spot in ones heart and never loses the value it gained when it was first introduced. The chair is no longer the same color it was when it was new, it may have weathered over the years, but it will ever be a very special thing in my life, and whoever ends up with it in their home when I no longer can care for it, I hope they will ever remember that it was something a little girl once cherished, and used to fill many happy hours of childhood games and play. I'm sure I sat in it by the hours learning to write, play paper dolls, color, have tea parties with my dolls and friends. There was only the table that had two leaves that folded up to make the table bigger and two matching chairs. The table and one chair lost forever, but this one loan chair remains to be loved and charished like nothing else in my house. Lets see, it would be an antique as it was made pre-1935. I believe I received it for our last Christmas in Pennsylvania. Could have been as early as 1933. Which would make it at this writing 80 years old. Yes, it would be an antique. Remember that when you see it. Old, loved and very special! "MY CHAIR!"<br />
<br />
Written this 28th day of September 2013<br />
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg<br />
Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-81789616416722174632013-06-21T11:53:00.000-07:002013-06-21T11:53:09.236-07:00ImaginationWebsters Dictionary discribes it as: Mental faculty of forming images of objects not present to sences - or - the creative faculty of mind.<br />
<br />
The thought has passed my mind that todays children may not have the use of theirs as much as children did waaaay baack in my day - and at 84 that is a fer piece. <br />
<br />
So let me take you on a short journey to when the imagination was something we use most everyday of our lives. <br />
<br />
Waking up gave each of us a clean slate to color, paint, express and explore just about anything. What people call 'cast off' today became something to make into our 'make believe'. When very young of course Mom used to keep me supplied with clothes she no longer wanted to wear and shoes that were no longer serviceable. These became my 'dressup' wardrobe. I am sure with being small for my age, the fit left rather a great deal to be desired, but when I put on those dresses, shoes and hats, (everyone wore hats back then) gloves and hung a battered hand bag on my small arm, I was Queen of the Hill. (As we lived in the city, there was no hill!) That being said, I would clop around making sure my shoes didn't come off, or my dress become a trip hazard. I was lovely. Looked like Mom and acted like her when she was 'all dressed up'. I went to the Theatre or out to Dinner. I visited imaginary places or friends. Well the mind was allowing me to imagine almost anything my little heart desired. <br />
You will never know how great my house was. Oh, it was only made up of sheets that were fastened to the side of the shed and kept to shape with some rough poles, but the flap was a perfect door and the fact there were no windows, well that was not important. We gathered boxes for furniture and brought in the play dishes received for Christmas. We made a cupboard to store them. Cooking was of course all 'make believe'. I made the best things with crackers and water. The imagination made them taste 'oh, so good!'<br />
Every Summer Vacation the house would go up, the clothes would be put in a proper place and the fun would begin. Everyday was FUN. Never got tired of playing alone, or at times with other friends that would bring over their 'special clothes'. What a blast we had.<br />
<br />
When I grew older I imagined I was a dress designer. I had many 'paper dolls' with all their clothes, so I started making my own. Used my Crayola Box to good advantage and the things began to take shape and color. It was wonderful. No limits and I was engrossed for hours. No radio, no TV, no bike, just my imagination - what a blessing it was.<br />
<br />
When I got even older then I believed I was very smart and could teach school. So I set up my class room with imaginary students and we discussed and had some very interesting lessons. I remember that I used one of the white painted walls as a chalk board, and wrote out my lessons very smartly. Don't remember any of the subjects, but with an imagination, who cared. It was make believe, and the sky was the limit.<br />
<br />
Teen years were a bit harder as the War was going on and everyone was so caught up in the War Effort that we dreamed more of when it would end and we could go back to living a real life again. <br />
I guess then dreaming became our substitute of the days we could imagine fun and experience great things by thinking them into existence. During these years, we spent more time praying and working toward a better day when family members would come home, hopefully safe and sound.<br />
<br />
Finally when the War did end, I was old enough to start the process of looking forward to adulthood and the things that would present themselves. Of course like all girls, I began to wonder who would I marry, and how would I ever know which one would be 'Mr. Wright' for me? Once the choice was made then there were those doubts, could I be the kind of wife I wanted to be, would he be the husband I dreamed about. Of course you know that none of those dreams, questions or things really came into play once the marriage took place. Now we were into reality and everyday brought the trials and experiences that make life come fully into focus. No longer children, no longer using imagination to fill our days, there was the facts of life that had to be dealt with. Never the less, all those wonderful days of Playing and Imagining were to be remembered with such love and appreciation. They were the things that helped make the final person I had become. <br />
<br />
Parents who loved and encouraged me to be all that I could be. Friends that helped me mold my character and reach for the best in life. Experiences that in most cases taught with little injury. The ones that were more costly taught caution and endurance. None of us pass through this life without being bumped or gratted a bit here and there. It is those things that make us good people. It is how we handle them and how we pick up and run after they have caused us to stumble, but not quite fall, if we are careful. <br />
<br />
A husband who put up with me in so many ways I am sure he didn't expect to have to put up with. Who sustained and supported me, who gave me room to develope and grow. One who loved me in spite of myself, and kept busy with bringing into being the many ideas I had that I couldn't build myself. He would encourage me with, "we can do that". Once the idea had been formed in my mind, he would put his mind to work on it, and before long, it was a reality. We were a team in many ways beyond Husband and Wife. He expected me to be a 'lady' and it was never hard for me to meet his expectations. If he was ready to go somewhere, it only took me 10 minutes to get myself in satisfactory dress to accompany him wherever it was he wanted to go. I didn't know until years later that he was pleased that I did that. It was easy, he expected it, and I wanted to do it for him. He was always there for me, how could I fail him?<br />
<br />
I am ever grateful that I was born when I was, that I had the time I had to grow and develope. It does sadden me to realize the War was as costly as it was, however, it was nothing that I could change, and the things I learned by being part of the History will ever be appreciated. As they say, we only pass this way once, and hopefully in my passing I have picked up some choice tid bits that have made my being here both beneficial to me and to those with whom I have come in contact with over the years.<br />
<br />
I guess I still do 'dress up' only now the clothes I wear fit a mite better. The shoes no longer clop along as I walk. Hats, no they don't figure in the styles of today, but my hair, though white is in constant need of fixing. Pin curls are still my mode of keeping it looking like I like. Old fashioned maybe, but then it suits me, so that is all that really matters at my age. I guess I should care more, because it is others who have to look at me, but when I take that last look in the mirror before I go out, I think to myself - Jay would like that, and that is all that really counts. As you get older you find that to please the ones you love is far more important than what anyone else may think. Gone, but never forgotten - that is really what matters now isn't it?!<br />
<br />
Eileen C. Rosenberg<br />
21 June, 2013 Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-31240806516345864502013-04-09T13:30:00.000-07:002013-04-09T13:30:22.901-07:00I Never Was In GAAThat's correct. I never became a member of the Girls Atheletic Association.<br />
Now don't think for one minute that I was not envolved in Sports. I took my turn at everything offered in our regular Gym Classes, but I didn't spend my time playing sports after school.<br />
Why? Well I guess it was because I was always the smallest girl in our Class and was never chosen until the last one for any team. There is no fun in that. I enjoyed archery, but had more than one 'string burn' on my arm to tell I wasn't all that great at it. I could hit the target, but it became too painful to keep at it for long. At the time I was not aware I had a breathing problem that made running not the most fun thing to do. It seemed I could swim and teach swimming and diving far better, so I spent all my time in the pool at High School. My talents were put to good use.<br />
No, I never got a Sweater for my efforts, but that was not important to me at the time. I loved the Sweaters. White with the Orange and Grey Letter. In<br />
fact I never had a Sweater of any kind. When I Graduated, we couldn't have Senior Sweaters because the yarn was still used for the Military, or was not yet available following the War. What ever, I kind of missed out there as well. Not that I find it harmed me in any way. As I recall, I didn't care for the color they picked, and the Shield they picked , though available was not to my liking either, so I didn't spend the money for it. Guess I was just not<br />
that interested at the time.<br />
Being active on Campus took other interests for me. I was active in Student Body Activities. I worked in the Accounting Office and was able to be active at all the 'at home games' by selling tickets. That was pretty much my activity at some of the Dances as well. I believe the Atheletic Activities<br />
at any School is important. I don't demean them in anyway. It is just that I, personally, didn't find them part of my preference. We had our<br />
Gym Classes, I followed along with what was required, but never spent my extra time in anything but Swimming, and that was not part of GAA it seems. <br />
I was little, but I was very visible on Campus, and feel I left a mark that was of value to the School. I enjoyed my High School years, and take a great deal of satisfaction that service takes many difference means to add to and enlarge the whole. Mine just seemed to 'wet'. Well that and being a Member of the Student Council. Never being a member of GAA was not a<br />
short fall in my case. One I have never thought as a disadvantage. Good for those who found joy in those pursuits. I just didn't happen to be one of them. I seem to have come out fine without it! <br />
<br />
A side note: when I graduated from Junior High and then High School my feet were so small I couldn't get High Heels like the other girls. My foot was still Size 1. The pretty shoes came in size 3 as Sample Shoes - ones <br />
put into the window of the store. I was out of school before I could wear that size. I really thought I had arrived when I could wear a size 4. Still<br />
most of my shoes were available only when seasons changed and I could buy the Samples that had been in the Window. Which wasn't all that bad.<br />
They usually came at a greatly reduced price. Meaning I could get at least 2 pair and some times 3 pair for the price of one. Life wasn't all that bad!<br />
<br />
Written this 9th day of April, 2013<br />
by: Eileen RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-59742467505416579862013-04-09T13:06:00.001-07:002013-04-09T13:06:45.849-07:00Family History - My Family ConnectionsI don't suppose I gave much thought to who I was, or where I came from, but once I got 'turned on' to gathering information about these things, I found there were more questions than there were answers.<br />
As I believe that 'Families are Forever', it was important that I dig out as much information as I could. The more I learned, the more I discovered I had fewere answers than questions. When I started it was labor intensive, and took longer to find information that it took to ask for it. My relatives at the time were still living, and that was some help, but they were not able to give me all the information that I was need of. I found that those from the UK were more interested in the money I sent, than giving me much new information. They had to little to add what I had already gathered from those who were still living and able to answer questions here in the US.<br />
I believe I have covered my Maternal Grandfathers leaving the family in other writings, so I won't go into that here. Rather I would talk a little about my Dad's mother. She dropped out of the picture after UK 1901 after returning with my Dad. No trace has been available to me up until now. I did learn that she may have received an annulment from her marriage to my Grandfather by giving my Dad up to his Paternal Grandmother. This I have yet to prove, but have made available a Micro-film that may give me some<br />
clue. Here is hoping!<br />
I didn't get to this point by accident, I came through a long line of people who lived and made 'my time on earth' possible. Because I am aware of this blessing, it seems necessary for me to give them the place they deserve in my Family Records. They are not just a name on a page in my book, but a very necessary part of my personal being. I think once one has children, then grand children and now in my case great grand children, the truth of this key thought is brought into clear vision.<br />
I am a first generation American from my Dad's family line. My Mother was a mixture of French and Dutch Irish so far as I have discovered. Where<br />
I thought my line followed the Hall family, I have discovered she was from the Eaton line. If that is true - I believe her line is entitled to be numbered among those who came over on the Mayflower. I have proved she is the grand daughter of a Veteran of the Civil War. That would be from her Maternal side of the family. I have enough proof now to be included in the Daughters of the Civil War Veterans. I visited their Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois in 2006 and needed one piece of proof, that I have since located. I have the forms, but have not filled them out and sent them in at this time. They have a group in Santa Barbara. That is the closest I know of. I met the President during my visit in Illinois.<br />
All the girls of the family - on my Husband line are Daughters of the Utah<br />
Pioneers. I have the information for my grandson to be a Son of the Utah Pioneers. However I have not been successful in finding out how to get him into that group. Heritage is important. The further away we get from the time and people who were valuable participants in a part of History the<br />
more important I belive it comes to be connected. It was those people who made the History of America wonderous and great. We best remember them by, giving time and honor even today.<br />
Since beginning gathering information on my Family in 1953, many changes have come forward. We no longer have to depent on Regular Mail,<br />
but we can e-mail. There are a number of fabulour programs where we can store the information we have gathered. We can change, update and share<br />
that information with just a click. We can add stories, pictures and if we are really adventurous, we can leave spoken words and moving pictures as well. There seems to be no limit as to the way we can keep records today.<br />
We can search and share 'on line'. We can down load and scan. We can<br />
update and change. We can learn and share. The modern technology available makes doing Family History a 'piece of cake' for those who are<br />
willing to take the time and trouble to look up and find just who they are.<br />
If you haven't taken the time to learn, do so today. Of course there is Ancestry.com, which is expensive, and there are no sure proof what one finds there is truly connected with your family. Only truly checking the records and making sure the person is really connected is worth knowing. The records are now available, and can be looked at on-line. I encourage you to look at these and make sure your connections are justified.<br />
<a href="http://www.lds.org/">www.lds.org</a> now has Family Tree that is one way to check. They also have the 'FAN' that will show just what is known about your family and where you need to start looking. If you are just starting, you will need to begin with YOU and put everything you know into a program of your choice. Now the 1940 Census is available on-line, you have a closer check than ever before.<br />
Remember this was before the Second World War. The thousands that were lost in one battle or another in that War should be on the 1940 Census.<br />
Don't forget those who may not have had the opportunity to have married and had their own families. Every member of the Family has value and needs to be listed and remembered. <br />
I'm greatful for my Heritage. I may have problems to solve, I may have questions that have not been answered, but that does not discourage me. I am willing to exstend my research and find those who have been hard to locate and fit into their rightful place. If you haven't started gathering the members of Family, please start by making a 'sure record' of you and your loved ones. Putting your Family together, one generation at a time. Add those pictures - tell those stories - source your records to prove you are truly part of the line you record. Be excited and enjoy the journey of finding your own<br />
Family History. Where would you be without them? You wouldn't be!<br />
Today there are numerous ways to gather the information you seek. Don't put off looking for it. Take pride in your work. Leave a trail easy to follow for those who come after you. They are important to you as well. Never<br />
think it isn't important. We without those who made 'our time on earth' possible are helpless. They made it possible for us to be here, now it is our turn to make 'their time on earth' a record and show honor. We are fortunate to have the avenues of research and storage available to us as never before possible. Don't let the time pass you by saying: 'sometime I will try' - get with the thousands of others who have made the gathering of Family History the largest Hobby in this day and time. You won't be sorry you did. If you are enjoying your journey here on earth, learn about your ancestors journey and what they contributed to the History and Building of this Country. Each life contributed in some way. Even the 'black sheep' are of interest. Today is the day - now is the hour - there are chances and means all around, grasp hold and run with them. You will be surprised how much fun it is, and how rewarding!<br />
<br />
Written this 9th day of April, 2013<br />
by: Eileen RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-14068547738213344732013-04-09T12:08:00.000-07:002013-04-09T12:08:48.184-07:00Elder Hostels - An ExperienceI discovered these when I was seeking something new to experience when Jay and I became 'Empty Nesters'. We were putting our life together again, finding ourselve alone. We had been going to 'night school' and had great fun learning a good many things. Jay especially enjoyed the various cooking classes we attended. I struggled through a class of Finance Management, which Jay of course found very interesting. All in all<br />
we had tried a great many things to find a common ground to enjoy being<br />
together, alone again.<br />
I went to the Public Library and researched other things, and found Elder Hostel. I sent off for more information - you will have to remember this was before the inter-net. When they sent us a catalog, we spent a good deal of time scanning the various opportunities this offered. Finding Programs that were not too far from home to sign up for. <br />
Our first attempt was at St. George, Utah. It was a week of discovery in<br />
a part of the Country that was close to Jay's heart. We were to learn more about the Ghost Towns of the area along with color from the surrounding area. I had no idea there were mines that had brought a large number of people to that area. I always thought that Religion had caused the influx of population, but I was to learn that there were precious Metals as well. Of<br />
course with the family connection of Jay's we were aware of Iron that<br />
was in the area, but knew it was not sufficient to be of value.<br />
We learned about the many Movies that were shot in the area and a lot about John Wayne and his love of Southern Utah. Where he ate, and where many of the scenes were shot. We had an evening learning about the Jewelry that was made by the Indians in the area as well. There was a Pioneer Dutch Oven Dinner in the Park that followed a walk through the Pioneer Grave Yard. We spend a very enjoyable week there, and came away wanting more.<br />
Being envolved in Elder Hostels ment you met some very interesting people and learned more than you could possibly have guessed was out there. One thing we discovered was the people who participate in these wonderous weeks are very special. One women took a plane from Pennsylvania with nothing but a duffle bag full of clothing and personal needs, starting the furtherest West and would cover the country attending Elder Hostels as she<br />
moved East. Each connecting travel East would be accepted by someone in the group she ment in the West. She said she was never disappointed. She<br />
was always able to find someone else that would offer her a ride either to or near where her next Elder Hostel was. Amazing!<br />
We met people from all walks of life. Very few were like us - first timers.<br />
Many had been to a number of Elder Hostels, some even out of the United<br />
States. It was interesting to hear about all the places they had gone and what they had learned.<br />
Our appetite had grown so that we decided to go again, and again. We again poured over the catalog and decided where we would like to go next.<br />
I believe the one that followed that was most inspiring was our trip to Trinidad, Colorado for the study of the Santa Fe Trail. As it would work out, it was the last time it would be offered. The man who was knowledgeable was elderly, and was frank to admit he had no idea how long he would be able to continue. We were fortunate to be able to be in this group. The streets in Trinidad, Colorado are paved in bricks made in the town. We each received one at the end of the week. What a prize. Among the many things that we were able to visit was Fort Union. One of the places the wagon trains that followed the Santa Fe Trail stopped at. When we visited there, we looked out over the flat land and could see the wheel marks, still visible leaving the Fort. We were surprised to learn there were more than one set of wagon wheel tracks. They did not all follow one after the other as we had thought. From Fort Union the Trains would continue South with their goods and set up their wares in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We learned they would take the time to stop and clean up and get ready for their trading with the folks that came North from Mexico. It was a revelation of how those people traded. <br />
One of the interesting things about this particular trip was we discovered when we got into Colorado, neither of us had money with us. We had not made it to the Bank to get the necessary cash to pay for our Tuition. It was a Holiday Week-end and the College did not take checks. Fortunately we<br />
had arrived before the local Banks had closed, and was able to get a Cash<br />
Advance on our Credit Card. The Lord was certainly with us on this trip.<br />
The City of Trinidad is very colorful. A nagging question that I had for years was what was the 'pickit wire' that was talked about in many of the Western Movies I had seen. In one of our field trips, we were taken to the Pergitory River where a number of French Soldiers had been killed, thus the River was called by that name. Western folks couldn't clearly pronounce the French word so it came out as the 'pickit wire' rather than the Per-git-twah. Just another one of those interesting but small things uncovered.<br />
We were taken to a home where a family were working in Adobe bricks. We learned how they were made, and were able to tour their most interesting home, all made of the Adobe Bricks they had made on the spot.<br />
Oh, and if you wonder about housing - it could be in a Motel, or it could be in Dormatories on Campus. Food was special here at Trinidad - catered by Marriot Hotel, and it was fabulous to say the least. One of the great things we enjoyed was Cookies made from the left over Donuts. Out of this world and hugh. <br />
Another Eldler Hostel was in Kingman, Arizona where we learned about Rock Hounding. Here we stayed in the Motel. The food wasn't as good, but we didn't go hungry either. We visited Oatman and saw the Donkeys the Miners turned loose when they either died or gave up prospecting. They run wild in the streets and surrounding area. They say Clark Gable and Carole Lumbard haunt the Hotel. It was where they spent their Honeymoon. We stopped along the Highway and picked up odd looking rocks and for some of us, they had value. We study more Ghost Towns and learned about Andy Devine the Movie Actor who was from those part. The many classes and field trips made for a great week. As I said we went to places that was close to home. There is much around us that we have no idea can make for an interesting trip, and adventure in seeking out treasures that lay close at hand.<br />
Elder Hostels are great ways to learn, they have become expensive I under-stand. If I had the finances however, I would still be going and discovering what lays close at hand almost anywhere one might travel. I hope this will encourage my family to make every trip away from home into one of discovery. There are many hidden fun and interesting things to see and to explore. No place is sterile. Someone lived there, experienced the thrill of<br />
making life and earning a living. They built homes, they learned about what was in the area. Sometimes it was Mineral, other times it was the chance to make something blossom and productive. In every case they have left history and discoveries that should be explored and enjoyed. Nothing came from nothing, and nothing ever will. Strike out, seek the hidden, and enjoy every opportunity that comes your way. As the wise man once said:<br />
"we pass this way but once". What will you discover then next time you travel along the Highway of Your Life? The Choice is YOURS!<br />
<br />
Written this 9th day of April 2013<br />
by: Eileen C. RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-46250053645009268742012-12-26T09:10:00.001-08:002012-12-26T09:10:44.720-08:00My Smith FamilyOur 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?<br />
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<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
Notice the birthdates - John the 7th and Edith the 11th. Ralph the 4th, Ronald the 6th and Eileen the 7th.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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:<br />
"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!!!!!<br />
"So it is written, so shall it be!" Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-53502831260977649492012-12-07T16:10:00.002-08:002012-12-07T16:10:37.932-08:00It 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.<br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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<br />
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.<br />
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<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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<br />
concert by a Choir, but I am sure it was equally as wonderful as all we saw<br />
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<br />
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.<br />
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<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
To one all Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year - <br />
from Grandma RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-91907062867038848902012-07-16T10:29:00.000-07:002012-07-16T10:54:07.189-07:00STYLE 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<br />
about.<br />
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.<br />
Even after marriage it was common to have my husband ask on Saturday<br />
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.<br />
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'.<br />
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.<br />
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<br />
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!<br />
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!<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
Talk about 'old style'!<br />
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!<br />
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.<br />
When I was expecting Paul, my Mother made me two 'maternity dresses'<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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, <br />
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.<br />
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'? <br />
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.<br />
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<br />
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"<br />
<br />
Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-55282194557168781122012-06-17T17:05:00.001-07:002012-06-17T17:05:21.014-07:00Something About JayI 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.<br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
Thus brings to a close the 'Ramblings' about Jay and his Navy experiences.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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<br />Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-73075696217225502002012-06-16T06:51:00.000-07:002012-06-16T06:51:25.277-07:00Grandmas Craft ClosetIf 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. <br />
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 -<br />
yesterday they arrived early and tackled the job of going into that MESS I<br />
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. <br />
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<br />
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. <br />
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<br />
feeling that all was going to a better place than it had been in many a day.<br />
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. <br />
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<br />
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<br />
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,<br />
ENJOY! - Grandma "R"Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-73775016613849244022012-02-25T08:12:00.002-08:002012-02-25T08:51:03.079-08:00Love 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? <br />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.<br />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.<br />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!<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />You might try the Train yourself - who knows, you might like it too?<br /><br />Written this 25th day of February 2012<br />by: Eileen RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-80393766110712026902012-02-20T07:26:00.000-08:002012-02-20T07:55:01.947-08:00Friends and FamilyGood Morning One and All:<br />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.<br />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!<br />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.<br />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.<br />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!"<br />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.<br />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!!!!!!<br /><br />P.S. Thanks Keara for getting me into the Computer Program that was causing me fits.<br /> Found what we needed and hopefully my friend can get her problem worked out!<br /><br />Written this 20th day of February 2012<br />by: Eileen C. RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-31910804655364434352012-01-06T15:10:00.000-08:002012-01-06T16:19:17.521-08:00The Houses We BoughtYou 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'.<br />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.<br />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. <br />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. <br />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. <br />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.<br />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!<br />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.<br />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<br />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!<br />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.<br />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<br />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!<br />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. <br />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!<br /><br />Written this 6th day of January 2012.<br />by: Eileen RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-87243170912297164752012-01-06T11:17:00.000-08:002012-01-06T11:46:38.067-08:00Say! 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. <br />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'.<br />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. <br />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.<br />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<br />in two of them.<br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />Written this 6th day of January 2012<br />by: Eileen RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-46672480357345234942012-01-06T10:34:00.000-08:002012-01-06T11:17:08.034-08:00Teaching 'Granny' to DriveIn 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. <br />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. <br />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.<br />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. <br />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. <br />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.<br />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.)<br />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.)<br /><br />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.)<br /><br />Written this 6th day of January 2012<br />by: Eileen RosenbergExperience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245966552598622555.post-65588526513145364862012-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:002012-01-06T10:33:55.401-08:00I'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'.<br />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.<br />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. <br />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!<br />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!<br />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. <br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />Written this 6th day of January 2012Experience of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02545095230574951381noreply@blogger.com0