The Acadamey Awards have just been awarded and I can't say much about them, because I don't attend the movies they make today. I am not into what they think is entertainment. That is what happens when my whole life was built around the Movie Industry that was made up of the Studio developed Stars. We lived on the Movie Magazines. None of this Tabloid junk they pump out in volumes today. Those were the days when the Stars had real pazazz. The men were well dressed and clean cut, the women were either beautiful, or so talented, who cared? When you picked up a Movie Magazine it was to read about your favoite Star and what they were doing, or how their "real life" was going. The Studio had a way of keeping any unsightly stuff out of print. We weren't into all the back page junk the tabloids pump out regularly today. After all - Movies were a way to step out of your hum-drum lives and into the sleak and lovely settings that were flashed on the big "silver screens" in those handsomely decorated Theaters. One could be dazzled with a "sneak preview" in town once in awhile. This was when the Stars actually showed up with their fancy cars and beautiful clothes and furs. Yes! In those days they "dared" to wear a fur coat or stoal. Well back then, anyone who had the money could have a fur coat if they wanted and there weren't any rude person telling them they were doing anything wrong wearing it. Our society has fallen to the state that we can't eat, drink, wear, or enjoy most of what was very common place back there when there wasn't all that much to enjoy. Today with so much to make our lives great, those "nuts" are out there telling us we are "heartless" or ill informed by doing one thing or another that they deem wrong. Tough!
Today you couldn't find a Star if you tried. Most of what they use in the Movies today are just actors moving through or being used to depict something that is very likely not at all natural or normal to the "real lives" people live. How many cars has any normal person, or police person smashed up this week. Why if it was like they portray on the screens today, the entire world would be littered with junk yards just to take care of all the smashed up cars, broken buildings not to mention how busy the hospitals would be with caring for all the shot, cut up or beaten folks produced daily. Movies were ment to entertain, not destroy. They were ment to give us a lift up, not a show of how not to live. They were to give romance a great lift not depict how mean or lack of caring can effect us. We don't need to be put into areas that could no more happen on any given day in our lives than we need to be frightened by unforseen tragedy. Life has enough hard things to deal with than to add to it those things that are neither good for us or could possibly happen.
I have wondered how it is that movie makers today haven't figured out just why great, clean, delightful animated films can bring in such large amounts of viewers and funds, and they haven't realized that Movies were ment to "entertain". That word means one heck of a lot. We went into the movie with our daily worries and came out feeling like we were refreshed and uplifted. We could meet head on the things around us and still keep a great outlook on life. Go to most of the movies today and you leave the theatre more depressed than when you went in and your wallet is far thinner too. Paying hard earned money to be depressed seems so foolish.
When we went to the movies we saw the men dressed to the "9's" and the women dress to "kill".
Or that was the phrase they used back then. They were "knock outs". They had their hair
"styled", not dripping wet and handing like an over done noodle down their backs. Shoes were a must, and no thinking person would have gone out without out "sox" or hose on. The hose were most fashionable when they had a seam up the back and in some cases they had a very fancy knit heel that made the ankle look terrific. Shoes were beautiful and fit the outfit the lady had on. If she was casual it was common to see a beautiful pair of oxfords. Then she would have hose on and probably a pair of "ankle sox" as well. Well when the kids wore them they were called "bobby sox". No one put on a pair of shoes without stockings of some sort. Praise the Lord, they didn't have "flip flops" either. You never saw anyone in the movies with "bear feet".
I have mentioned before, I believe, that hats and gloves were necessary too. How great the gals all looked with their cute hats and various styles of gloves. Even the men would not be properly dressed in most of the Movies without a hat or suede gloves. Of course they always had a "top coat". You rarely see anyone wearing such things today. Of course the suit isn't normal dress for most men today either. If a man worked in a trade he did not wear a suit to work naturally, but if he took his family out for the evening, he certainly dressed more formal than they do today, in or out of the Movies.
While styles change, some come back occasionally. Too bad some of those styles can't be brought back. Then maybe they wouldn't fit into todays way of life. Things are too casual for such things. Casual is great, but when one travels it seems the real casual could be left at home and a more refined way of dressing could be the norm. It seems about 15 years ago when we made a trip on the train or plane, we got "dressed up". We looked like we were headed to a great affair and wanted to put in a great impression when we arrived. If most folks are going to anything important today, it would be pretty difficult to know it. The styles have changed so much that even some heading for important appointments hardly look like they were ready to get envolved when they get off at their destination. Even at some churchs today we witness the total casual attire being perfectly accepted at Sunday services. When I was younger, well, even now I figure I have a "Sunday Best" for such occasions. I confess I even think hose and
"closed in" shoes are necessary to show my respect for Church. Concidering my age however I guess that is to be expected. I find most older people follow that line of thinking as well. I know one thing I could never do in Church was walk around in bear feet. Times change and I would have to say, not always for the best. Like I say, concider my age!
Well the Movies did play a great part in how we dressed, and what we looked forward to. We wanted to have things the way they looked "in the movies". Beautiful homes and nice cars, we hoped for vacations in neat places like they found to "shoot" their outdoor scenes. We wanted to be suave like the Stars and "turn heads" when we entered a room. We hoped we could find love like the Movies said it could be and have our lives end "happily ever after". No movie dared leave us feeling let down, or in worse shape than when we entered. The only things that left us "hanging" were the Serials that played at the Saturday Matinee, and they would eventually end with the "good guys" winning. It may sound a bit corny today, but it was the stuff we based our hum drum lives on back when there was very little to inspire us. There were few extras in life back then. Christmas was pretty bare compared to what is experienced today. If there was any extra at the end of payday, it would be concidered pretty exciting. It certainly wasn't spent on noncencical things. I don't recall going to the Doctor or Dentist all that often. They were depicted in the movies, but usually in emergency cases, and that was about the way it was with us. Of course back then there weren't many hospitals so emergency rooms were not all that common. We had to see "Dr. Kildare" movies to know that kind of think even existed. Somethings have changed for the best, but then even the best seems to have become abused. Such is the way of things I guess.
I am greatful for the Movies we enjoyed. I wouldn't trade them for what they show today. If you didn't live during the days of "Boston Blackie" or "Mazie" you just haven't known what it can be like. "Blackie" was a reel, and yes that is spelled right, detective. He could get through the most serious cases with ease. He was super and made Chester Morris a great Star of the "B" Movies. "Mazie" was a wild dresser and funny in the cituations she got herself into. Going to a "Mazie" movie was a lot of laughs and fun for the whole family. Ann Sothern (sp correctly too)
was a beautiful blonde who had a comedic style that pleased everyone. The Serials included Buster Crabb as "Flash Gordon" he was an Olympic Swimmer, but made some exciting Saturday afternoons for us kids. Kind of funky now compared to the way they do such things today, but it was O.K. for us then. Next to "Star Trek" it looks hokey, but then it was fascinating what they did.
Well, you take yours, and I'll still dream about the good old days of the "Movies". I am greatful I can get so many of them on DVD now, and re-enjoy them in my living room today. Oh, I will admit that the fancy clothes then are not all that smashing today, but when you concider that Irene Dunn and Olivia de Havilland or even Ann Southern are wearing them, you have to admit that they still have style, and the hair do's show a great deal of suave. How fortunate that I can recall all of that and try and share some of it with you today. It may not mean to you what it does to me, but it can make you stop and think about something different and purhaps make a small difference in how you look at life in general. There is always another side to everything, this is the side I like to remember.
Written this 18th day of March 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Some Folks I would like to meet again!
Funny how thoughts run through my head at times. Today I was riding along and thought about people who had not crossed my mind in years. No reason, just the way it was. Mr. Homblad the Principle at Pacific Blvd. Elementary School. An average height man, just a bit round, balding and with a pleasant smile. He was nice, and available to the students at the school. Young as I was at the time, he made an impression on me that lingers to this day. Speaking of Principles I would like to meet Mr. Westover from Huntington Park Hight School. He was the Vice Principle, but such a neat man. They named the Auditorium for him after he passed away. He was always smiling and great to be around. Then there was the Policeman who was our crossing guard. Big guy and so good to all the kids. I wish I could recall his name. We always addressed him as "Officer _____". Rain or shine he was always there waiting for us when we got to Slauson Avenue. Busy four lane highway that was a main road to "everywhere". Dangerous street, but we never were afraid because he was there ready to stop the cars and see us across that big street safely.
As time passed and I grew up there were any number of classic characters that made their way through my life. Many left their mark, but not so much as to cling to one thought or another. Then there were the ones who to this day have left fond memories that are still warming to remember. Some were men, some were women. The gender doesn't seem to be as important as the way they touched my life. I realize, now that I am older, that a few were even gay or lesbian, a fact that wasn't really well known to many, but seem to have been known to me for one reason or another. Then it wasn't all that earth shattering, when it should have been. Today they would be "out" and the fact would not be anymore interesting than I found it at that time.
I worked with a number of people that I found either interesting or funny. A boss that went through some trying times and found his employees to be great friends and helped him manage the problems that beset him. I look back on that time and realize even as young as I was at the time - about 18 - I had such sympathy and was always ready to listen to his ramblings over what had befallen him and his family. A time when I grew up in a way I might have missed if it had not been for these circumstances.
I was amazed at some of the women I met and worked with in the Girl Scouts. They had dedicated themselves to the Scouts in a way that I admired. I would like to have been that dedicated, but found I had too many other things in my life that needed my time and attention. I had to learn you can do only so much if you are really to be effective in what you bite off. Never take more than you can chew, as Mom always said. Good advice. A person can try and stretch too far and find they have missed being as effective as they hoped to be and not accomplishing the things that were really important. Days come and go, it is better to do one
thing well than a half dozen things poorly. Too many regrets follow that kind of a thing.
After I joined the Church I met so many inspiring men and women. They were smart, they were ever doing and seldom complaining. One of the first ones I met was a younger Sister who had married young and had a large family. There was little comfort in her home. The children required any extra she and her Husband could scrimp together. They weren't the best dressed, or living in the best house, but they had healthy food on the table and love at home that made the lack bearable. As fate would have it I was assigned as Visiting Teaching partners with her -
I believe it was my first attempt at this calling. We were given the name of a new family that had just arrived. My partner (names are not important to the story) called and asked if I could go and make a "welcome" visit. I was happy to do that. I didn't have a car at the time and her car was a very well worn station wagon that had long since seen a better day. The seats were in pretty bad shape and the interior wasn't all that much better, but it ran - kind of - so off we went. She always had a few smaller children that weren't in school, so the car was full. When we arrived at the home we found a very weary Sister with a number of pre-schoolers of her own. We were invited in and found ourselves in a very limited furnished living room, but plenty of unpacked boxes from the move. We didn't stay long, but long enough for the kids to make friends and learn that one of the children would be celebrating a birthday in a few days. My companion was quick to offer help, which was declined, respectively. I guess she too was aware her "things" weren't all that numerous to need much help. As we drove home my companion made the suggestion we make a party for the child who had to move away from all her friends and family. I wasn't sure what we could do, but I offered to get a couple of presents while my companion said she would bake a cake and get some trinkets to make a fun party. Now I knew this would cut well into what ever budget this Sister had, but she so wanted this little girl to have a good birthday, the thought of the sacrafice was not even concidered.
We surprised the family by showing up with cake and goodies for everyone. That family was so overwhelmed at such a jesture there were wet eyes all around. Lasting friendships were made that day, and children learned that moving wasn't all that bad after all. Sisters who had just met became fast friends and enjoyed a wonderful relationship. It wasn't all that much, but it was more than could have been expected. Two households that were running low on everything but love for their children and faith in their Church. I learned a great deal by that, and as you see I never forgot that event.
When I was in the Girl Scouts I was in charge of a summer day camp. Those who volunteered to help were not know to me. The first day of camp one of the women brough me a beautiful bag to carry my camp cooking gear in. It was beautifully painted with fall leaves. I still have it after all these years - lets see that would be about 30 years ago. I enjoyed working with this women that week. We had a great experience. I never saw her again, but her thoughtful jester has been a great example for me. It may not be a big thing to the one who does such nice things, but to the person, or persons that are on the receiving end remember that thoughtfulness over and over again.
I believe finding the educational advantages in being a member of the Church has been the best influence on my life. I was inspired to make every effort to make the Know You Religion or Education Weeks that came into the area. I have driven miles and spent hours at the feet of those who were willing to share their knowledge with any who would come to partake of these great opportunities. I found those who were presenting various subjects were always ready to reconize those who showed up faithfully to their classes. I made any number of friends with some of the great minds in the Educational System of the Church. I introduced my Mother to these classes and we enjoyed going to many together and sharing the things we learned. I will cherish those times now and always.
Jay made friends that I learned to appreciate as did he. We were able to share family outings with some and go to dinner or enjoy parties with others. You know life brings a lot of different challenges and beneficial encounters over the years. Were all of these great? No, not all, but enough that in looking back, I can honestly say it has been great moving through each one and gleaning from them the best and hanging on to the lessons learned by the worst. Life was never ment to a smooth passage, but it has always been a continuous challenge to find ones way through it with the experiences bring wisdom and satisfaction that it has been worth all it has taken to get to a successful end.
Well I realize I am nearing the end, and find it has been far more rewarding than I could have imagined when I started. Into my life has come some pretty special people. I have taken a few, pretty hard knocks along the way, but have been able to pick myself up and carry on. I am not sure I would care to repeat any of those knocks, but then some I might just give another go if the opportunity presented itself. Just maybe you understand! I am greatful for the lessons I have learned and only wish I could have been more sturdy in some of them. That being said, I am satisfied I have given it my best shot. I faced up to the hard stuff and feel I have been humble for those things which have brought compliments my way. I guess we could all do better, but I am not looking over my shoulder at things I could have done better. After all, we go through life one day at a time, and are continually being bombarded with new things. There is seldom time to look back until time has already past us by. Which means the best way to do anything is to keep focused on what lays ahead. We can't change the past and it is a waste of time to go over it thinking it may make a difference. It won't. All we can ever do is take the lesson and make sure we have learned it well enough we won't stumble over a similar thing in the future. Right? Right!
Well I have "rambled" on long enough - you have a great many things of much more importance than setting at this "one eyed" monster any longer. Have a great day - make it worth your time!
With my love.
Written this 13th day of March 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
As time passed and I grew up there were any number of classic characters that made their way through my life. Many left their mark, but not so much as to cling to one thought or another. Then there were the ones who to this day have left fond memories that are still warming to remember. Some were men, some were women. The gender doesn't seem to be as important as the way they touched my life. I realize, now that I am older, that a few were even gay or lesbian, a fact that wasn't really well known to many, but seem to have been known to me for one reason or another. Then it wasn't all that earth shattering, when it should have been. Today they would be "out" and the fact would not be anymore interesting than I found it at that time.
I worked with a number of people that I found either interesting or funny. A boss that went through some trying times and found his employees to be great friends and helped him manage the problems that beset him. I look back on that time and realize even as young as I was at the time - about 18 - I had such sympathy and was always ready to listen to his ramblings over what had befallen him and his family. A time when I grew up in a way I might have missed if it had not been for these circumstances.
I was amazed at some of the women I met and worked with in the Girl Scouts. They had dedicated themselves to the Scouts in a way that I admired. I would like to have been that dedicated, but found I had too many other things in my life that needed my time and attention. I had to learn you can do only so much if you are really to be effective in what you bite off. Never take more than you can chew, as Mom always said. Good advice. A person can try and stretch too far and find they have missed being as effective as they hoped to be and not accomplishing the things that were really important. Days come and go, it is better to do one
thing well than a half dozen things poorly. Too many regrets follow that kind of a thing.
After I joined the Church I met so many inspiring men and women. They were smart, they were ever doing and seldom complaining. One of the first ones I met was a younger Sister who had married young and had a large family. There was little comfort in her home. The children required any extra she and her Husband could scrimp together. They weren't the best dressed, or living in the best house, but they had healthy food on the table and love at home that made the lack bearable. As fate would have it I was assigned as Visiting Teaching partners with her -
I believe it was my first attempt at this calling. We were given the name of a new family that had just arrived. My partner (names are not important to the story) called and asked if I could go and make a "welcome" visit. I was happy to do that. I didn't have a car at the time and her car was a very well worn station wagon that had long since seen a better day. The seats were in pretty bad shape and the interior wasn't all that much better, but it ran - kind of - so off we went. She always had a few smaller children that weren't in school, so the car was full. When we arrived at the home we found a very weary Sister with a number of pre-schoolers of her own. We were invited in and found ourselves in a very limited furnished living room, but plenty of unpacked boxes from the move. We didn't stay long, but long enough for the kids to make friends and learn that one of the children would be celebrating a birthday in a few days. My companion was quick to offer help, which was declined, respectively. I guess she too was aware her "things" weren't all that numerous to need much help. As we drove home my companion made the suggestion we make a party for the child who had to move away from all her friends and family. I wasn't sure what we could do, but I offered to get a couple of presents while my companion said she would bake a cake and get some trinkets to make a fun party. Now I knew this would cut well into what ever budget this Sister had, but she so wanted this little girl to have a good birthday, the thought of the sacrafice was not even concidered.
We surprised the family by showing up with cake and goodies for everyone. That family was so overwhelmed at such a jesture there were wet eyes all around. Lasting friendships were made that day, and children learned that moving wasn't all that bad after all. Sisters who had just met became fast friends and enjoyed a wonderful relationship. It wasn't all that much, but it was more than could have been expected. Two households that were running low on everything but love for their children and faith in their Church. I learned a great deal by that, and as you see I never forgot that event.
When I was in the Girl Scouts I was in charge of a summer day camp. Those who volunteered to help were not know to me. The first day of camp one of the women brough me a beautiful bag to carry my camp cooking gear in. It was beautifully painted with fall leaves. I still have it after all these years - lets see that would be about 30 years ago. I enjoyed working with this women that week. We had a great experience. I never saw her again, but her thoughtful jester has been a great example for me. It may not be a big thing to the one who does such nice things, but to the person, or persons that are on the receiving end remember that thoughtfulness over and over again.
I believe finding the educational advantages in being a member of the Church has been the best influence on my life. I was inspired to make every effort to make the Know You Religion or Education Weeks that came into the area. I have driven miles and spent hours at the feet of those who were willing to share their knowledge with any who would come to partake of these great opportunities. I found those who were presenting various subjects were always ready to reconize those who showed up faithfully to their classes. I made any number of friends with some of the great minds in the Educational System of the Church. I introduced my Mother to these classes and we enjoyed going to many together and sharing the things we learned. I will cherish those times now and always.
Jay made friends that I learned to appreciate as did he. We were able to share family outings with some and go to dinner or enjoy parties with others. You know life brings a lot of different challenges and beneficial encounters over the years. Were all of these great? No, not all, but enough that in looking back, I can honestly say it has been great moving through each one and gleaning from them the best and hanging on to the lessons learned by the worst. Life was never ment to a smooth passage, but it has always been a continuous challenge to find ones way through it with the experiences bring wisdom and satisfaction that it has been worth all it has taken to get to a successful end.
Well I realize I am nearing the end, and find it has been far more rewarding than I could have imagined when I started. Into my life has come some pretty special people. I have taken a few, pretty hard knocks along the way, but have been able to pick myself up and carry on. I am not sure I would care to repeat any of those knocks, but then some I might just give another go if the opportunity presented itself. Just maybe you understand! I am greatful for the lessons I have learned and only wish I could have been more sturdy in some of them. That being said, I am satisfied I have given it my best shot. I faced up to the hard stuff and feel I have been humble for those things which have brought compliments my way. I guess we could all do better, but I am not looking over my shoulder at things I could have done better. After all, we go through life one day at a time, and are continually being bombarded with new things. There is seldom time to look back until time has already past us by. Which means the best way to do anything is to keep focused on what lays ahead. We can't change the past and it is a waste of time to go over it thinking it may make a difference. It won't. All we can ever do is take the lesson and make sure we have learned it well enough we won't stumble over a similar thing in the future. Right? Right!
Well I have "rambled" on long enough - you have a great many things of much more importance than setting at this "one eyed" monster any longer. Have a great day - make it worth your time!
With my love.
Written this 13th day of March 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Saturday, February 27, 2010
I'm Greatful!
In reflection, I indeed, am greatful. I had two wonderful parents who made home a great place to be. If we weren't the best dressed, we certainly were dressed well. If we didn't have gourmet food on the table every meal, we certainly had wholesome and tasty things when we sat down as a family at our table. If our home didn't have enough bedrooms for us to have one to ourselves, we had good beds with warm coverings. One bathroom with one sink and a pull chain toilet was pretty darn good. Everyone had their turn, and no one hogged the bathroom. Of course we didn't have a shower so I believe that may have helped. Who had showers back then? No one! Well we had them at the High School, so that was a novelty.
It really doesn't matter what you have, so long as you appreciate what you have! We didn't know anyone that had it any better. When we wanted something, we were willing to find a way to work for it ourselves. None of this "I want" business. If we would have thrown a fit in a store because our parent or parents wouldn't buy us something, we would have been soundly spanked and no one would have called a "social worker" or turned our parents in to Child Welfare. Maybe because there wasn't anything like it back then. Good manners and behaved children were a norm back then. Society and parents wouldn't have expected less.
Living conditions back then were simple and I am so thankful they were. Families did things together and enjoyed even the few things they had, rather than constantly believe they would be happier if they had more. Our lives today are full of stuff, and half of it, it seems is stored in the garage or in a storage place. For what purpose? If you can't see it, you can't use it. If you can't see or use it, of what worth is it? Wasted money.
I have written about how we walked everywhere. In reality we rode a lot of busses and street cars, and that was a real adventure for us. We had to walk to get to the bus stop or the car lines that ran down Pacific Blvd. The Street Cars ran very regularly, as did the buses, so we never had much of a wait for one. The Street Cars we could ride all the way to Los Angeles. With five of us, we had plenty of hands to carry the packages when we shopped. The bus we took to the Beach, or over to roller skate. On the Street Cars we could get transfers to other lines that went off the main line. It was pretty interesting. The kids who lived away from school didn't ride a School Bus, they bought Bus Passes and rode on the Bus that passed by their houses. I don't believe I saw a School Bus until after I grew up. I suppose in the country they may have had some, but there were none where we lived. I don't recall a garage in the East, but we always had one after we moved to California. That is not to mean everyone had a car, I don't believe some ever had a car.
I am greatful for so many things, but I believe as I look back over the years I am most greatful for modern medicine. It has good things about it, and bad things, but on the most part I believe
life has been greatly benefited by all the new things medicine has learned, and can do. It is so sad that in bringing such helpful things into being, we have some who use those wonders for all the wrong reasons. Drugs particularly. There are not enough hours in the day to experience all the wonders around us, why waste time trying to get "high" and miss so much? Doesn't make a lot of sence to me. The world has become too easily bored. I am not sure just what that means. I don't have time to be bored. I only wish I had the abilities I had when I was younger so I could take advantage of the many things that fascinate me today. So many places to go, so many things to see and enjoy. When I was younger you couldn't fly, if you wanted to go to far away places you had to ride a train or get on a boat and spend days getting where it was you wanted to go. Today you can be most anywhere in the world in a matter of hours. Guess the Old Testament Prophet knew what he saw centuries ago when he wrote down there wouldn't even be time to take off your shoes. Well there may be time, but who does it on a short hop from one city to another in 4 hours or less?
I wish I could share just a short time of what I had with my grand and great grand children. They might miss their gadgets, but I believe they would discover that the fun you make on your own is pretty darn good. I don't recall a time when we didn't have more friends around the neighborhood we could gather with and play simple, but fun games with. No props, no special equipment. Just a bunch of kids making things up as they went along. Never bored and never ready to go home when "mom called". I feel so lucky I had those chances. When someone came in the yard it was an invitation to have an active interaction with different people. We always had things going on as a family. Things were orderly. We had a well rounded life, and I believe everyone had a great school experience because our teachers were all professionals that thought every class was important enough to make the time interesting and beneficial. I don't recall any activity going on about more money or smaller classes. A teacher was dedicated to teaching and helping every student get the most out of their time. I certainly had some fabulous teachers when I went to school. I'm greatful for each and everyone.
I have so much to be greatful for, and I can hardly find the words to express my appreciation for all that I have had and learned over the years. The wonder of growing up when there wasn't a lot of money and there was a War on that made us suck it up and make due with what little we had. Meatless Fridays, no leather for shoes, no color for packaging, no gas for cars and no lights at night due to a black out. There were no single line phones and no computers. We used typewritters and they didn't self correct either. No way to duplicate what we wrote. We had to use "carbon paper" to make copies. When you got past 4 copies, you had a fuzzy page, but it had to do. No calculators that you just punched a few keys and had a answer. Adding machines with tapes that gave you a list of your charges then you had to push a button to find out how much it added up to. If you subtracted on the list it showed up in red. Marchant came up with a calculator that was pretty neat in it's day. If you wanted to multiply or divide you had to flip the carrage over one space to continue working out your problem. It was great for the day it was ment for, a real dinasaur compared to what is used today. No e-mail. You had to set down and write a letter, put it in an envelope and put a stamp on it and send it. Maybe it would get to the other address in 4 to 7 days. That was good. Back in the Pony Express days it might take a month or more to get to the other address. Yes, we have come a long way, and I am greatful for the changes, but feel in the advancement of time, we have lost a lot of things that were of equal or maybe even greater value.
Sorry you missed it. Only hope you appreciate what you have and learn not to be bored when there is so very much out and around that need to be enjoyed. I am greatful, and hope when you get old, you will find you too are greatful for what you have experienced and enjoyed.
Written this 27th day of February 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
It really doesn't matter what you have, so long as you appreciate what you have! We didn't know anyone that had it any better. When we wanted something, we were willing to find a way to work for it ourselves. None of this "I want" business. If we would have thrown a fit in a store because our parent or parents wouldn't buy us something, we would have been soundly spanked and no one would have called a "social worker" or turned our parents in to Child Welfare. Maybe because there wasn't anything like it back then. Good manners and behaved children were a norm back then. Society and parents wouldn't have expected less.
Living conditions back then were simple and I am so thankful they were. Families did things together and enjoyed even the few things they had, rather than constantly believe they would be happier if they had more. Our lives today are full of stuff, and half of it, it seems is stored in the garage or in a storage place. For what purpose? If you can't see it, you can't use it. If you can't see or use it, of what worth is it? Wasted money.
I have written about how we walked everywhere. In reality we rode a lot of busses and street cars, and that was a real adventure for us. We had to walk to get to the bus stop or the car lines that ran down Pacific Blvd. The Street Cars ran very regularly, as did the buses, so we never had much of a wait for one. The Street Cars we could ride all the way to Los Angeles. With five of us, we had plenty of hands to carry the packages when we shopped. The bus we took to the Beach, or over to roller skate. On the Street Cars we could get transfers to other lines that went off the main line. It was pretty interesting. The kids who lived away from school didn't ride a School Bus, they bought Bus Passes and rode on the Bus that passed by their houses. I don't believe I saw a School Bus until after I grew up. I suppose in the country they may have had some, but there were none where we lived. I don't recall a garage in the East, but we always had one after we moved to California. That is not to mean everyone had a car, I don't believe some ever had a car.
I am greatful for so many things, but I believe as I look back over the years I am most greatful for modern medicine. It has good things about it, and bad things, but on the most part I believe
life has been greatly benefited by all the new things medicine has learned, and can do. It is so sad that in bringing such helpful things into being, we have some who use those wonders for all the wrong reasons. Drugs particularly. There are not enough hours in the day to experience all the wonders around us, why waste time trying to get "high" and miss so much? Doesn't make a lot of sence to me. The world has become too easily bored. I am not sure just what that means. I don't have time to be bored. I only wish I had the abilities I had when I was younger so I could take advantage of the many things that fascinate me today. So many places to go, so many things to see and enjoy. When I was younger you couldn't fly, if you wanted to go to far away places you had to ride a train or get on a boat and spend days getting where it was you wanted to go. Today you can be most anywhere in the world in a matter of hours. Guess the Old Testament Prophet knew what he saw centuries ago when he wrote down there wouldn't even be time to take off your shoes. Well there may be time, but who does it on a short hop from one city to another in 4 hours or less?
I wish I could share just a short time of what I had with my grand and great grand children. They might miss their gadgets, but I believe they would discover that the fun you make on your own is pretty darn good. I don't recall a time when we didn't have more friends around the neighborhood we could gather with and play simple, but fun games with. No props, no special equipment. Just a bunch of kids making things up as they went along. Never bored and never ready to go home when "mom called". I feel so lucky I had those chances. When someone came in the yard it was an invitation to have an active interaction with different people. We always had things going on as a family. Things were orderly. We had a well rounded life, and I believe everyone had a great school experience because our teachers were all professionals that thought every class was important enough to make the time interesting and beneficial. I don't recall any activity going on about more money or smaller classes. A teacher was dedicated to teaching and helping every student get the most out of their time. I certainly had some fabulous teachers when I went to school. I'm greatful for each and everyone.
I have so much to be greatful for, and I can hardly find the words to express my appreciation for all that I have had and learned over the years. The wonder of growing up when there wasn't a lot of money and there was a War on that made us suck it up and make due with what little we had. Meatless Fridays, no leather for shoes, no color for packaging, no gas for cars and no lights at night due to a black out. There were no single line phones and no computers. We used typewritters and they didn't self correct either. No way to duplicate what we wrote. We had to use "carbon paper" to make copies. When you got past 4 copies, you had a fuzzy page, but it had to do. No calculators that you just punched a few keys and had a answer. Adding machines with tapes that gave you a list of your charges then you had to push a button to find out how much it added up to. If you subtracted on the list it showed up in red. Marchant came up with a calculator that was pretty neat in it's day. If you wanted to multiply or divide you had to flip the carrage over one space to continue working out your problem. It was great for the day it was ment for, a real dinasaur compared to what is used today. No e-mail. You had to set down and write a letter, put it in an envelope and put a stamp on it and send it. Maybe it would get to the other address in 4 to 7 days. That was good. Back in the Pony Express days it might take a month or more to get to the other address. Yes, we have come a long way, and I am greatful for the changes, but feel in the advancement of time, we have lost a lot of things that were of equal or maybe even greater value.
Sorry you missed it. Only hope you appreciate what you have and learn not to be bored when there is so very much out and around that need to be enjoyed. I am greatful, and hope when you get old, you will find you too are greatful for what you have experienced and enjoyed.
Written this 27th day of February 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Thursday, February 18, 2010
There is never enough time!
When I look back over time, and the things I have done, I realize there is and was never enough time. We hurry up to grow up and then find out that the best of times was when we didn't have to worry about where we lived, who paid for things or why. Everyday was ours to spend in what ever way we chose. Then one day we felt "freedom" at hand. We would graduate from school and be out on our own adventure. However, soon enough we learned that came with a "price". Now we know who has to pay for the rent and buy the clothes and shoes we wear. The car and the insurance so we can keep driving. The shock of budgeting and making do or doing without comes crashing down upon our "bright little heads". Things that were taken for granted are now coming into full focus and the sight is just a bit overwhelming. Oh where, oh where did those "good old days" disappeard to?
I sometimes wonder just how I stumbled through those first days of "adulthood"? How did I find that great job that gave me the money I needed to get ahead? Oh yeah, Mrs. Lord found that for me and encouraged me to apply when I was still in High School. You will remember I had gone to work when I was 13 so had a lot of experience to put down on that application. The
Office Manager was impressed and started me at a salary that was much higher than he would have,had he known I wouldn't graduate for another week. When he found out later, he wasn't upset with me, because I had proved myself worthy, but he had to admit he wouldn't have given me that starting salary if he had of known. Guess he didn't look at my birthdate. That should have clued the old dear in.
You will remember it was at this "job" I met Jay. I have to admit that he chased me until I caught him. (He never had a chance really.) How did that happen? Well, he came to work after getting discharged from the Navy because his Dad and Uncle worked at Owens. It just so happened he was hired into the deptartment that I did payroll for. Accident, I don't think so.
During this time, there was never enough time to spend together, or get around to all the things we wanted to see and do together. A short courtship turned into a long and successful marriage.
We had our share of ups and downs. Jay was the frugal one of the family, and he didn't let me get away with anything. I remember I got a May Company Credit Card and when I went with Dot on those shopping trips to the Basement in LA I found too many "bargains" and got that card charged up to over $400.00. When the bill came in Jay informed me that I would have to pay it, I charged it, and I would have to find a way to pay for it all. He made me stand up and take responsibility for my debt. I found a part time job and paid the bill off. My working was then turned into a positive. How you ask? Well it was about the same time he decided to leave
working inside to driving a cement truck for our living. I worked to see we had Medical Insurance for the family. We became a team.
Jay took over the finances and paid all the bills and managed our retirement fund. Being an independent ment not only working for today, but setting something aside for later. Jay was great a doing that. I believe there has to be one in every couple who has that level head and can do those things. For me there never would have been enough time to do it all. Jay had the will and the way to accomplish what "we" needed.
There was never enough time for vacations. Oh, we had them, but they were short ones packed full with a great time for everyone, but not long enough for me. Then I am not sure there was or ever will be enough time to enjoy my family. The babies grew up into little independant people then into teen agers with their own agenda and finally into young adults with less and less time.
See I told you there wasn't enough time.
The clock seems to tick on, life has it's stages and changes. Age creeps along, and before you know it those little kids who climbed into your lap for a cuddle are too big to fit anymore or have a need for such things. That is the way life is. When your young you never believe you will be old enough soon enough to have what you see everyone older having. Too soon that has come and dashed away before you really had time to get a real fix on how to enjoy it. That old idea, "If only I had". When it finally does get here, we are usually so busy looking forward to something else we miss most of the time in what we thought we wanted. Silly huh?
Happens to all of us. In this hurry up and miss it stages we go through we could very easily miss the one thing that will bring our life into "one great whole". There is where I miss Jay the most I guess. He always seemed to know when to slow down and take advantage of the time at hand. He took the time to do things "right". He kept our home repaired and ready to meet the needs our family would have. He managed the affairs of the house so his family would be cared for if something should happen to him. I believe that came from seeing his Aunt left with 3 children and no Insurance when her husband suddenly passed away. He didn't want his family left in such a condition. Purhaps that is one of the things we all should stop and take a look at. How do others fair in times of trial. What is it we can do to help avoid those problems. I can't say Jay got it from the sound teachings we have in the Church, because his family weren't active, but they certainly had some experiences that left deep impressions on Jay that gave him the understanding needed for his own family.
Being from the "depression era" there were a lot of those lessons that todays young adults have not had to go through. This may make things harder for them when they are left to their own
living. I can't say I envy them. Everyone needs to have solid ground on which to build. I have had to learn how to do since I am alone. It has been a great experience for me. I wasn't sure I could manage as well, but I have been able to make in roads into my future. There are still a great many things I will have to decide by myself. They don't scare me like they once did. Once I set my mind to it, I seem to be able to forge ahead and get things done. If my physical ability was still as keen as my mind, I could do much more. Oh well, one learns along the way they can't do everything. One thing I do know, I take the time now to enjoy. I love driving my car. It is a sign of my independence. I enjoy visiting with my friends. They are thinning out, but I don't want to miss any opportunity I can to talk with them on the phone or visit when it is possible.
Learn how to use time wisely and well. Learn how to enjoy things when they are happening. Don't brush things aside because, you don't think you have time for them. Follow President Kimball's advice "do it" and best "do it now". Opportunity, it is said, only knocks once. I believe most of the time it knocks quietly. You have to be listening or you could miss it.
Learn to enjoy walking in the rain and feeling the sun's warmth on your back. See the beauty around you everyday. Set and stand up tall that way you won't miss what is happening around you. Don't, like so many youth I see today, drop your head like there is nothing worth seeing. We are fortunate in having so much beauty around us everyday, rain or shine. I remember one of the projects we did for Brownie Scouts. Find any spot about one foot square and just stare at it for about 5 minutes. There is so much going on it will amaze you.
There will never be enough time to love those dear to you. There is never enough time to enjoy a friendship. There will never be enough time to spend with the one you love the most. Don't let the business of business cut into your time. We always seem to "make" time for what we really "want to do". Best "make time" for the really important things in life. Good relationships. Be or becoming a great partner in a lasting relationship. Never miss an opportunity to share the ups or downs with those you love. Being there in the tough times is just as rewarding as when things are great and you are having the best time of your life. Too soon those will be gone as well, and you will never have time to recapture those special moments. Trust me, I know!
You have taken this time to be with me, and I thank you for that. I have enjoyed being here with you and know time and space will never take away from what we have together. That is our Love, and the time we have spent together. God Bless You -
Written this 18th day of February 2010
by:Eileen Rosenberg
I sometimes wonder just how I stumbled through those first days of "adulthood"? How did I find that great job that gave me the money I needed to get ahead? Oh yeah, Mrs. Lord found that for me and encouraged me to apply when I was still in High School. You will remember I had gone to work when I was 13 so had a lot of experience to put down on that application. The
Office Manager was impressed and started me at a salary that was much higher than he would have,had he known I wouldn't graduate for another week. When he found out later, he wasn't upset with me, because I had proved myself worthy, but he had to admit he wouldn't have given me that starting salary if he had of known. Guess he didn't look at my birthdate. That should have clued the old dear in.
You will remember it was at this "job" I met Jay. I have to admit that he chased me until I caught him. (He never had a chance really.) How did that happen? Well, he came to work after getting discharged from the Navy because his Dad and Uncle worked at Owens. It just so happened he was hired into the deptartment that I did payroll for. Accident, I don't think so.
During this time, there was never enough time to spend together, or get around to all the things we wanted to see and do together. A short courtship turned into a long and successful marriage.
We had our share of ups and downs. Jay was the frugal one of the family, and he didn't let me get away with anything. I remember I got a May Company Credit Card and when I went with Dot on those shopping trips to the Basement in LA I found too many "bargains" and got that card charged up to over $400.00. When the bill came in Jay informed me that I would have to pay it, I charged it, and I would have to find a way to pay for it all. He made me stand up and take responsibility for my debt. I found a part time job and paid the bill off. My working was then turned into a positive. How you ask? Well it was about the same time he decided to leave
working inside to driving a cement truck for our living. I worked to see we had Medical Insurance for the family. We became a team.
Jay took over the finances and paid all the bills and managed our retirement fund. Being an independent ment not only working for today, but setting something aside for later. Jay was great a doing that. I believe there has to be one in every couple who has that level head and can do those things. For me there never would have been enough time to do it all. Jay had the will and the way to accomplish what "we" needed.
There was never enough time for vacations. Oh, we had them, but they were short ones packed full with a great time for everyone, but not long enough for me. Then I am not sure there was or ever will be enough time to enjoy my family. The babies grew up into little independant people then into teen agers with their own agenda and finally into young adults with less and less time.
See I told you there wasn't enough time.
The clock seems to tick on, life has it's stages and changes. Age creeps along, and before you know it those little kids who climbed into your lap for a cuddle are too big to fit anymore or have a need for such things. That is the way life is. When your young you never believe you will be old enough soon enough to have what you see everyone older having. Too soon that has come and dashed away before you really had time to get a real fix on how to enjoy it. That old idea, "If only I had". When it finally does get here, we are usually so busy looking forward to something else we miss most of the time in what we thought we wanted. Silly huh?
Happens to all of us. In this hurry up and miss it stages we go through we could very easily miss the one thing that will bring our life into "one great whole". There is where I miss Jay the most I guess. He always seemed to know when to slow down and take advantage of the time at hand. He took the time to do things "right". He kept our home repaired and ready to meet the needs our family would have. He managed the affairs of the house so his family would be cared for if something should happen to him. I believe that came from seeing his Aunt left with 3 children and no Insurance when her husband suddenly passed away. He didn't want his family left in such a condition. Purhaps that is one of the things we all should stop and take a look at. How do others fair in times of trial. What is it we can do to help avoid those problems. I can't say Jay got it from the sound teachings we have in the Church, because his family weren't active, but they certainly had some experiences that left deep impressions on Jay that gave him the understanding needed for his own family.
Being from the "depression era" there were a lot of those lessons that todays young adults have not had to go through. This may make things harder for them when they are left to their own
living. I can't say I envy them. Everyone needs to have solid ground on which to build. I have had to learn how to do since I am alone. It has been a great experience for me. I wasn't sure I could manage as well, but I have been able to make in roads into my future. There are still a great many things I will have to decide by myself. They don't scare me like they once did. Once I set my mind to it, I seem to be able to forge ahead and get things done. If my physical ability was still as keen as my mind, I could do much more. Oh well, one learns along the way they can't do everything. One thing I do know, I take the time now to enjoy. I love driving my car. It is a sign of my independence. I enjoy visiting with my friends. They are thinning out, but I don't want to miss any opportunity I can to talk with them on the phone or visit when it is possible.
Learn how to use time wisely and well. Learn how to enjoy things when they are happening. Don't brush things aside because, you don't think you have time for them. Follow President Kimball's advice "do it" and best "do it now". Opportunity, it is said, only knocks once. I believe most of the time it knocks quietly. You have to be listening or you could miss it.
Learn to enjoy walking in the rain and feeling the sun's warmth on your back. See the beauty around you everyday. Set and stand up tall that way you won't miss what is happening around you. Don't, like so many youth I see today, drop your head like there is nothing worth seeing. We are fortunate in having so much beauty around us everyday, rain or shine. I remember one of the projects we did for Brownie Scouts. Find any spot about one foot square and just stare at it for about 5 minutes. There is so much going on it will amaze you.
There will never be enough time to love those dear to you. There is never enough time to enjoy a friendship. There will never be enough time to spend with the one you love the most. Don't let the business of business cut into your time. We always seem to "make" time for what we really "want to do". Best "make time" for the really important things in life. Good relationships. Be or becoming a great partner in a lasting relationship. Never miss an opportunity to share the ups or downs with those you love. Being there in the tough times is just as rewarding as when things are great and you are having the best time of your life. Too soon those will be gone as well, and you will never have time to recapture those special moments. Trust me, I know!
You have taken this time to be with me, and I thank you for that. I have enjoyed being here with you and know time and space will never take away from what we have together. That is our Love, and the time we have spent together. God Bless You -
Written this 18th day of February 2010
by:Eileen Rosenberg
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things
I woke up this morning thinking about things that really touch me, or make me happy. Thought it might make an interesting "ramble". These may not be all such things, but I will jot them down as they come to mind.
The very best one I believe is the smell of a freshly bathed baby. There is nothing in the world quite as wonderful. Witnessing a young mother with her first born - shear delight. Watching a dad watch over a young son as he participates in an early sports career. Experiencing the first moments in a marriage, followed by years of ups and downs that meld the relationship into a lasting love affair. Watching a daughter grow into womanhood. Allowing a son to spread his wings and grow in many directions. Having pride in a husbands growth in his profession, and the courage to take off in an untried direction. Being inspired by someone who has learned so much about a subject and then can impart that knowledge to me. Learning something new. Taking a trip, anywhere. Flying pre 911-2001. Getting aboard a train and "enjoying the ride". Eating dinner with friends. Breakfast my favorite meal to eat out. Swimming. Water skiing - when I was younger. Camping. Cooking over a campfire. Planning for some future event - love having the freedom to learn everything I can to make it enjoyable and memorable. A drink of water.
A piece of chocolate cake. A glass of cold milk. Flannel Sheets on my bed in the winter time. Sheets dried on the clothes lines in the sunshine. A walk in the mountains. A walk on the beach. A telephone call from a friend I haven't heard from in awhile. Doing anything the best that I can. Reading, especially the Scriptures and Church History. Being with family members. Spending time with grand children. Learning more about my great grand children. Taking old age in stride, we all have to you know. Certain movies like Pride and Predjudice, Random Harvest, Casablanca, The Court Jester to name a few. Driving my car - I shall miss it when I can't do it anymore. Walking through any store just for the exercise. Trips to the May Company Basement in Los Angeles with Dot. Having Ron find us and tell us to "get out". (it was time to go home.) Firesides in the Johnson's large living room in Pico Rivera. Senior Aaronic Socials at the Bixby's home. Girls Camp when I was younger and leading the girls was fun. Teaching Early Morning Seminary. Attending Institute. Spending all day at Know Your Religion at LA Community College. Taking Mom on vacations. Preparing and serving a Mission with Jay in Salt Lake City 1991-1992. Preparing and serving a Mission by myself in Salt Lake City 2003-2006. Going on a Temple hopping trip with Missionary Friends 2006. Keeping the USS LSM 330 "family" in contact with each other since 1990. Attending "330 Family" reunions all over the United States from 1987 - 2002. Doing the Sunday Bulletin for the Mission Branch for 3 years. Attending the Temple. Being in the Session when my Grand Daughters were Endowed"
Having Greg as a "second son". Having room in my heart and home for "Rock" and a number of my childrens friends over the years. Decorating the Bank of America in Anaheim for Halloween
and winning the City prize. Working with the Brownies and Junior Scouts in Pico Rivera. Being on the Scout Committee when Paul was a Scout in Pico Rivera. Having a Testimony of the Gospel. Loving Jay. Having some great pets. Walking with my Dad when I was a kid. Just watching while my Dad did anything. Watching Mom cook. Eating Mom's donuts and pies. Riding in Ralph's convertible. Writting to my brothers when they were in the service. Writting to Jay when he was in the service. Writting to Paul when he was in England. Pauls Red Blazer and Red Sox. Christmas when the kids were small. Easter when the kids were small. Vacations when we had the camper and boat. Beach Parties with roasted weiners and marshmellos. Watching GW jump high to catch a pass in the end zone. Watching Nemiha play soccer. Taking Shayla to her diving lessons. Helping Keara get things together for her first apartment. Doing things with Uncle Bill and Aunt Clara. Writting to Aunt Naomi. Spending time with my Grand father Charlie. Living so close to High School in Huntington Park. Life Guarding at the HPHS Plunge. Playing Tennis on the HPHS Courts across the street from our house. My Sister-in-law Willetta. Ronalds red bicycle. My Ice Boot Roller Skates. Going to the Skating Rink with Ralph.
The Clock Drive-In. Malts at Coast Ice Cream Parlor. Dill Pickles. Saturday Matinees at the Movies in HP. Sneak Previews at the Movies. Singing with Mr Burdick directing. Science class with Mr. Smith. Finance Office at HPHS with Homer Williams. Classes with Pheobe Hurst Hill.
Remembering the Knoff Sisters Mary and Alice outstanding teachers. Accounting with Mrs. Lord. Our rabbitts Jasper and Penelope. My Table with 2 chairs brought from the East. Lux Radio Theatre. Bob Hope Radio. The Lone Ranger. Our home on Belgrave in HP. Jay's 1941 Chev. Campfire Girls. Shopping on Pacific Blvd in HP. Chicken Pies. Thrifty's Ice Cream. Chen Yeu Nail Polish. My Dad's wrestling and boxing friends. Forest Lawn in Glendale. Easter Sunrise Services. Pasadena Rose Parade. Chistmas Tree Lane in Pasadena. My Mom and Dad.
This should do it for now. Probably doesn't mean anything to anyone else, but it certainly means a lot to me.
Written this 16th day of February 2010
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
The very best one I believe is the smell of a freshly bathed baby. There is nothing in the world quite as wonderful. Witnessing a young mother with her first born - shear delight. Watching a dad watch over a young son as he participates in an early sports career. Experiencing the first moments in a marriage, followed by years of ups and downs that meld the relationship into a lasting love affair. Watching a daughter grow into womanhood. Allowing a son to spread his wings and grow in many directions. Having pride in a husbands growth in his profession, and the courage to take off in an untried direction. Being inspired by someone who has learned so much about a subject and then can impart that knowledge to me. Learning something new. Taking a trip, anywhere. Flying pre 911-2001. Getting aboard a train and "enjoying the ride". Eating dinner with friends. Breakfast my favorite meal to eat out. Swimming. Water skiing - when I was younger. Camping. Cooking over a campfire. Planning for some future event - love having the freedom to learn everything I can to make it enjoyable and memorable. A drink of water.
A piece of chocolate cake. A glass of cold milk. Flannel Sheets on my bed in the winter time. Sheets dried on the clothes lines in the sunshine. A walk in the mountains. A walk on the beach. A telephone call from a friend I haven't heard from in awhile. Doing anything the best that I can. Reading, especially the Scriptures and Church History. Being with family members. Spending time with grand children. Learning more about my great grand children. Taking old age in stride, we all have to you know. Certain movies like Pride and Predjudice, Random Harvest, Casablanca, The Court Jester to name a few. Driving my car - I shall miss it when I can't do it anymore. Walking through any store just for the exercise. Trips to the May Company Basement in Los Angeles with Dot. Having Ron find us and tell us to "get out". (it was time to go home.) Firesides in the Johnson's large living room in Pico Rivera. Senior Aaronic Socials at the Bixby's home. Girls Camp when I was younger and leading the girls was fun. Teaching Early Morning Seminary. Attending Institute. Spending all day at Know Your Religion at LA Community College. Taking Mom on vacations. Preparing and serving a Mission with Jay in Salt Lake City 1991-1992. Preparing and serving a Mission by myself in Salt Lake City 2003-2006. Going on a Temple hopping trip with Missionary Friends 2006. Keeping the USS LSM 330 "family" in contact with each other since 1990. Attending "330 Family" reunions all over the United States from 1987 - 2002. Doing the Sunday Bulletin for the Mission Branch for 3 years. Attending the Temple. Being in the Session when my Grand Daughters were Endowed"
Having Greg as a "second son". Having room in my heart and home for "Rock" and a number of my childrens friends over the years. Decorating the Bank of America in Anaheim for Halloween
and winning the City prize. Working with the Brownies and Junior Scouts in Pico Rivera. Being on the Scout Committee when Paul was a Scout in Pico Rivera. Having a Testimony of the Gospel. Loving Jay. Having some great pets. Walking with my Dad when I was a kid. Just watching while my Dad did anything. Watching Mom cook. Eating Mom's donuts and pies. Riding in Ralph's convertible. Writting to my brothers when they were in the service. Writting to Jay when he was in the service. Writting to Paul when he was in England. Pauls Red Blazer and Red Sox. Christmas when the kids were small. Easter when the kids were small. Vacations when we had the camper and boat. Beach Parties with roasted weiners and marshmellos. Watching GW jump high to catch a pass in the end zone. Watching Nemiha play soccer. Taking Shayla to her diving lessons. Helping Keara get things together for her first apartment. Doing things with Uncle Bill and Aunt Clara. Writting to Aunt Naomi. Spending time with my Grand father Charlie. Living so close to High School in Huntington Park. Life Guarding at the HPHS Plunge. Playing Tennis on the HPHS Courts across the street from our house. My Sister-in-law Willetta. Ronalds red bicycle. My Ice Boot Roller Skates. Going to the Skating Rink with Ralph.
The Clock Drive-In. Malts at Coast Ice Cream Parlor. Dill Pickles. Saturday Matinees at the Movies in HP. Sneak Previews at the Movies. Singing with Mr Burdick directing. Science class with Mr. Smith. Finance Office at HPHS with Homer Williams. Classes with Pheobe Hurst Hill.
Remembering the Knoff Sisters Mary and Alice outstanding teachers. Accounting with Mrs. Lord. Our rabbitts Jasper and Penelope. My Table with 2 chairs brought from the East. Lux Radio Theatre. Bob Hope Radio. The Lone Ranger. Our home on Belgrave in HP. Jay's 1941 Chev. Campfire Girls. Shopping on Pacific Blvd in HP. Chicken Pies. Thrifty's Ice Cream. Chen Yeu Nail Polish. My Dad's wrestling and boxing friends. Forest Lawn in Glendale. Easter Sunrise Services. Pasadena Rose Parade. Chistmas Tree Lane in Pasadena. My Mom and Dad.
This should do it for now. Probably doesn't mean anything to anyone else, but it certainly means a lot to me.
Written this 16th day of February 2010
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Bed Lamps
I have no idea what brought this to mind, but when I was little the folks always had a beautiful bed lamp at the head of their bed. The one I remember the most was peach georgette with a gathered piece for the front that ended in a flourett. It had tiny flowers with green leaves too. As I thought about that lovely lamp, I wondered what had ever happened to such a neat bedroom accessory?
While viewing HGTv "House Hunters" I realized why they had been so popular back in the 1920's and 1930's. Bedrooms in older homes were SMALL. In fact, as I recall my parents bedroom on Belgrave Avenue in Huntington Park, California it was a tight fit with a full size bed a Dressing Table and a High Boy. The bed fit between two windows with about a foot on one side. Barely room to fit for making the bed really. On the other side there was about as much room between the bed and the Dressing Table. When the bench was pulled out you couldn't get between the bench and the bed. At the foot of the bed there was about a two foot space to walk between the bed and the High Boy. That was the path into the walk in closet. Come to think of it, it wasn't all that big a closet, but you could walk into it. Hanging clothes on one side only. I would say it might measure about 4 maybe 5 feet. Well, back then people didn't have that many clothes, and yes, Dad had room for his things as well. Hard to believe. Well concidering that, I realized that a Bed Lamp was the only lighting in the room beside the over head light.
The Bed Lamp had two, I guess you could call them hooks that clipped over the headboard and held the lamp secure. It had a small pull chain for turning it off and on. We really don't need such an accessory today because our bedrooms are usually large enough to have bedside tables or night stands on at least one side of the bed. So today we have touch lamps, usually, to give light during the night, if needed.
Bedrooms were never as much a space for decorating as they seem to be today. A bedspread that was large enough to tuck under the pillows and hang to the floor. I don't recall ever having a bed skirt on any bed in the house. Definately not extra pillows. Oh, you might see a pretty china faced doll with a flowing skirt setting in the middle of the bed for "show", but that was about it.
Times change, houses have grown bigger. In fact they have extra rooms now that we would have never thought of. Having more than one bathroom was absolutely unheard of in the average home. We didn't know anyone that had more than one. If the wealthy did, we didn't know about it. Come to think of it, having a patio would have been a real show stopper in any neighborhood that I lived in as a kid. I don't remember a Bar-B-Que either. The only time I remember us having food cooked over a fire was at the beach when we had what they called
"weiney roasts". Now that was a treat. I can't even recall when we had our first Bar-B-Que. They are so common place now, about every home has one kind or another.
At our house we ate three meals a day. There were no Fast Food places, so we had to pack a lunch for work or if we went to school. Schools had cafeterias, but a hot lunch was usually .25 cents, and that was too expensive for the average families budget. I remember having an occasional hot lunch when I went to Junior High School, but it wasn't very often. Come to think of it, there weren't a lot of choices in a sack lunch either. Amazing the amount of things that are available today to bring a smile to the face of the youngsters at lunch time.
Well I have "rambled" on from Bed Lamps to Lunches. What a trip. When the mind starts retracing memories, it is scarey to find out just how wide the space becomes when you get to be my age. Kind of nice however when I stop to think about what has faded from view. Some pretty neat things were around when I was small. I didn't realize I missed them. Those kinds of things come and go with little notice. When I was small, they were pretty impressive. Come to think of it - in my mind, they still are.
Written this 13th day of February 2010
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
While viewing HGTv "House Hunters" I realized why they had been so popular back in the 1920's and 1930's. Bedrooms in older homes were SMALL. In fact, as I recall my parents bedroom on Belgrave Avenue in Huntington Park, California it was a tight fit with a full size bed a Dressing Table and a High Boy. The bed fit between two windows with about a foot on one side. Barely room to fit for making the bed really. On the other side there was about as much room between the bed and the Dressing Table. When the bench was pulled out you couldn't get between the bench and the bed. At the foot of the bed there was about a two foot space to walk between the bed and the High Boy. That was the path into the walk in closet. Come to think of it, it wasn't all that big a closet, but you could walk into it. Hanging clothes on one side only. I would say it might measure about 4 maybe 5 feet. Well, back then people didn't have that many clothes, and yes, Dad had room for his things as well. Hard to believe. Well concidering that, I realized that a Bed Lamp was the only lighting in the room beside the over head light.
The Bed Lamp had two, I guess you could call them hooks that clipped over the headboard and held the lamp secure. It had a small pull chain for turning it off and on. We really don't need such an accessory today because our bedrooms are usually large enough to have bedside tables or night stands on at least one side of the bed. So today we have touch lamps, usually, to give light during the night, if needed.
Bedrooms were never as much a space for decorating as they seem to be today. A bedspread that was large enough to tuck under the pillows and hang to the floor. I don't recall ever having a bed skirt on any bed in the house. Definately not extra pillows. Oh, you might see a pretty china faced doll with a flowing skirt setting in the middle of the bed for "show", but that was about it.
Times change, houses have grown bigger. In fact they have extra rooms now that we would have never thought of. Having more than one bathroom was absolutely unheard of in the average home. We didn't know anyone that had more than one. If the wealthy did, we didn't know about it. Come to think of it, having a patio would have been a real show stopper in any neighborhood that I lived in as a kid. I don't remember a Bar-B-Que either. The only time I remember us having food cooked over a fire was at the beach when we had what they called
"weiney roasts". Now that was a treat. I can't even recall when we had our first Bar-B-Que. They are so common place now, about every home has one kind or another.
At our house we ate three meals a day. There were no Fast Food places, so we had to pack a lunch for work or if we went to school. Schools had cafeterias, but a hot lunch was usually .25 cents, and that was too expensive for the average families budget. I remember having an occasional hot lunch when I went to Junior High School, but it wasn't very often. Come to think of it, there weren't a lot of choices in a sack lunch either. Amazing the amount of things that are available today to bring a smile to the face of the youngsters at lunch time.
Well I have "rambled" on from Bed Lamps to Lunches. What a trip. When the mind starts retracing memories, it is scarey to find out just how wide the space becomes when you get to be my age. Kind of nice however when I stop to think about what has faded from view. Some pretty neat things were around when I was small. I didn't realize I missed them. Those kinds of things come and go with little notice. When I was small, they were pretty impressive. Come to think of it - in my mind, they still are.
Written this 13th day of February 2010
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
Friday, February 5, 2010
Anyone Remember Mission Pak?
As a kid it was always a question as to where the Mission Pack store would open when it got close to Christmas. Some empty store front would sport a sign "MISSION PAK" and we kids would wonder when the folks would take us to pick out the presents the family in the East would be getting this year.
Today we get a number of catalogues that offer all kinds of shipped gifts to people who can be remembered during the Holiday, but I can tell you they don't bring to mind the fun it was to stroll through the MISSION PAK store and see all the candied fruit or frest fruit gifts that could be sent for the delight of those who rarely saw such things where they lived.
Well when we lived in Ohio and Pennsylvania my Grand Dad use to send us Mission Pak, and it was such fun to get it. They always had the ivory two pronged fork to spear the fruit with. It was always sticky and sweet. Saved getting your hands a mess.
No there is nothing that matches those fun evenings we stalked the counters and displays of all those goodies and watch Mom or Dad make out their order for the shipments they felt would please family or friends in the East.
Times have changed, and you don't see Mission Pak anymore, sad to say. Another of those great treats we so enjoyed that are gone, but happily not forgotten. Nothing like a sweet date or fig from a Mission Pak. Take my word for it, they were great!
Written this 5 day of February 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Today we get a number of catalogues that offer all kinds of shipped gifts to people who can be remembered during the Holiday, but I can tell you they don't bring to mind the fun it was to stroll through the MISSION PAK store and see all the candied fruit or frest fruit gifts that could be sent for the delight of those who rarely saw such things where they lived.
Well when we lived in Ohio and Pennsylvania my Grand Dad use to send us Mission Pak, and it was such fun to get it. They always had the ivory two pronged fork to spear the fruit with. It was always sticky and sweet. Saved getting your hands a mess.
No there is nothing that matches those fun evenings we stalked the counters and displays of all those goodies and watch Mom or Dad make out their order for the shipments they felt would please family or friends in the East.
Times have changed, and you don't see Mission Pak anymore, sad to say. Another of those great treats we so enjoyed that are gone, but happily not forgotten. Nothing like a sweet date or fig from a Mission Pak. Take my word for it, they were great!
Written this 5 day of February 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
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