Together

It's been nice spending more time with our son Chris.  We've grilled at his place, gone on trips and rides together-and he's come over more.  We love that!

Photos from Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley, 2017.

Lad n' Lassie

Mom took us to Lad n' Lassie store in Piedmont for clothes.  We'd dress up and pose for photos taken by Dad.  I could not keep my socks up!

1957

September Cards

My colleague from HSC Cafe-Susan-celebrated a birthday.  A young Mom-now a Grandmother-Susan works very hard.  She is now a lead in the hospital cafeteria.  The pretty lady in the card reminds me of her.

"Such a special person deserves a day that's bright

And filled with many memories from morning until night.

So have a special day, my friend this is my wish for you

May happiness surround you and all good wishes too."

 Bob and I were married on Labor Day 44 years ago.  This is my anniversary card for him.

"The first time you smiled at me made my heart miss a beat

And as the years went by you made my life complete.

You mean a lot to me simple words cannot explain

I love you and thank you over the years, again and again."

My lifelong friend Vicki celebrated a birthday this month.  She's still "gorgeous" at 63. 

"I wish you joy.  I wish you flowers,

I wish you many happy hours that having a special birthday can bring.

A wonderful day that makes the heart sing,

So enjoy every moment, My very dear friend,

May your day be memorable from start to end." 

Two of my retired colleagues are ill.  Both were mentors to many dietitians in the state.  Annabelle is the original historian for the WV Dietetic Association and trusted me to preserve more memories as the recent historian.  These cards are for Annabelle and Lillian.

Three friends lost parents this month.  These cards are for Linda, Mindy and Penny in memory of Ray, Corrine and Charles. 

"Memories last forever in those years you shared

May you find peace and love and comfort from all those who care." 

My niece Kaity celebrates a birthday this week.  Kaity has lovely red hair and the colors of the season remind me of her.

"Greetings on your birthday for a wonderful day

And a year that brings the very best

Of everything your way!"

 I first met Bob about this time of year some 47 years ago.  Bob was 63 on September 27.  The card on the left is from son Chris.  The card on the right is from son Greg and his wife Michelle.  My card is in the center.  In his retirement job, Bob drives an escort card for wide-load vehicles-many of which haul heavy equipment like the dump trucks on the card.  I especially love the orange cone!

"I couldn't miss this special day,

To wish you all the best,

For you my darling husband,

Are a cut above the rest,

You're honest, true and faithful,

I love you with all my heart,

So I'm hoping that your birthday

Will be perfect right from the start."

Verses from www.craftuprint.com

92

Mom had a mild heart attack 6 weeks before her 92nd birthday.  She was happy to return to the senior center on her birthday to enjoy is with friends.  She even "led" the Happy Birthday song.

1950s

My first house was on McCoole Road above Reeves Motor Company.  The house had hardwood floors and 6 rooms.  My sister Terry was 5 years older and in school.  I played a lot alone in our big yard.  I especially loved to swing.  When I was 2 we got our dog Toby who was with us for over 13 years and guarded 4 kids.  Our yard had a rock wall in the back where we'd often see snakes.  I sang to songs on the record player.

My neighbor friend was Fred Downey.  He and I played cowboys.  He and I would get down on the ground behind rocks and shoot at each other with toy guns.  My brother Jim was born when I was 5.

The card on the lower right was from Freddy.  His mother apparently signed it!

Dallas

We rescued Dallas from the Mon County Dog pound just after we were married in 1976.  He was our "first and only child" for 9 years.  Our landlord was not happy, so my Mom kept him until we found a new house.  While at Moms' he was shot and we brought him home to Morgantown where he spent a week in an animal hospital to recouperate.  In our new location, he befriended Tiki, the neighbor dog and she had puppies.  Dallas followed us to Huntington, Charleston and back to Morgantown, living in all 8 of our homes.  In each place, he made friends.  He was such a good dog, never walking on a lead and sticking with us to the end.  Some 40 years later, Bob found this picture taken in 1984 of Dallas walking at the new WVU stadium and titled it "Dallas enters heaven".  Like all our dogs, we know that's where he is.

We've been cleaning out our basement.  Most of the pictures above were taken out of a worn frame and mat stained with dirt and cob webs.  I was happy to rescue them and preserve the memories on this page. 

August Cards

My Mom's 92nd Birthday was August 31.  I brought a carrot sheet cake and we went to the tri-towns senior center where she enjoyed celebrating with friends.  She always dressed fashionably and looked great so I thought the ladies from the cut-out paper looked like her when I was growing up! 

"You taught me how to cook,

Taught me how to be true to myself,

How to be a Mother myself.

All these things come rushing back on special days like this one.

Have a wonderful birthday and many more!"

For a water aerobics friends' 50th wedding anniversary.  

"50 years of married life doesn't mean your old,

It merely means that silver now has turned to gold.

It's quite an achievement,

So I'd like to say

Hope that you had a nice golden anniversary day."

 Another couple from the tri-towns senior center celebrated 57 years of marriage.  Paul and Judy will celebrate many more anniversaries!

"As you look back over the years

Of fun and laughter, heartache and tears

Of fun and laughter, heartache and tears

Remember the day you said 'I do",

Was the day you found wishes do come true!"

My high school friend Denise was 64 on September 3rd.  Denise is a talented retired French-Spanish teacher who was quite the actress and dancer.  

"You've given so much pleasure

To all who pass your way

Given them fond memories

Each and everday

So celebrate, enjoy and remember

That I'm sending wishes to you

And with them comes all our love

For today and throughout the year"  

Verse from craftsuprint.