New Year's Eve

December 31, 1988

This was taken at a New Year's Eve/Birthday Party and Wedding Reception for my cousin Pam and her husband, Tim. I remember that NYE was a very cold one. I can't say what the temperature was, but I'm sure it was in the teens or single digits that night. One thing, we MinneSNOWtans are a hearty lot. We will leave our homes in all seasons and weather conditions to attend a self described "must attend" event. This multi-themed party was one of those events. Tyra called me the day before to ensure my suit, shirt and tie would match her outfit. The gentleman escorting her to any social event simply had to coordinate with her dress for that evening, period. I know on more than one occasion I changed MY tie to match what she was wearing. There never was an issue or problem with accommodating her request. She was meticulous with those details and I knew it. It was all good. Hanging with Tyra always meant a fun time. The night this picture was taken is no exception. I look at this picture twenty-two years later with fond memories of that evening.

Happy New Year 2011
May there be much
Peace, Joy, Love,
Excellent Health and Prosperity

A Blast From Christmas Past...

Christmas always made me happy. Like anyone (child or adult), I liked to receive gifts, and give them as well. As a kid, I did my Christmas shopping at Woolworth's, Walgreens, G.C. Murphy's or Grants. My mother, grandmother, sister and aunt would receive, CHARLIE, JEAN NATE, TABU or LOVE'S BABY SOFT perfume. My father, grandfather, brother and uncle would receive BRITISH STERLING, BRUT, OLD SPICE or HAI KARATE after shave. I'm certain I gave my uncle "Snookie" BRUT as a present for Christmas 1975. It played a role in our Christmas thirty-five years later. Toyia told me there was a gift from "Snookie" for me under the tree. When I picked it up and shook it, I jokingly asked, "Is this a bottle of liquor or BRUT?" I had my answer the moment I ripped the wrapping paper. I smiled and laughed when I saw it was BRUT. It took me back to Christmas 1975. I gave him BRUT then, and he gave it to me now. It was a Christmas like so many others. It was one filled with great food, presents, laughter and love. Yesterday we had another one of those Christmases. I got everything I wanted for Christmas; I received some nice gifts, enjoyed a delicious meal and spent time with my family.

Every Year, Every Christmas...

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas, from Me to You!

A Day In My MinneSNOWTA Life

A snow storm hit the Twin Cities, the likes of which we've not experienced in many years. The airport was shut down, public transportation slowed and taxi cab companies stopped answering their phones. The weather was bad, but I didn't allow it to stop me from leaving home. In the middle of the storm, I ventured out and about. I went to the grocery store and brought along Nephew for the experience and it was memorable. Like so many teenagers today, he wears his pants hanging off his ass or sagging. This would prove to be a problem for him. While we were walking home from the bus stop, his pants began to fall down. We stopped several times on our walk home. Nephew needed to pull up his falling pants every ten feet or so. As we approached the building two teenage girls stepped outside. It was about this time Nephew's pants fell down completely around his ankles. He said, "Thank God I was wearing basketball shorts." I mentioned a belt would have prevented all of that from happening. He agreed. While we were out in the storm and when we were home safe and sound, I thought about the Cooleys living in Iowa in the early part of the 20th Century. How would they have dealt with weather like this? There was no television, cable, radio, cd or dvd player to pass the time. My guess is the family spent the time reading, singing, playing games or simply talking. They endured a Midwest Winter with none of the modern conveniences we have today, We complain about the weather and the horrible condition of the sidewalks, streets and highways. My thought is, if they could make it then, I most certainly can make it now. I have all the things I need right here, with no plans for venturing out this evening or tomorrow. That seems to be the best idea for handling a Winter storm. I think they felt the same way back in 1915. Good ideas are timeless!

Our Family Christmas

I put together a few pics of Christmas with the family over the years.

Press the play button to view the slide show.

Let's Have A Snowball Fight!

Since the family had so much fun last year, let's do this again!

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BLACK SUPER HEROES

Nevaeh Grace Six Months Later...

One look at this little girl and you instantly smile. If you're not smiling, you're a mean one, Mister Grinch is all I'll say. Little Nevaeh Grace became a member of the Cooley Clan on April 27, 2010. Nevaeh is the youngest of Grandpaw Larry's grandchildren. More than six months later we see baby girl is coming along just fine. She's happy, healthy and beautiful. This young Cooley has a very successful life ahead of her. Nevaeh is going to make her mark on the world in a big way. Remember, you heard it here first.