Me and Mr C

Larry, Robert and Tim

Cousin Larry provided another blast from the past. This was taken at 944 Dayton Avenue around 1968. I'm certain Grandma took this picture of Me, Larry and Grandpa. She is responsible for so many pictures in our lives. I'm glad Larry shared this one with me. This is a classic.

Timothy Celebrates Sixth Birthday in Des Moines

My sixth birthday was a memorable one. It was the first time I left town to celebrate my birthday. Grandma, Grandpa, Toyia and I stayed with Aunt Mac and her sons, Kevin and Michael. I'm smiling as I write. I smile because I recall how excited I was. My cake wasn't homemade, it was purchased at Dahl's - the grocery store where Grandma would shop whenever we were in Des Moines. Grandma and Aunt Mac allowed me to pick the birthday cake of my choice. I chose one with orange frosting, thinking the frosting would taste like an orange. I was so happy! That soon changed when we got home with the cake. I learned I had to eat dinner before I could have any cake. I don't recall the exact time, but I know preparing, cooking and eating dinner took an eternity in my six year old mind.

When we finished dinner, it was time for the cake. Before the cake was cut, candles were lit, a picture with my BIG cousins was taken, and "Happy Birthday" was sung. When I got the first piece of cake, I smiled and dug right in. It took what I deemed a long time, but I finally got to taste my cake. Though the frosting did not have any orange flavoring, the entire cake was good to me. That was thirty-eight years ago. I will always remember the fun time and love of my family when I think of my sixth birthday.

Happy Anniversary Bob and Vel

Today is Grandma and Grandpa's wedding anniversary. One thing we can thank Grandpa for is Saint Paul, which is home for us today. There was a new job waiting for him in Los Angeles. Before he moved to the West Coast, Grandpa visited friends living in Saint Paul. Some of his classmates from Moberly, Missouri had moved to Minnesota years before.

Spending time in Saint Paul changed his mind about the move to Cali. Grandpa decided the move would be to Minnesota and not California. Within a matter of days the new resident found a job. There was no more "California Dreamin" - this was home. Minnesota is a nice place to live, but I'd like to ask my Grandfather WHY he chose one over the other. Inquiring minds really need to know.


Happy Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa - we love you.

Grandpa

Grandpa has been in my thoughts lately. I guess that means it's time to share a story about him. Grandpa loved and spoiled me greatly. If there was something I THOUGHT I wanted, he made certain I had it. I always enjoyed spending time with him when I was a little boy. I recall a time my grandmother asked my grandfather to go to the store to get a couple of things. Grandpa went to Tom Thumb and I tagged right along. He got the bread and half & half grandma wanted him to get and I got a Suzy-Q and cherry slush. When we completed our purchases, I got to sit on his lap and drive the red Chevy Impala home. I didn't pay attention to where we were heading, I watched his foot pressing the gas and brake pedals. Grandpa told me it was more important to pay attention to the road and less to his foot. I quickly looked ahead and steered the big red car down the street. We took pictures when we got home from the store. I'm using some those pictures in this post. They remind me of that fun day with Grandpa.