Scott and Lynn Spend The Day Together

I spent a major part of the day with my sister Toyia. I had a small list of things to do and she tagged along for fun and games. We laughed the entire time we were together. Another reason to enjoy having summers off -- I can spend the day with my loved ones.

Veltirea Smokes?? It's Not What You Think...

Beautiful downtown Kewanee, Illinois

I am going to share something only an insider would know. My grandmother smoked for effect and not for the taste or desire. To watch her inhale and immediately exhale would be a hint. One other thing she would do was allow the smoke to billow slowly from her lips. Yep, all lies!!! She didn't inhale! I remember a few of the brands she tried. BENSON & HEDGES was the first brand I can recall. Years later she smoked "tall" cigarettes. Her all time favorites would be MORE MENTHOL and EVE MENTHOL LIGHT.
Veltirea, Tim, Aunt Daisy and Brenda

In 1972 we took a trip to Kewanee, Illinois to attend The Watts Family Reunion. We posed for many pictures at Aunt Daisy and Uncle Barney's house. This one shows Veltirea and her cigarette, which is more for show than smoking. I told her secret and I know she's giving me "THE VELTIREA EYE" -- I can feel it.

JUSTin time!

This weekend marked the birthday of one Eckie Bud and Helen Cooley's grandsons, Justin. Grandsons Rodney and Shawn celebrated birthdays in June. I don't have the entire story, but I'm told Cousin Justin enjoyed his birthday celebration. The outpouring of love and well wishes touched this mild-mannered, young man. "Y'all put a big smile on my face all day..." said Justin. The love you give is the love you receive -- twofold. Happy Birthday, Justin.

Can we exchange numbers?

Eugene Lawrence "Eckie Bud" Cooley's life was a short one. He packed a lot of living in the thirty-six years he was here. Uncle Bud died almost ten years before I made my grand entrance into this family. I listened intently to each story someone told about him. Grandma shared stories of their childhood and adult lives together, which gave me a sense of knowing him. Thanks to her, I had the chance to "meet" him. I'll explain.

Grandma died on March 1, 2002. It was one of the most difficult times of my life. I always had her with me and suddenly she was gone. When all official business was resolved, I wanted to take a trip to help ease my grieving mind. Los Angeles was a place I liked to go to kick back and relax. A couple of weeks later, I was in L.A. to relax, relate and release. Prior to the life altering events, Cousin Unruley had planned a weekend getaway to Palm Springs. She invited me to go along, but I chose to stay at her house. From the moment she left the driveway and returned two days later, she called several times to check on me. I'll never forget her love and support at one of the most difficult times of my life. I appreciate all that she told me and what Uncle Bud said as well.

My first night in her house was a quiet one. My only companion for the entire weekend would be Unruley's dog, Bubba. I strongly feel Bubba knew I was sad. Each move I made was closely shadowed by Bubba. When it was time to lay it down, Bubba slept on the floor next to my bed. I had one of the most vivid dreams occur that night. I'm not sure of the location, but I knew I was in a place that felt familiar to me. A man approached me and asked how I was doing. I told him I was just okay, that is was hard for me since my grandmother died a few weeks ago. It was at that moment that this man became very clear to me, it was my UNCLE BUD! I told him, "I know who you are and I'm so glad to see you!" He told me not to worry and that all would be fine. My grandmother wasn't available at the time and he was there in her place. I was so excited and happy to see him. We talked a little while longer and he told me he had to leave. I asked him, "Can we exchange numbers? I'd like to give you a call sometime." He gave me this look that said it all. I told him, "I guess that's not possible." Uncle Bud said, "I have to go, but you're gonna be okay. Your grandmother is fine. Don't worry about her." He was going away - fading actually. I asked, "When will we talk again?" He told me he was always around and we would see each other again. He was gone as quickly as he appeared. I opened my eyes and noticed Bubba was sitting up. He was looking at the door as though he was watching someone walking away. It may have been a dream, but it felt very real to me and Bubba.

Where Did The TIME Go?

This month went entirely too fast. June 30th came much faster than imagined. Since time literally flew by, I need to play catch up. A few folks had birthdays this month and I need to acknowledge them.
Shawn Louis - June 12
Rodney Eugene - June 16
Herbert R, Jr - June 21
Jessica Marie - June 30
To each one (though late for some) may there be much peace, many blessings and an abundance of love as you turn another year better.

"Summertime, and the livin' is easy..."

Summer vacation is the life for me! I've decided I will move ONLY when I want to move - not before and not until I'm ready. This is the life for me! I was made for this. I reminds me of being a kid and having summers off. I stayed up as late as I wanted, which usually meant being knocked out by eleven thirty. Funny thing, though I stayed up well after three this morning, I awoke at six forty five on the dot. It was like being a child again - ready to get up and run! Damn internal alarm clock! I kept my butt in bed and rested. I was not ready to move. Too early - way, way, way too early.

Happy Father's Day

This is for all the fathers. Enjoy!

Press the play button to view the slide show.

Curtis Cooley's Birthday

Digging around the roots of the family tree gives you many opportunities to learn previously unknown facts. I knew Curtis Cooley was the grandson of Lacy and Aggie Cooley, and the second child of George and Mary Cooley. I have since learned Curtis was born on May 28, 1899 in Coaling, Alabama. By the time Curtis was five years old, the Cooleys (including older brother, Edward) had moved to Missouri. This is where little sister Georgia Elizabeth was born in 1904. Within six years the family had continued further north to Iowa, where they lived in Center Township. This was an area north of the Des Moines River, outside of the Ottumwa city limits.

In 1915, the family had migrated to Enterprise, Iowa. This is where Curtis begin working in the coal mines with his father and brother. A few years later, Curtis met and soon married Creasy Southall. They had two sons, Leonard and Curtis, Jr. Looking for a new beginning and job, Curtis moved his family to Detroit, Michigan. Within days of moving there, Curtis found work in one of the mines in the Detroit area. Not all details are known, but there was an accident in the coal mine and Curtis was killed.

Big sister, Victoria Cooley Cogwell took charge and made the funeral arrangements. The body was shipped back to Des Moines for burial in the family plot in Glendale Cemetary. Shortly after the untimely death of Curtis, all contact with Creasy and the two sons ended. For many years, there has been no news of the Detroit Cooleys. I have done some research and learned Curtis Cooley's descendants are living in the Detroit area today. Curtis Cooley (dropping the "Junior" after his father's death) married and had a son he named, Curtis Cooley, Junior. Three generations of Cooley men have been named Curtis. It all began on May 28, 1899 in Coaling, Alabama... Happy Birthday, Uncle Curtis.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Timothy

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.

Happy Birthday, Dominick

Dominick Joseph was born eleven years ago today. Where does this young man fit in our Cooley line-up? He's the great-great-great-great grandson of Lacy and Aggie Cooley; the great-great-great grandson of George and Mary Cooley; the great-great grandson of Edward and Ethyl Cooley and the great grandson of Eugene "Eckie Bud" and Helen Cooley.

Dominick and his cousin Cheryl (the UNRULEY one) share a common interest, music. He is taking lessons and playing the cello. His grandma Lucy says he's, "the next Yo-Yo Ma." Quite an accomplishment for the young hockey player. Whether it's music, sports or cars, Dominick puts his all into whatever interests him.


His parents Maria and Tom are quite proud of their son, today and everyday. When we visited Des Moines a few years back for the family reunion, "Dom" was doing what so many of us have done in the past, "taking a ride" with Grandpa Larry. It's nice to know that family tradition continues.

Happy Birthday, DOMINATOR - or as I like to call him, DOMINATION!