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.

Happy Birthday Toyia

My sister Toyia wears many hats. I have wondered how she does it all??? "Dr Toyia" advises you on medical issues, while "Attorney Toyia" will give you legal advice. "Mother Toyia" is parent to all, including our own Mother. "The Barbeque Queen" will work a grill and give you the best tasting meats and poultry. "Best Friend Toyia" is always there - in good and bad times. She may not want me to admit this, but if you cross her, she'll kick your ass. Yes, she IS every woman. Happy Birthday to my sister Toyia Lynn. Get ready, something good is coming your way as you turn another year better.

I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together...

I will soon be on the road heading back to Minnesota. I have enjoyed spending the extended weekend with my Iowa relatives. A fun time was had by all.

We Are Family

There were high and low points in this day, happiness and sadness. I attended Uncle Junior's funeral this morning with Cousin Larry. I reconnected with family I've not seen in a year. I had a brief chat with Cousin Tyanna and mom's good friend, "Duckie." A trip to Donna and Harry's gave me the chance to reconnect with more family. It was good seeing Robbie and his family. We've not seen each other since 2002.

Too many years pass without seeing one another, and we often say we'll do it. This time we actually did it. The plan for sunday is much the same - time with the family.


I'm lovin it!

Happy Birthday Niecy

I love the idea of the picture exchange with my family members. Cousin Larry was kind enough to show this one to me. I had to have a copy. I thought this would be the PERFECT pic for a birthday post. Happy Birthday, Denise Marie. Peace and blessings on your special day.

Donna and Niecy

New Picture Number One

I have arrived in Des Moines, Iowa. I'm happy to visit once again. I checked into the hotel, grabbed a bite to eat and located COUSIN LARRY. I spent a few hours laughing with this cool man. I was surprised to find this picture on his wall. I remember taking it, but I haven't seen it in a few years. A fun time was had by all this evening. Thanks family, for the laughter and love.

Pack'd My Bags...

I am ready to go. Next stop, Des Moines, Iowa. Let's do it!

Johnson Farm

Great news to share. Aunt Mac gave me the location to Grampaw Johnson's farm! Man, I can hardly wait to check it out. Years ago Tony and I stopped at Oralabor on the way back to the Twin Cities. I remember telling him, "This is it. This is the place that was the farm." I had NO WAY of knowing if what I was saying, what I was feeling was accurate. I strongly suspect I was correct. I think it's a Walmart now. I will take pics of the site and post them here.

What About Me???

I can't say when it started, but I liked getting gifts for Toyia and Tony's birthdays. For many years, Grandma would get something for me when she got a gift for them. I liked it! It's several, many and quite a few years later and I haven't received something for their birthdays in a long time. I'm overdue for a gift! I wonder if it would be wrong to ask my siblings to give ME a gift for their birthdays??? Toyia's birthday is October 26th and Tony's is October 30th. She's entering the second year of her fifties and this will be his year to "cross over." To be honest, I wouldn't expect them to give me anything. Knowing they're MINE is gift enough.

One Week From Now...

I'm beginning to get that feeling. The one I usually get before a trip to see the kinfolk -- excited but still cool, calm and collected. It has been more than a year since I've seen any Cooleys or Johnsons. I am looking forward to seeing and spending time with them. I have two "field trips" planned. Mr Cooley has agreed to travel with me to the area once know as Enterprise, Iowa -- where the Cooley and Johnson families became one. I've asked Aunt Mac to help with the directions to the redeveloped area once known as the Johnson Farm. I know a lot has changed since 1915, but I want to see the area for myself. Yep, this is gonna be good!

Dig The Funky Females

The UNRULEY one is out there doing the damn thang! If you happen to be looking for something to do, and you're in the immediate vicinity, stop on by the Vibe Nightclub at the Morongo Casino and check out the Funky Females. This COOLEY COUSIN is doing what she loves; PLAYING HER MUSIC! Now go on out there and kick some ass!

KLYMAXX featuring Cheryl "UNRULEY" Cooley
Morongo Casino & Resort
49500 Seminole Drive
Cabazon, CA 992230
For showtimes and additional information, please call (800) 252-4499

Dideo Cooley

MARVIN DEFORREST COOLEY

I never met him face to face, but I spoke to Marvin DeForrest Cooley on the telephone. Some thirty odd years later I can't say I remember all that we discussed. One thing I will always remember - his voice. My high pitched ten year old boy's voice was the polar opposite of his. Uncle Dideo's voice was deep, rich and warm, the typical Cooley voice. The next time we spoke he remembered I was Velt's youngest grandson. He got my name right and I was pretty pleased with him for that. I know Grandma made that call around his birthday in 1976. Today would have been Uncle Dideo's 91st birthday. We celebrate and honor the birth and memory of Marvin DeForrest "Dideo" Cooley.