Our Miss Jean

Miss Jean
There are some people you like the moment you meet them. They are the type that possess a warm, welcoming spirit. You get the feeling you've known for as long as you can remember. That would describe Miss Jean to a tee. We clicked the moment after we were introduced. I will sum up the events of the eveing by stating, "A fun time was had by all." This would be attributed to Miss Jean's candid conversation and laughter. Miss Jean and Maria
A few years would pass before I had the chance to be in her company again. Much fun and a lot of laughs were on the agenda once again. "What number are you?" would be the title to one of the more hilarious question/answer/conversations at the last family reunion. Miss Jean was right there leading some of the family into uproarious laughter. Folks had tears in their eyes from laughing so hard. It's moments like that you cherish/treasure. I thought about those fun times when I learned Miss Jean died today. Though I am saddened to learn of this, I am thankful I had the chance to spend some time in her fun loving presence. Miss Jean was one in a million.

Happy Birthday, Marvin

Marvin Gaye

My previous trips to Los Angeles were fun, but always a little disappointing. I've enjoyed great times with my family and friends over the years. There was one thing I wanted to do for years and never did. I wanted to go to Marvin Gaye's house - simply to say I had been. I had the chance to go Marvin's house on my recent trip to L.A. UNRULEY and I had talked and thanks to the magic of GPS we were in front of Marvin's Gramercy Place house in no time.
I was suprised by the size of the house, for in my mind I thought it was smaller. In reality it was a rather large, at one time beautiful home. One of the first things I noticed as I walked around the house was the air. It was cool, crisp and fresh. It stood out against the otherwise warm Los Angeles afternoon.
Various things captured my eye and a second later it was a picture. I took this from the side of the house. This rear view was the first picture I took of the house. Going with the flow of the moment I walked and snapped pictures.
It took a few years but I finally had the chance to drop by the house and say, "Hey Marvin." This was the only blooming flower I could see on the entire property.


Happy Birthday, Marvin. Thank you for the incredible music you gave us.

WARNING - Look At This Cute Kid

This Baby Cooley Cousin is such a little cutey. Each time I look at this new picture of Neveah Grace I smile. She has such a happy disposition in her pictures. It makes you feel good looking at them. Then again, what person doesn't like a baby?

Go Vicki, It's Your Birthday!

Young Vicki
The little girl in this picture is all grown up and goes by the name of "My Mom." Today is her birthday and I spent part of my day with her. We did a lot of talking, laughing and sharing stories. I must say a fun time was had by all. I know I'm her favorite child, but I won't tell the others about this.


Happy Birthday Mom!

An Observation On The Bus

Why was Luella Robinson's grandbaby, Boo-Boo (goes by MANE1UP now) all stretched out on the bus Tuesday morning, like he was at home on the sofa just chillin??? I mean, what's really going on here?

p.s. I have no idea if this young man's grandmama is Luella Robinson, but someone needs to come and fix this mess a.s.a.p.

I'm Trying...

It takes me a lot longer to type anything and for good reason; I'm recovering. Last week I had minor surgery on my right wrist. All is going well and I will be back to my healthy self soon. I wanted to write more with the posts I have, but it's not been easy typing with one hand. I think all of this is teaching me to be more patient.

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, María Elena!!!

Much love to you, NORFDAKOTAH Cooley Cousin!

WARNING - IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CUTE KID!!!

Cooleys are beautiful children - inside and out. Ladies and Gentlemen, here is our beautiful, Neaveh Grace.

Grampa Tony

I saw something familiar in my kid brother, Grampa Tony that reminded me of our grandmother Veltirea. I remember our Grandma sitting at the kitchen table, having a cup of coffee, glasses on face and reading the morning paper. The moment I took this picture, I captured Tony doing the same thing Grandma did. No, there was no coffee or kitchen table, but the paper and glasses were there. The desire to know of the lastest news events - locally and globally is an interest both share.

Tony (before he was a grampa) and Grandmother Veltirea - 1960's

Happy Birthday, Edward Johnson

I wanted to acknowledge Grampa Johnson on his 139 birthday. This picture shows all property east of the railroad tracks was Ed Johnson's farm.

WARNING - These People Don't Know How To Shut The Hell Up On A Plane When You're Trying To Get Some Sleep Because You Had So Much Fun On Your Vacation And You Didn't Sleep Too Damn Much.

Why did this man (let's call him Don), his wife (let's call her Millie) sitting across the aisle and their companion (let's call her Lori) talk the entire three hour flight home? They told these stale-ass jokes AND cracked themselves up, with the wife laughing the loudest! They were CORNY as an Iowa cornfield in July. I heard them when I was asleep with headphones in my ears. After a good time in Los Angeles, I was returning to the cold and snow - which was not exactly what I wanted. So I was listening to Lalah Hathaway to ease my mind. I'm trying to return to MinneSNOWta in a mellow mood. This 'won't shut the hell up' family disturbed my groove. Yes, I did suggest they shut up, but they weren't trying to listen to me. They were like the Stepford Family with just a little bit of Trailer Park tossed in for an added kick. I had to turn the music up louder, so I could sleep. Damn!!!

Happy Birthday, Kevin

I don't have my days mixed up. Today is Kevin's birthday. I know the picture was taken at Christmas time in the 1960's, but I couldn't wait until Christmas to share this picture. I found this "cute kid" pic while paging thru some of the UNRULEY one's photo albums. This is our Kevin (and brother Michael)at a very young age.

This is our Kevin now. Another year older, wiser and better. Happy Birthday, Kevin. Much peace, many blessings and an abundance of love - today and everyday.