As I mentioned prior, in the coming weeks, I plan to blog about items and happenings from the ‘do you remember’ posts I see on Facebook. With that in mind, I may give a story from my own life regarding the items or happenings. Perhaps this will trigger a memory or two of your own.
Last blog I mentioned to take a moment to think about ice cream and running out to the truck for a treat on a hot summer day. One of the ‘do you remember’ posts I recently saw had to do with the ice cream truck ringing the bell or playing music as it traveled from street to street.
I lived in Chicago and also out in the suburbs. In the city, I remember a few different types of ice cream vendors. One was coming around in a big truck selling soft cones, I think it was Tastee Freeze or Mr. Softee; the other rode a large trike with a box of treats on the back; the third I recall and my favorite was the Good Humor Man. There was just something about the man in the white truck and white uniform that seemed so appealing. I don’t think I ever saw a stain on any of their uniforms. Good Humor offered a variety of delicious frozen items such as a Toasted Almond bar on a stick; the original chocolate and vanilla bar on a stick; ice cream sandwich and the one I enjoyed was a watermelon flavored frozen bar on a stick. Somehow it made those hot, humid summer evenings cool and refreshing.
One story that makes me chuckle about Good Humor did not occur during my childhood years, but when I graduated high school and began my first job. I still lived at home like many of my friends and had younger siblings like a few also. My half-sisters were ten and twelve years my junior. It was the summer after high school that the incident happened. I just got home from work (I commuted from the suburb where I lived to downtown Chicago). The total trip was over an hour. One evening I arrived home as the Good Humor Man began his slow drive down our street. My sisters wanted a treat but my mother was too busy to listen to their pleas; my step-grandmother was out someplace that evening. As I walked up our driveway they came running out to me begging me “please buy us ice cream’ they both cried. I thought well okay, why not. So I took them out to the curb and the truck stopped. It was then I got the shock of all shocks. The driver was not the typical older man who usually drove on our street but a young man of about twenty-two. In my opinion he was a hunk. My sisters got their treat and I asked the driver if he was the new driver in our area. He said, he worked our area during the summer now three days a week. (Yes I did get the days he would be in the area). I called one of my friends (she too had a sister nine years younger). Over the course of that summer on the days this hunk drove the truck, my sisters would get treated to a Good Humor product. My friend would come around to visit about the time the guy would be on our street and her sister also would get the benefit of a tasty treat. The driver thought my friend and I were just the best sisters ever in how we would make purchases for our younger siblings. If he only knew it was just a chance to see him.
My friend and I learned a lot about the driver during that summer. We found out he had a girlfriend; he was a college senior; a possible candidate for the draft. August arrived and the driver had left the employ of the Good Humor people to return to his last year of school
I always wondered if he caught on to the real reasoning behind the being nice to the younger siblings. If he did, he kept it to himself.
The days of the Good Humor Man, like the dinosaur are in the past. You can purchase their products now at the store along with a variety of other frozen favorites. A few years ago, I picked up a package of Good Humor bars, my husband enjoyed them; for me there was something missing. No doubt it was the fact I purchased them from the grocery store and not from the man in the spotless white uniform driving the white truck.
My grandkids will never know the thrill of standing on the curb, waving one little hand while the other tightly holds on to the money to pay for a summertime treat. Of course back in my day it costs less then a dollar for my siblings to enjoy a treat; no doubt today it would be five or more dollars.
Until next time…..try to remember those packs of candy cigarettes and those bubble gum cigars. Another interesting story from my younger years awaits you.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Back in the Day Part I
One thing I enjoy seeing on Facebook are the ‘do you remember’ items that are posted now and again. In weeks to come, I plan to blog about some of these items. There are more then quite I few I remember.
A few of my favorites recently have been the ones about remembering the old black rotary telephones. Youth today have no idea that once the telephone sat on a counter or would hang on a wall. Using the phone required you either sit or stand in the area where it was located and not travel throughout the house or even the back yard to have a conversation. Most everyone in the family heard the what was being said.
One thing I recall in my home was when the phone rang, you would try to answer it after two rings if possible; pick up the receiver and say “hello, who is this”. If you had to take a message, you better be sure to write it down word for word. The use of the phone was restricted for the use of the grown-ups in my home. If one of us kids wanted to talk with a friend, it would have to wait till the next day at school or if they lived within a few block radius, go over to their home and it had to be before dark. How times have changed.
Long distance calls were not made before 7:00p.m. as after 7:00p.m. the rates would be a bit cheaper. Phone numbers began with a two letter prefix such as ST(State) TR(Triangle) VA(Valley); depending on where in the country you resided.
Not everyone had a telephone in their home back in my growing up years. I recall when my family moved into an apartment building consisting of six units. We were the only unit at the time that had a telephone. Ours was a black wall mount in the kitchen near the pantry. The other tenants finding out we had a telephone caused a lot of excitement. They would knock on our door and ask if they could make a call; of course they would leave a dime (as a phone booth call was a dime). I never understood why everyone did not have a telephone, but I heard many say it was too expensive.
As back then, many still do not have land lines in their home. The reason now is they use the cell phone for all their calling needs. The cell is more convenient. A portable device that goes everywhere you do; personal business can be conducted from anyplace the person happens to be. No longer do you need to sit home waiting for a call from family, friends etc…just head out the door with cell phone in hand.
This morning as I looked up what I term the wacky/weird holiday for the day, I saw one of the wacky/weird holidays was Land Line Day.
I wondered just how many still have land lines in their home? How many still use them? Are they becoming a thing of the past? I still have a land line plus my husband and I each have a cell phone. What I like most is I no longer need an answering machine for the land line as with my cell phone voice mail, I can get messages I miss.
Today in honor of Land Line Day, I plan to make all my calls from the one sitting next to my computer. I just have to remember, I can not get up and walk into the kitchen to get a cold beverage or a snack while using it.
Take a moment today (if you are a certain age) to remember how you would need to use the rotary dail on the telephone. Do you remember how upset you became when you dialed a wrong number? Think about also if you had a two letter prefix phone number and the days of no caller ID, no answering machine and no voice mail.
Until next time…. think about ice cream and running out to the truck for a treat on a hot summer day.
A few of my favorites recently have been the ones about remembering the old black rotary telephones. Youth today have no idea that once the telephone sat on a counter or would hang on a wall. Using the phone required you either sit or stand in the area where it was located and not travel throughout the house or even the back yard to have a conversation. Most everyone in the family heard the what was being said.
One thing I recall in my home was when the phone rang, you would try to answer it after two rings if possible; pick up the receiver and say “hello, who is this”. If you had to take a message, you better be sure to write it down word for word. The use of the phone was restricted for the use of the grown-ups in my home. If one of us kids wanted to talk with a friend, it would have to wait till the next day at school or if they lived within a few block radius, go over to their home and it had to be before dark. How times have changed.
Long distance calls were not made before 7:00p.m. as after 7:00p.m. the rates would be a bit cheaper. Phone numbers began with a two letter prefix such as ST(State) TR(Triangle) VA(Valley); depending on where in the country you resided.
Not everyone had a telephone in their home back in my growing up years. I recall when my family moved into an apartment building consisting of six units. We were the only unit at the time that had a telephone. Ours was a black wall mount in the kitchen near the pantry. The other tenants finding out we had a telephone caused a lot of excitement. They would knock on our door and ask if they could make a call; of course they would leave a dime (as a phone booth call was a dime). I never understood why everyone did not have a telephone, but I heard many say it was too expensive.
As back then, many still do not have land lines in their home. The reason now is they use the cell phone for all their calling needs. The cell is more convenient. A portable device that goes everywhere you do; personal business can be conducted from anyplace the person happens to be. No longer do you need to sit home waiting for a call from family, friends etc…just head out the door with cell phone in hand.
This morning as I looked up what I term the wacky/weird holiday for the day, I saw one of the wacky/weird holidays was Land Line Day.
I wondered just how many still have land lines in their home? How many still use them? Are they becoming a thing of the past? I still have a land line plus my husband and I each have a cell phone. What I like most is I no longer need an answering machine for the land line as with my cell phone voice mail, I can get messages I miss.
Today in honor of Land Line Day, I plan to make all my calls from the one sitting next to my computer. I just have to remember, I can not get up and walk into the kitchen to get a cold beverage or a snack while using it.
Take a moment today (if you are a certain age) to remember how you would need to use the rotary dail on the telephone. Do you remember how upset you became when you dialed a wrong number? Think about also if you had a two letter prefix phone number and the days of no caller ID, no answering machine and no voice mail.
Until next time…. think about ice cream and running out to the truck for a treat on a hot summer day.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Marching Ahead in March
The ground hog came out to make his predictions; hearts, candy and flowers given; Mardi Gras beads thrown; President’s Day honored; and Leap Year celebrated. February ended and March began. I have my own take on the saying of March; ‘it comes marching in like a lion and leaves meek as a lamb’.
For some, March is just the tail end of winter and the beginning of spring. Of course it depends on where you reside as although spring will begin March 20th; one of the March offerings.
Many look at this month as just the last month of winter; a month of anticipation for warmer weather, birds to return north and longer days. A few years ago, I penned a poem about just what the month of March has to offer. There are many things to look forward to this month besides the end of winter.
For the Irish (and those who are Irish for one day a year), St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated. Although it is on a Thursday, many places will have parades the week prior and parties held. Beer will flow; Irish whiskey consumed; corn beef or ham, cabbage and potatoes eaten or perhaps a nice Irish stew with soda or Sheppard’s Pie. Green, the color of the day, worn by one and all.
The Boys of Summer are in the throes of spring training in Florida and Arizona. While a few of the lucky take in a game, sports fans will flock to their favorite sports pub and bar to catch March Madness.
Easter is the last weekend of the month. Children look forward to egg hunts and the arrival of Peter Cottontail who will bring a basket full of delights. Stores begun their candy sales the day after Valentine’s Day. No doubt many have already consumed a few jelly beans, crème or peanut butter eggs.
What else happens this month:
a. Women’s History month is celebrated.
b. It is the birthday month of two veteran’s organizations; The American Legion and La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Forty and Eight)
c. Spring Break time
d. We turn our clocks ahead one hour. Days will be longer and our nights shorter.
March, it sure does keep us ‘marching along’ with events and activities.
DON’T OVERLOOK MARCH!
Find a reason to rid yourself of the winter blahs while waiting for the first day of spring to arrive.
Until next time….let’s all find something to ‘march along and enjoy’. Me, I think hubby and I will enjoy the veteran’s organizations birthdays…cheers to the veterans and the organizations; we will enjoy a few brews on St. Patty’s Day; have a few jelly beans; and watch some basketball.
MARCH OFFERINGS
©Scottie-ann Murphy
(Written in March 2012)
The early morning sun tries to move from behind the gray clouds
it does nothing to warm us; the blowing winds of March chill our bones
i put on a pair of red framed glasses to read the mail
Sipping black coffee laced with a small bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream
I tear open an envelope containing a St. Patty’s day greeting card
A Claddagh with the words LOVE- LOYALTY- FRIENDSHIP printed
semi-circle on the front
Inside picture….shamrocks pouring out of a Kelly green bowler
TOP O’ THE MORNING written beneath in bold black lettering
The main verse states that there are four things needed for
a wonderful St. Patrick’s day……shamrocks, Irish derby hat,
pot of gold and most importantly a mug of brew
My mouth salivates at the sight of the glasses of beer illustrated inside
White foam pours out over the top and spills down the sides
I mentally taste a frosty Guinness chilling my taste buds
Perhaps this should be our appropriate beer choice for the month
March….thirty-one days packed with excitement
St. Patrick’s Day falling on a weekend; celebrations and parades to enjoy
March Madness….jeers and cheers for fans of college basketball
Who will reign as number one for this year many wonder?
Beach towns and destinations will greet with open arms spring breakers
arriving from the frigid north to enjoy sun, sand, surf and suds
Clocks will be pushed ahead for that one extra hour of daylight
Highlands County will welcome the masses of race car fanatics
clamoring to central Florida to watch the ‘Twelve Hours of Sebring’
The boys of summer return to the diamond for spring training games
Women celebrate Women’s History Month…. we all await springs arrival
I spot a book of poetry and quotes on the coffee table
Picking it up I flip through the pages and find the passage
from an unknown author….it is an Irish saying
“An Irishman is never drunk as long as he can hold onto one blade of
grass to keep from falling off the earth. “
I book mark the page to refer back to it during the month
It will become our mantra while enjoying all the festivities
that March has to offer
For some, March is just the tail end of winter and the beginning of spring. Of course it depends on where you reside as although spring will begin March 20th; one of the March offerings.
Many look at this month as just the last month of winter; a month of anticipation for warmer weather, birds to return north and longer days. A few years ago, I penned a poem about just what the month of March has to offer. There are many things to look forward to this month besides the end of winter.
For the Irish (and those who are Irish for one day a year), St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated. Although it is on a Thursday, many places will have parades the week prior and parties held. Beer will flow; Irish whiskey consumed; corn beef or ham, cabbage and potatoes eaten or perhaps a nice Irish stew with soda or Sheppard’s Pie. Green, the color of the day, worn by one and all.
The Boys of Summer are in the throes of spring training in Florida and Arizona. While a few of the lucky take in a game, sports fans will flock to their favorite sports pub and bar to catch March Madness.
Easter is the last weekend of the month. Children look forward to egg hunts and the arrival of Peter Cottontail who will bring a basket full of delights. Stores begun their candy sales the day after Valentine’s Day. No doubt many have already consumed a few jelly beans, crème or peanut butter eggs.
What else happens this month:
a. Women’s History month is celebrated.
b. It is the birthday month of two veteran’s organizations; The American Legion and La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Forty and Eight)
c. Spring Break time
d. We turn our clocks ahead one hour. Days will be longer and our nights shorter.
March, it sure does keep us ‘marching along’ with events and activities.
DON’T OVERLOOK MARCH!
Find a reason to rid yourself of the winter blahs while waiting for the first day of spring to arrive.
Until next time….let’s all find something to ‘march along and enjoy’. Me, I think hubby and I will enjoy the veteran’s organizations birthdays…cheers to the veterans and the organizations; we will enjoy a few brews on St. Patty’s Day; have a few jelly beans; and watch some basketball.
MARCH OFFERINGS
©Scottie-ann Murphy
(Written in March 2012)
The early morning sun tries to move from behind the gray clouds
it does nothing to warm us; the blowing winds of March chill our bones
i put on a pair of red framed glasses to read the mail
Sipping black coffee laced with a small bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream
I tear open an envelope containing a St. Patty’s day greeting card
A Claddagh with the words LOVE- LOYALTY- FRIENDSHIP printed
semi-circle on the front
Inside picture….shamrocks pouring out of a Kelly green bowler
TOP O’ THE MORNING written beneath in bold black lettering
The main verse states that there are four things needed for
a wonderful St. Patrick’s day……shamrocks, Irish derby hat,
pot of gold and most importantly a mug of brew
My mouth salivates at the sight of the glasses of beer illustrated inside
White foam pours out over the top and spills down the sides
I mentally taste a frosty Guinness chilling my taste buds
Perhaps this should be our appropriate beer choice for the month
March….thirty-one days packed with excitement
St. Patrick’s Day falling on a weekend; celebrations and parades to enjoy
March Madness….jeers and cheers for fans of college basketball
Who will reign as number one for this year many wonder?
Beach towns and destinations will greet with open arms spring breakers
arriving from the frigid north to enjoy sun, sand, surf and suds
Clocks will be pushed ahead for that one extra hour of daylight
Highlands County will welcome the masses of race car fanatics
clamoring to central Florida to watch the ‘Twelve Hours of Sebring’
The boys of summer return to the diamond for spring training games
Women celebrate Women’s History Month…. we all await springs arrival
I spot a book of poetry and quotes on the coffee table
Picking it up I flip through the pages and find the passage
from an unknown author….it is an Irish saying
“An Irishman is never drunk as long as he can hold onto one blade of
grass to keep from falling off the earth. “
I book mark the page to refer back to it during the month
It will become our mantra while enjoying all the festivities
that March has to offer
Monday, February 8, 2016
Valentine's Day Pondering
It appears that February arrived quickly this year. Ground Hog day celebrated, the Super Bowl game played with the Denver Broncos as champions, Mardi Gras will happen and Lent will begin. Valentine’s Day approaches fast. Stores had put out their displays of chocolates, cards, stuff animals, coffee mugs and glasses with hearts and cupids and the jewelry stores advertise diamonds and heart shaped jewelry right after the New Year. I walked into a store a few days after Christmas and found them setting up their Valentine’s Day display while putting their remaining Christmas items on sale. It is so overwhelming on what one can purchase for the day of hearts, flowers and candy. This year I just decided to say to my husband, “Happy Valentine’s Day”, write a poem and give him a small chocolate candy treat; simple, inexpensive but yet letting him know I care. Going into debt just to prove you care for another is in my opinion insane. If they do not know it by the little things you do day in and day out, they never will.
For the last few years, my husband did a little gift a day beginning on February 1st. Usually it was a cute stuff animal, coffee mug with hearts, glass with hearts, box of conversational heart candy or some other little trinket. This year, it has become an every other day thing, which is fine with me. I don’t wear much in the way of jewelry; only certain pieces with which I accessorize my outfits. Enough with the cute little stuff animals; they sit after the holiday in a storage box never to see the light of day again. I have enough coffee mugs, more than enough drinking glasses and candy will sit for days on end.
Yes, there are only six shopping days till Valentine’s Day left. Like Christmas, many wait till the last minute to do their shopping.
Many will try as they may to go out for a nice meal, only to find the restaurants will be packed. Some suggestions are:
1. Celebrate the day prior by going out to a nice place for a meal. It won’t be as crowded.
2. If flowers are what you like to give, pick up a bouquet a few days prior before the costs sky rocket.
3. Celebrate at home with a nice romantic dinner for two.
4. Make your own card or write your own love verse.
My favorite of ideas was one I did a few years ago. Go to a dollar type store, pick up a heart gift bag and fill it with cute little items that special person would enjoy.
BUT whatever you decide to do for that special person in your life, MAKE SURE you remember that individual on February 14th.
Until next time….a small box of conversational hearts waits for your purchase.
For the last few years, my husband did a little gift a day beginning on February 1st. Usually it was a cute stuff animal, coffee mug with hearts, glass with hearts, box of conversational heart candy or some other little trinket. This year, it has become an every other day thing, which is fine with me. I don’t wear much in the way of jewelry; only certain pieces with which I accessorize my outfits. Enough with the cute little stuff animals; they sit after the holiday in a storage box never to see the light of day again. I have enough coffee mugs, more than enough drinking glasses and candy will sit for days on end.
Yes, there are only six shopping days till Valentine’s Day left. Like Christmas, many wait till the last minute to do their shopping.
Many will try as they may to go out for a nice meal, only to find the restaurants will be packed. Some suggestions are:
1. Celebrate the day prior by going out to a nice place for a meal. It won’t be as crowded.
2. If flowers are what you like to give, pick up a bouquet a few days prior before the costs sky rocket.
3. Celebrate at home with a nice romantic dinner for two.
4. Make your own card or write your own love verse.
My favorite of ideas was one I did a few years ago. Go to a dollar type store, pick up a heart gift bag and fill it with cute little items that special person would enjoy.
BUT whatever you decide to do for that special person in your life, MAKE SURE you remember that individual on February 14th.
Until next time….a small box of conversational hearts waits for your purchase.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Sending Greetings for the Holidays
Christmas is ten days from today (as I sit here typing). One Christmas tradition I enjoy is sending and receiving Christmas cards. In the years past I created my own cards for family, friends and acquaintances but the past year as well as this year I have not done so. Last year I found some cute cards in a catalog. One set of twelve cards had a little magnet that accompanied the card and the other set had a little recipe book of holiday treats. After purchasing them, I found I had more than enough left over to use again for this year. Being a veteran, I belong to veteran’s organizations. One of the organizations sends out Christmas cards as a fund raiser. This year I received some very lovely cards with matching envelopes. They became my back-up set in case I did not have enough left from the previous year to send.
I recall years ago, by this time in the season, I’d have a nice stack of cards received. Some even with a letter detailing the sender’s year in review. Yes, I too had done the year end letter, but like the creating my own cards, the year end letter has gone by the wayside. The other day I had to pick up a few boxes of cards for a project for one of the veteran’s organizations which I belong. These cards were to be signed ‘Santa & Mrs. Claus’ or Santa & Mrs. Santa’. They are to be given out to nursing home veterans at a luncheon this week. As I walked through the store, I found the cards with a sale sign to buy one box get the other box fifty percent off.
I wondered about this sale so early in the month. Pondering this reason for such a sale before the fifteenth of December, I have come to a conclusion. It seems people are sending less and less Christmas cards or not sending any at all. Social media is how many send holiday greetings to family, friends and acquaintances. E-cards sent via email, text messages, Twitter and Facebook has become the way of keeping in touch during the holiday season. With the hustle and bustle of our lives, creating one text, one email, one posting to Facebook we now can wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings via cyber space.
I too have wished many a Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Congratulations and words of condolence through social media; I still like to sit down, pen in hand, address book opened, Christmas music playing in the background and a cup of hot chocolate near and write out my cards. Not only do I sign my name and my husband’s but I include a personal message to the receiver.
Until next time…..stores are having a sale on cards, why not pick up a box and return to the old fashion tradition of sending out to family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances. Who knows, you may be bringing back an old tradition. A card sent could mean a card received.
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season to one and all
May you have a Merry Christmas and happy and healthy New Year.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Thoughts for the Season
Since after Halloween movies about Christmas and the holidays have been on television. To date, I have probably seen everyone twice, some maybe three times. Each movie has the happy ending that leaves the viewer with a feeling of joy inside. A few of the movies makes one reach for a hankie to wipe away the tears; a few had the viewer laughing and yet some movies makes one ponder and think about the magic of the season.
Since after Thanksgiving, I have been reading Christmas and holiday themed stories. Like the movies, they leave the reader with a feeling of happiness inside.
We all know these movies and stories are a work of fiction. Everyday life is REAL; there are ups and downs; peaks and valleys; highs and lows; sunny skies and stormy weather. Well you get the drift.
The holidays can be a time of stress for everyone. There are many facing hardships; many illness; many are alone; many estranged from family members. Many will just by-pass the holiday season all together. They will see it as just another day and not think about what this season means. Christmas time is the season of hope, goodwill, peace and forgiveness. We need to think long and hard about the true meaning of Christmas. It is not the fancy bows and shiny ribbons, the colorful wrapping paper, the gifts under a beautiful evergreen tree. It is more than greeting cards sent and received; more than the rush to the stores for the perfect gift. Christmas is a time to reflect upon, as it is said, ’the reason for the season’.
Christmas is a season with a message, meaning and spirit.
The message of the season……LOVE
The meaning of the season….PEACE
And the spirit of the season…..JOY
Until next time…..best wishes for a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas to one and all.
Since after Thanksgiving, I have been reading Christmas and holiday themed stories. Like the movies, they leave the reader with a feeling of happiness inside.
We all know these movies and stories are a work of fiction. Everyday life is REAL; there are ups and downs; peaks and valleys; highs and lows; sunny skies and stormy weather. Well you get the drift.
The holidays can be a time of stress for everyone. There are many facing hardships; many illness; many are alone; many estranged from family members. Many will just by-pass the holiday season all together. They will see it as just another day and not think about what this season means. Christmas time is the season of hope, goodwill, peace and forgiveness. We need to think long and hard about the true meaning of Christmas. It is not the fancy bows and shiny ribbons, the colorful wrapping paper, the gifts under a beautiful evergreen tree. It is more than greeting cards sent and received; more than the rush to the stores for the perfect gift. Christmas is a time to reflect upon, as it is said, ’the reason for the season’.
Christmas is a season with a message, meaning and spirit.
The message of the season……LOVE
The meaning of the season….PEACE
And the spirit of the season…..JOY
Until next time…..best wishes for a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas to one and all.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Memories of Christmas Past
Everyone has a favorite Christmas story or perhaps two. One I recall was from my earliest childhood memories. At the time I was three years old. All I wanted for Christmas was a Betsy Westy Doll. The doll was unique at the time as when you put a bottle in her mouth, the liquid would go right through her body and out as if she peed her pants. My doll had brown hair and I think a red color dress. I was so excited that Santa brought me such a doll. At the time, I was living with my maternal grandparents. On Christmas morning, I saw Betsy under the tree with other toys Santa brought, but all I could think about was this special doll. I hurried to feed her and low and behold she had wet her underpants. Santa brought extra pairs for Betsy so I had no fear of her going without panties. That morning, I was headed to church with my aunt and uncle. My Sunday school class was to sing “Away in a Manger” at the church service. Like all the other girls, I had brought my new doll to church with me. It was time for our class to head up to sing, I handed my uncle Betsy and the bottle informing him it was time for her to be fed. Being such the great guy he was, my uncle put the bottle of liquid into Betsy’s mouth; true to form, she peed out the liquid all over the new blue suit he wore. My uncle let out a soft chuckle and others sitting around him seeing the scene, also chuckled.
My class sang their song; I returned to my seat in the pew only to see the wet spot on my uncle’s suit coat. All he said to me was “Betsy is full but she needs an underpants change when we get back home.”
When you think about fond memories of the holidays, it is not the gifts that are under the tree, what is left in your stocking or how much food you consume or egg nog you drink, it is an unexpected act of goodwill. My uncle’s act of feeding my doll because I asked, was such a sweet gesture. In years to come, I came to realize this one little thing made that Christmas a wonderful memory.
During this time of year, we all should try to do an act or two of kindness for another. Calling an elderly relative who lives out of town, just to say hello and how are you; asking a single parent friend or co-worker if you can do something such as watch their child or children so they can do some Christmas shopping; volunteering at a local soup kitchen; donating toys to a local toy drive; donating to a homeless shelter. It is not how much you spend, the amount of time spent doing it, but the fact you are doing an act of goodwill and kindness.
Until next time….take a few moments from your busy holiday schedule with a cup of hot chocolate, a glass of egg nog or some hot cider and remember a wonderful memory of a Christmas past.
My class sang their song; I returned to my seat in the pew only to see the wet spot on my uncle’s suit coat. All he said to me was “Betsy is full but she needs an underpants change when we get back home.”
When you think about fond memories of the holidays, it is not the gifts that are under the tree, what is left in your stocking or how much food you consume or egg nog you drink, it is an unexpected act of goodwill. My uncle’s act of feeding my doll because I asked, was such a sweet gesture. In years to come, I came to realize this one little thing made that Christmas a wonderful memory.
During this time of year, we all should try to do an act or two of kindness for another. Calling an elderly relative who lives out of town, just to say hello and how are you; asking a single parent friend or co-worker if you can do something such as watch their child or children so they can do some Christmas shopping; volunteering at a local soup kitchen; donating toys to a local toy drive; donating to a homeless shelter. It is not how much you spend, the amount of time spent doing it, but the fact you are doing an act of goodwill and kindness.
Until next time….take a few moments from your busy holiday schedule with a cup of hot chocolate, a glass of egg nog or some hot cider and remember a wonderful memory of a Christmas past.
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