It's time to Hodgepodge again and so glad to be a part of it. Joyce, I thank you for continuing Hodgepodge because it stirs up nostalgic moments for me and it's always an opportunity to get to know other bloggers better.
1. What's something in your house you'd like to get rid of but can't?
The old roll top desk in the office. It's not of much use and takes up space that could be used in a better way. I would like to put a daybed or loveseat there in its place. DH says no, it isn't bothering anybody. (And this is the reason we have three garages, three attics and three sheds full of stuff that isn't bothering anybody!)
Mom and Dad never owned a home that had more than 1100 square feet … probably less. I know they were very proud of this gray brick home they bought when I was in 7th grade. There was no room for any clutter or extra stuff … only the essentials with a few of Mother's knick-knacks, doilies and the like.
2. When is the last time you experienced a sense of nostalgia?
The Hodgepodge question from a couple of weeks ago asking about the fun we had as kids in the summer brought back so many memories of the carefree days of our childhood.
Elaborate.
As I thought about it, not much concerned us but the simple things like our days of freedom, playing with friends, reading, ice cream, etc. Not for the first time, as I thought about that, I think of what it must have been like for our parents and how they protected us from the evils of the world and the grown-up things they faced, such as paying the mortgage, working hard to provide for us, current events of the fifties, such as the Korean War, the threats from Russia, nuclear bombs, etc. They had come through the depression and WWII and while we think of the fifties being a time of easy living, it really wasn't always for them.
How well I remember the night my brother was born. I was 9 years old and Daddy had just been laid off from work. The pressure had to be great with three children now and Mother in the hospital, a mortgage and no job. Although I was supposed to be asleep in bed, I heard him on the telephone with his sister telling about the new baby and the loss of his job and it was the first time ever to hear my Daddy cry. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think of it and now that I am thinking of it, I wonder … were his tears caused by the stress … or maybe the joy of finally having a son? That is what I now will choose to think about it because Daddy loved his boy.
This photo just makes me smile!
3. You're only allowed three apps on your smart phone or tablet...which three do you keep?
DuckDuckGo, Kindle, maps on my phone. This was a very difficult question to answer. On my iPad, it would be the Bible, the news and Kindle.
4. July 11th is National Blueberry Muffin Day. Who knew? Do you like blueberry muffins? Yes.
If you were going to have a muffin would blueberry be your choice?
If I baked it. I love the "to die for" muffins. If anybody has a recipe they like better, I would like to have it!
What's the last thing you baked?
Peanut butter cookies.
5. What's the biggest way you've changed since you were a child?
I've become more outgoing.
In what way are you still the same?
I'm still shy about speaking in front of a group. I prefer to be in the background. Don't make me talk in front of everybody … but, if I have to, I will do it and so that might be one way I've changed.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I'm ready for Fall, but I don't want to rush time. It's been so hot here, but just now we had a little shower for which I am very thankful. I can't figure out why my potted plants are not blooming. Same type flowers as I usually plant in the same locations, but they just shrivel up every day. I really miss seeing things blooming and the colors of summer.
16 comments:
Nonnie, I loved the photos. The story of your father crying touched my heart. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
The cloud photo is gorgeous. Somehow I always enjoy watching storm clouds move in.
Blessings~
Good morning! I forgot to check the little box! 😉
Love the pictures and the story of your dad finally getting a son. Have a great week.
I so enjoyed you sharing your old photos...such a simpler day and time...also for sharing the story of when your baby brother was born...you are right about life seeming to be more carefree but in reality it really wasn't for our parents, anyway. I have the same problem with my impatiens not blooming...the leaves are all healthy and green but they have stopped blooming! Help!
Really lovely photos and memories. I agree with you about the smaller houses of previous decades---no room for non-essentials! And both my husband and I grew up in homes with only 1 bathroom, and we made do. Nowadays, people (myself included) can hardly imagine life without 2 or 3 bathrooms.
Yes, although our childhood days were carefree and wonderful, our parents had the stress of responsibility. Especially our dads, since most moms didn't work outside the home back in those days. But they did what they needed to do to provide, even if it was holding down a job they didn't like.
Have a great day,
Patti
Crying for joy! That is a good way to remember it. If it was stress, well, it all turned out okay, didn't it? Sometimes, looking back, it does seem like things were easier then, but they really thought bombs were about to drop.
Loved your answers. We are a lot alike. In my house when I want to get rid of something - my hubs puts it down in the basement - I could get rid of most everything down there!!!!!!!!
What a sweet story about you father.
I would have the bible, Facebook, and my emails.
And I am shy too - but I am getting more outgoing too!
Love, sandie
I so enjoyed your reflection on the things your parents had to deal with during the 50's and yet as children you grew up without any worries because they allowed you to be a kid. I believe you and I are very close in age, if my memory serves me correctly. I grew up on a dairy farm, lived in the same house as my paternal grandparents, and thought we were among the richest of the rich. I'd go to town with Daddy most mornings when he took our milk to the dairy plant and it seemed that everyone knew him. I was the only child for nine years and my aunts doted over me and sewed me such beautiful dresses and outfits to wear. I must have been a teenager before I realized that while we were rich in family and memories, we really didn't have much money at all. What wonderful parents you and I had, Connie. Hugs to you.
Loved reading the story about the day your brother was born. Such a beautiful reflection of how our parents always try to shelter and protect us even from their own struggles. Those pictures are awesome from your childhood! Everyone looks so happy in that kitchen and that is truly what is important!! I am now going to have to look up your favorite app since I have never heard of that one! Hugs!
#5 - Speaking in front of groups - That is sooooo me! I will say, though, that as a teacher who has presented at a teacher conference, I was so nervous but surprised at how invigorated I felt afterward. I wonder if I was excited that I faced my fears or relief that I made it through!
Your husband sounds like he could be related to my family. One of their favorite sayings about stuff that's sitting around is "it isn't eating any hay."
It seems like homes didn't have as much clutter and toys as we see now. Kids played in the yard!
I enjoyed your photos and your answers today! It has been interesting reading about everyone's nostalgia!
No way, that's too much stuff!! Love the photo. The phone question had me thinking what I would want in an emergency. I'm definitely more outgoing but I don't want to talk in front of a group either. I know because of the heat we have been having our plants are not very happy this year. Wow that's some storm cloud.
I loved looking at your old family pictures. My current home is probably about the same size as the one in your photo. Realtor listed it as 760 square feet, but for some reason they didn't list the basement, maybe because it's one big room, not sure.
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