Just a Few Memories

Trips to Save On Drug store for an ice cream cone
Drive in movies
Bike rides in the early evenings
Hugs
Teaching me how to color and ride a bike
Decorating for Christmas
Patience
Swimming with me even though he never learned how
Letting my cousin Vickie and I fill up the area he was making into a family room with water and use it for a pool
Fourth of July
Talking, Talking and Talking
Unconditional Love

My Dad and me on my first birthday!
I miss him everyday!

I am very blessed that I had such a wonderful father!

My girls too are blessed with a wonderful father!

Happy Father's Day to all the Great Dads!

40 Years Ago Today ~

Was Our Wedding Day

Our Wonderful Thanksgiving Trip To NJ

 My Aunt Nora (my mom's sister) holding pictures of her and my mom as little girls and with their dad (my Grandpa).

 My Aunt Nora, me and my cousin Lynn ~ knitting a dishrag/washrag for me.

Cousin Lynn, Aunt Nora, Lori (Lynn's daughter) and Katelyn (Lori's daughter) at Lori's house.
I can not describe in words what a wonderful time we had while in NJ!!!  We talked and laughed for hours. I miss being with them so much already!!

Happy Birthday To My Daughter ~ Emily ~ October 30th

Emily just a few days old

First Easter

She was always into something! Still is!!

Ready for Santa!

Such a sweet smile

Little Cheerleader

Sister's ~ Such Love

So Beautiful!

Emily, her husband and son ~ my precious Bryson               

Happy Birthday to a wonderful daughter!!  I am so very very proud of you!! You are an Awesome Mother!  In fact you are the best mother that I know!! 

NC State Fair ~ 2010

We have many fond memories of the NC State Fair. One of our first dates was to the fair. Gerald took his sisters to the state fair while I was home with a brand new baby girl, Angela. He took Angela to the fair when she was 5 because I felt it just wasn't a place I should or wanted to be 9 months pregnant with Emily. We took our girls when they were small, we've gone with friends and we have gone many times just with each other. This year we took our daughter Emily and grandson Bryson. We had a wonderful time!! Can't wait to go back again next year!!!



Bryson and Gramme

Bryson and his Mommy

                                              Bryson and Grandpa Won a Prize

                                              Bryson and Grandpa Fun on the Slide!

Fried Oreo...........Yummy!!

California ~

The place of my birth
My mom and dad
My brother, Greg
Grandma and Grandpa Clawson, Grandpa Abreu
Many Aunts and Uncles
Many more cousins
Friends
St. John of God Catholic School, uniforms, friends, nuns and priests, first through seventh grade
  Mass almost everyday
Riding my bike to school, the library
Walking to school, the pool and the liquor store
Lazy days laying on the grass in my front yard
Summer nights playing outside, tether ball and hiding go seek, my birthday parties
Fourth of July, Christmas, Thanksgiving get togethers
Spending the night with cousins and slumber parties with friends
Memories ~ so many
A place that will be in my heart forever!

Happy Birthday to My Daughter ~ Angela

In honor of my oldest daughter's birthday, I thought I would post a few pictures of her.



This is me when I was pregnant with her in 1972

Me and Gerald in front of our first home when I was pregnant with Angela

Gerald feeding Angela Very Late one night

My dad with Angela                  





                  My very favorite picture                                                   

Angela with her first birthday presents

 

Angela eating her very first birthday cake

I don't know how you all do this but it took me and my husband hours to do this with the new editor.  There has to be a faster way!!!

Angela is a ninth grade high school English teacher, is National Board Certified and working on her master degree which she will finish this spring.

What Would You Want To Know

I am going to visit my last living relative on my mother's side that really Knew my mom....my mom's sister ......so I thought I would ask my aunt some questions about my mom and their childhood. Would love to have any suggestions on what you would want to know if you were me.

From a Son-in-Law’s Perspective

Posted on Gayle's blog by her husband, Gerald.

I certainly have heard lots and sure many others have told or heard stories of arguments, disagreements and just plain, I can’t stand my in-laws. I think this sentiment goes in both directions and for the life of me can’t understand why. Friendship or Relationships aren’t just thrown out at you; it is something that requires just a little work on both sides.

I was married in 1970 at 17 and early on, I think by my nature just automatically befriended my In-Laws.

Sure, no friendship will be with out an argument from time to time but a friendship like a marriage is what you make it. He treated me well and he deserved no less.

This is an attempt to honor a man that I liked, loved and admired like a real DAD. I am sure my father-in-law Gene Clawson was the type of man that everyone wants to have as an in-law and this speaks to his character and personality.

These are a few things that I remember about Gene.

First, he earned my respect and friendship early on and always treated me good.

He was enemy to no one and could strike up a conversation with any stranger.

He had a knack for telling stories especially those of his childhood. They were worthy of print.

I remember family reunion and other events where the kids were drawn to him like a magnet.

He was always willing to help me on a project I was working on.

He was not a rich man and would give you his last penny.

The times that really stand out, were that every Friday evening Gayle and I would go to his house and visit. This was a routine event and was never dreaded; in fact, it was one event that we looked forwarded to. It wasn’t a luxurious home but it had most all that he needed, even though it needed and required lots of maintenance. We sat around on his glassed in porch going over the things that took place that week and revisited old stories. later when it was time to eat we would go to one of several of his hang outs, normally McDonalds’ where he had many friends and knew everyone. Most nights we got our moneys worth drinking cup after cup of coffee while talking.

Going to his house was a fun and relaxing way to spend our Fridays nights but no more. For many months after his death on 3/22/ 1998 I could hear a truck coming down my road and immediately think Gene is here only moments later to realize that no he will never be back. This would stir up lots of emotions and sadness, knowing that those good times were gone forever.

Twelve years later, there are many times where Gayle and I will be sitting around and say “Gene sure would have liked this” or “sure wished he could have met our grandson”. These moments would more times than not get us reminiscing about those good times when we would get together with him, doing nothing more than simple talking and loving every minute.

He was a good guy, good Dad and good friend. Wow, we still miss him today!

September 11th ~ My Dad's Birthday

As we all remember the many lives that were lost on that terrible day ~ September 11th...........I am also remembering my dad's birthday. As I have said before, he was a wonderful man who was loved by all who met him ~ young and old. I so wish that he was here to see my daughters (his granddaughters) and all that they have accomplished.............his son,Rusty, my brother an awesome father now.......married to the most wonderful woman in the world.........there two kids ( his grandson and granddaughter) ..........my grandson ( his great grandson)......his son Greg ...........all the many things he has learned. I miss him so much!! We all do!!

One Of My Favorite Places

This is one of my most favorite places in the whole world!! It is a place that I rode my bicycle to when I was living in CA ( wasn't even a teenager yet), a place that most cities and towns have at least one of, a place that I took my girls to once a week, at least, in the summer. I have neglected going to this special place because of blogging and other things. This place will always hold special memories for me!! It's not even the building because the really special one was replaced many years ago with a fancy one. I have neglected this place also by buying books. For many weeks now I have wanted to share this special place with my grandson! I want him to have the same love for it that I have. We shall see! Everyone is different!!

Today is the day..........

Bryson's First Visit to the Public Library

Vacation 2010 Tennessee

Bryson driving Gramme ~ DollyWood

Jellyfish ~ Aquarium ~ Gatlinburg, TN Tons of fun having water gun fights!!

Petting Zoo ~ Sevierville, TN

Gerald ( Grandpa ) and Bryson in front of the condo.

So excited on this water ride at Dollywood that Bryson wanted to ride it again!!

The DollyWood train smelled so bad that Bryson did this on his own.

Me and Bryson ~ Sevierville, TN Emily, Bryson and Sean ~ Sevierville, TN

Bryson on the Bee Ride ~ DollyWood

Duck Game ~ Bryson and Sean ~ DollyWood

Elephant Ride ~ Sean and Bryson ~ DollyWood

Our Condo Apple View River Resorts ~ Sevierville, Tn

My Dad

My Dad, brother Rusty, me and my brother Greg.

My Dad

Whenever I talk about my dad........I always say my dad. Sometimes I say Grandpa Clawson and sometimes Dad but mostly I say my dad. My Dad was Wonderful!!!! He was loved by all who knew him. He accepted people for who they were and never judged. His life was not any easy one but I know he was happy. He was surrounded by family and friends that loved him. I could not have asked for a better dad!! I am so thankful that he knew this when he was alive. I have no regrets. We were very close and he knew how much I loved him and he also knew how much his death was going to effect me. Sitting around my kitchen table we had many opportunities to talk and talk we did. He shared his thoughts about his life with me. He told me to "remember the good times" but it is so hard to remember the good times without being sad. He died in 1998 as I have probably said before and it is still very hard on me at times. The last 2 months have been especially hard and I am not sure why. Maybe May being Mother's Day (my mom died in 1968) and June being Father's Day has trigger it. I just have moments when I miss my dad so very much. Father's Day is Sunday and if your dad, daddy, father is alive.......don't forget to tell him how much he means to you. If you are not on the best of terms with you dad, you may want to take this Father's Day to become closer.....because once they are gone it's too late.

Notes Taken In 1990

I took the following notes while talking to my dad one day. He died in 1998. I am sure most of this will not even be of interest to anyone other than my family.

The house my dad lived in while growing up in Nebraska had two bedrooms upstairs. The girls shared a room and the boys shared a room. One bedroom downstairs was for their parents.
My Grandma ( his mom) use to heat some type of irons and put at the bottom of the beds to keep them warm.
The bucket that they used to go to the bathroom in was frozen many winter mornings.
My dad went to school from first to eight grade in a one room school house. He got glasses when he was in the fifth grade. He got very sick in the 11th grade with Scarlet Fever. He was out so long and got so far behind that he never went back. He finished his high school education after I was born and in grade school.
The teachers sometimes live with my dads family.
After the 8th grade he had to go away for high school, in Curtis, Nebraska.
Grandma (his mom) use to read stories or play the piano at night. She played the Black Hawk Waltz. I use to call this the wiping song because she seemed to wipe her fingers over the keys. It wasn't until years later that I even knew the name of the song.
In 1948, Grandpa and Grandma ( my dad's parents), my dad, my Aunt Alta, Uncle Delbert and Uncle Charles moved for Nebraska to LA, California. My dad was 22 and his youngest brother Charles was 7 years old. My dad and Uncle Delbert drove together. My dads oldest sister Gen and her first husband Harry already live in CA. His older brother Albert was in college in Lincoln, Nebraska. His younger sister Sylvia was in college in Kearney, Nebraska. His younger sister Zella was married and lived in Lincoln, Nebraska.

My dad worked at a gas station and my mom worked at a movie theater near by, when they were very young. My mom would sit on a bench at the bus stop and my dad would see her sitting there. One day he asked her if he could drive her home. That was the beginning.

My dad tried to in list in the Navy but was drafted in the Marines.
The first 6 months of my life he was in the service.

Our house in CA cost $10,000. $250 down and $67.50 a month

I have more notes like this packed in boxes. It's fun for me to go back and read them from time to time. I wish I had asked more questions when my parents and grandparents were living and that I had written more down. If your parents and or grandparents are still living be sure to ask and write down any questions you have. I wonder how many people do this.

Memories About My Parents

I received this letter several months ago from my Aunt. It means the world to me.

I was thinking about life before you and LynDel were born a few days ago and I’m not sure I’ve ever told you about times I spent with your Dad & Mom before and after I married Uncle Del. If I have, I apologize for the repeat.

When I met everyone years ago at a family picnic in Griffith’s Park, I was immediately accepted and I liked them all very much. Your Dad & Mom were very nice to me (a17 yr old who was enamored with Uncle Del) and Uncle Charles was especially fun. He was like the brother I never had. That was, what was to be, the beginning of a lasting love for the Clawson’s I met that day. Aunt Alta and Uncle Joe were there too. I remember spending Thanksgiving with Dad & Mom and then at Christmas there was a time of sharing as well.

The following year your Dad joined the Marines and Uncle Del went into the Naval Reserve. This would have been 1952 I believe. When your Dad was in Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton Uncle Del, Dad & Mom Clawson, your Mom and I drove down to see him. Unfortunately it was raining that day and how it did pour. We had to sit in the car and eat the nice lunch that we had brought. But that was O.K. we were glad to be together. From our vantage point we could see the tents that these Recruits lived in and was I shocked to see a 10” high space, from the ground up, all around each tent. Talk about automatic A/C that was ridiculous. Your Mom wasn’t thrilled with it at all. Your Dad had a bad cold that day and I’m sure that was the reason. Probably a lot of the other Men had them as well. What the purpose of it was I’m not sure but I suspect it had something to do with their strict standards and wanting “tough” men in their outfits. Your Dad survived it but to my way of thinking it wasn’t necessary. (but what do I know ) Uncle Del didn’t have that kind of conditions to live with. He had lots of strange things to do but that one still stands out in my mind after all these years. We had a great day in spite of the weather and I know your Dad was glad to have us there. We must have been a sight, all of us squeezed into that car but we did fine. Uncle Del just reminded me that a man from the base was also with us in the car. (we had fried chicken, potato salad & beans among other things) We steamed up the windows too .

Another memory is of meeting your Mom for lunch downtown. We both worked down in the same area but at different places. (Aunt Alta & I worked in the same building at one time) At times I would go home with your Mom on a Friday Night and spend the night. (after Uncle Del had been called up from the Reserves to active duty)We’d have such a good time. They had this cute little house that was behind another big home in LA. Your Mom & Dad were married before us of course and when Uncle Del was called up, your Dad returned the favor of taking me to see him when he was in Boot Camp in SanDiego. Now picture this, he only had a weekend pass and he’d come up on Friday Night, drive me, plus you Mom, to San Diego on Saturday, then have to return to base on Sunday. He was stationed in Barstow at that time. Talk about a lot of driving!!! I’ve often wondered how that set with your Mom. I’m sure she wasn’t always thrilled but I don’t remember her making any remarks.

Remembering the Wedding: when we were married, your Dad & Mom stood up with us as you know and the only regret I have is that we didn’t have the guys wear their uniforms. That would have been special. But we were young and dumb. Before the wedding, your Mom was a help to me. We talked of many things on the nights I spent with her and she helped me find someone who could lend me my Veil, as her dress didn’t have one. She was already pregnant with you by this time and we weren’t sure she could get the dress on she was to wear as the Matron of Honor, but she squeezed into it. It was an interesting afternoon and evening. The night before, Uncle Del and I had gone out for a Milk Shake and I spilled some of mine on my Coat. I had to take it to the cleaners (as it was the only one I had) and put in on a rush to get it clean before the Wedding. We made it but I wasn’t sure at the time of course. Another detail was the hall we were to have the reception in wasn’t cleaned when we got there so who do you suppose did it, the 4 of us. And, it that isn’t enough, there was no ice for the punch when all got set up sooo your Uncle went after it (before the wedding and held it up a half an hour) But all went well after that and we got “hitched”.

Another thing your Mom and I did together was our pregnancies. I proceeded to get P.G. right away (although we weren’t planning on that) so your Mom & I went to the Naval Hospital together. I can’t seem to remember where it was but we thought it was FAR away. It makes me laugh now as we are so spread out all over this area as a family, an hour drive is nothing any-more. Your Dad had gone to Japan by this time and I was living in an apartment by myself in LA. When Uncle Del couldn’t come home I’d go visit your Mom. I worked till the time we could get a place together in SanDiego which was August. (You came along the month before and your Mom was busy with her new “Baby Girl”)


I really treasure the time your Mom and I had together. She informed and guided me thru things I wasn’t too sure about. Our lives changed after I moved. I had a new way of life to get used to living in Naval Housing and your Mom had to be a Mom without your Dad for a while. But we both got thru it O.K. What an experience that was. But that is another story.

When we both were no longer Service Men’s Wives, and got back into close proximity again, we became close as couples and as you girls grew up you spent time in our home and we played lots of cards in your parent’s home. The only way I can remember any of these things now is when God prompts me. I look at old pictures but can’t conjure up the day they were taken. But life goes on and new people come into it but the one constant that I know of is God. He Never Changes. I’m so glad He brought your Parents into my life. They were neat people. Parents are a treasure among treasures. Yours and my Parents are gone but the memories linger on. We both have our own families now and memories to build with them. We have friends who come into our lives and they deposit memories as well.


Love to you and yours, Aunt Barbara

Remembering My Mom

The memories today are so hard
to bear,
As sharp as if it was today
not years and years ago.

The pain today is so hurtful,
As if it was today
not years and years ago.

I cry out in rage for what
could have been, but
never will be.

I wish I could go back in time,
Feel the love, touch, caring,
smell, the Everything
That once was,
That never will be.

Life has played a dirty trick
on me.
Will I ever be able to forget?
No not forget.

Will the pain ever be
not as great
as if it was today
But years and years ago,

That I lost my mother!

Written July 4,1986 We were living in an apartment while waiting for our house to be built.
My mom died in 1968. I still think about her almost everyday. I was 15 years old and my brother Greg was 6 years old.

Maine 1995

My husband and I were very fortunate that we have taken 2 or 3 month long vacations. I thought it would be fun ( for me anyway) to look back on these trips. I thought I would divide my posts by states. Gerald said 3 month long vacations.

Day 22 ~ Ellsworth Motel ~ Ellsworth, Maine ~ one double bed, no air conditioner, a fan and a small bathroom $47.08 AAA

Day 23 ~ Checked out

Acacia National Park on Mt. Desert Island $5.00. We drove the 27 mile loop road that connects Acadia's lakes, mountains, and seashore.

Sand Beach ~ partially formed of shell fragments. It's the only sand beach in Acadia National Park ~ all the others are pebbles and rock. On the right were large cliffs and boulders with seaweed and barnacles.

Thunder Hole ~ waves crashed into a narrow chasm and exploded in sound and spray.

Otter Cliff Otter Point, Fabbri ~ we stopped for a picnic lunch.

Our next stop was to look at a bridge made out of stone. All around it were millions of mussels and snails. It is chilly out.

Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain ~ at 1,530, it's the highest point on the US Atlantic seaboard. We drove to the top and then walked around the summit. The wind was blowing about 40mph. It was a dense fog with occasional clear spots. We could see Bar Harbor. Within 2 to 3 minutes conditions could be extremely foggy or clear.

Stopped back at Thunder Hole

Bucksport, Maine ~ $42.80 AAA 2 double beds, no air conditioner, a nice sized room.

Day 24 ~ #1 S ~ crossed a high suspension bridge over Penobscot River

Searsport ~ took a side street to view Penobscot Bay ~ crossed over Penobscot River ~ mountains and tress all around us

Cameden ~ a seaside town nestled beneath the Camden Hills. We walked a little and went in a wood shop called Once a Tree. Then we walked out to a harbor in Camden Bay and saw a fleet of schooners.

Gas $1.19 a gallon

Freeport ~ home of LL Bean ~ both sides of the streets were lined with stores. First we went to LL Bean which is open 24 hours 365 days a year. It had 4 levels and we spent a long time looking around. Then we went to the Levis store and looked around there. In the area there were more than 100 retail shops and name brand outlets. Stopped at a stand and got a hot dog. My hot dog was long and skinny and the buns were strange looking. The top and sides looked like regular bread folded in half and the bottom was like and end piece of bread.

Portland ~ We drove around the Back Cove on #1S. Portland is the largest city in Maine. We drove though part of the downtown area.

Saco, Maine ~ Eastview Motel ~ $58.85 AAA nice room with 1 double bed

Old Orchard Beach ~ shops and more shops and food places

Cascade Restaurant ~ I had a whole lobster, salad, roll and baked potato $9.95 Gerald had sirloin tips, salad, rice and a roll $9.95

Anthony, our waiter had to show me how to crack and get the meat out of the lobster. Messy! Had to were a bib!!

Day 25 ~ Cascade Restaurant $4.99 each for the buffet

Kennebunkport ~ We saw former President Bush's vacation retreat. It overlooked a rocky inlet. There were 3 different houses on the property and 1 was larger than the others. Two limos were in the driveway and about 3 other cars and also 2 bikes. While we were there we saw Barbara Bush and her dog walking. Gerald reminded me that Mrs. Bush waved to us!!

Qgunquit ~ beach ~ very small with thousands of people

York ~ beach ~ miles upon miles of cars parked at meters

Maine was absolutely breathtaking!!! I wish that I had been more descriptive in my journal. Look at the gas, food and hotel/motel prices. They sure have changed.

Happy Easter

Past and Present ~ Me 1959 and my grandson 2010