Invite! & Day 288 Cookie Jar Sweet Memories-book IV

 

Welcome!

 

Check out my books:

 

visit: Amazon books; search: Carl Schuler

(available for Kindle & e-readers and in paperback)

 

Creed of the Mountain Man

Station Master

...And Justice for All

Horizon Dawn

Christmas Treasures

Golden Anniversary (poetry)

Christmas Always (holiday poems)

Syncopate Cadence (poetry)

 

Enjoy!

 

contact: trinitytrace@gmail.com

 

 

 

Plus:

 

 

Day 288

 

 

“Osterhage”, Gummersheimer”---funny German names

to our Southern relatives…especially Jimmy Lee

 

 

When one travels outside their own country, one expects “variations” on word-sounds; within the borders of the “home” state, such anomalies seem somehow---strange!

My maternal ancestors hail from the great state of Tennessee , the southern region of our country. When we visited there, 3 – 4 times a year, it took me a day or two to acclimate my hearing to the not-so-subtle inflexions and accents of my relatives; they shared in the dilemma.

My Uncle brought his family to celebrate Thanksgiving with us in the northern country one year. Young cousin Jimmy Lee had a “hoot” over the etymology of some of the German names.

Osterhage! Gummersheimer! And, many of the other sur-titles sent Jim-bo into laughter.

We had a good time with the discovery; a good sense of humor goes a long way. Bravo!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Masgoot!” Memories



 

 

 



Day 287 CJSM-book IV

Day 287

 

 

Playing poker at Threlkeld’s---

John walked out with all our money

 

 

Seemed we could always find entertainment for the group; always a party.

In Tennessee, we would get a watermelon, lay it in a wash tub and fill the vessel with chipped ice. Taking the treat to Shelby Park in East Nashville, we would play some family softball or sit around the pavilion on picnic table or take a stroll for a few hours while the melon chilled.

When the ice had about half-way melted surrounding the green-treat with sloshy ice water, a warm palm applied flat against the cold rind immediately tingled the hand---it’s ready!

The clan would gather around for some good eating. Granny! Granddaddy! Mom! Dad! Sisters! Brothers! Uncles! Aunts! Cousins! Friends! Guests! What a fantastic party!

We could muster that same enthusiasm at the farm or Fox Lake or a state or city park; anywhere we managed to gather for fun and games and entertainment. I cherished the events.

We even played a bit of cards, one time or another; I reckon that’s so. Sure enough!

My brother and I held all night poker games in my parents’ kitchen when I was in high school and college; Dad always managed to stay up until dawn; generally he was in bed by 9:00 pm.

Later, when we started wheeling and dealing in real estate, just as we were readying to move to Oregon, we put our 214 acre farm up for sale selling the new house with some acreage. Needing a place to move, I purchased 73-acres contiguous to our remaining 200-acre farm property; it had another farmstead with buildings and a very nice house on it and we moved in. This gave us control over the entire operation, absent our house we had sold.

Then, in the spring, quite out of the blue, as we were packing our belongings for the trek west in August of that same year, I got a late evening call. A man I had dealt with ten years earlier who had 80-acres for sale had declined my offer to buy his property---now…he called and wanted me to buy it!? He made me an offer “I couldn’t refuse” and we closed the deal.

We had one huge bar-b-que for a number of people there one fine Sunday and numerous other celebrations for family and friends in the six months we owned the farm. A real delight!

The 73-acre farm we purchased had a nice house and out buildings on it; we played poker there; on Thanksgiving night my brother walked away with all the chips; he was always lucky!

Before we vacated the Midwest for the Pacific Northwest in August of 1989, we had liquidated all of our real estate holdings---cashed-out…laughing all the way to the bank! (I spent it---all!)

Maybe I never had any real plan (I despise rules where my life is going is concerned), but, I managed to do well-enough, I reckon, sure enough. Truly had one Great life---still am!

Wonder what I might have accomplished if I had followed the procedures?---Hmm!...Nah!!!

 

“Sweet-life-Crazy-man!”

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Daring-life!” Memories! (Ha! Ha!)

 

Day 286 CJSM-book IV

Day 286

 

 

“Canning”-days---it was so hot in the kitchen

 

 

Daughter Becky got me to relent on my “swearing=off” of gardens. When I was a kid, my Dad had a vegetable garden in our back yard, a very large one at my Grandma’s house, three doors away and another at the “farm” with the great-Mother of all gardens and another three hundred tomato plants on a separate plot and a full acre of sweet corn. He managed to keep me fairly busy with “work” but I somehow still found time enough for “boy”-exploits. My poor parents must have prayed for the vey kind of Kids that I won---but…they got Me! Luck-o-the-draw? I reckon.

So, as time passed and I got out on my own, I swore-off the “gardening” treasure. For good!

Then, one fine day, after I move our little family to a real farm, daughter Becky comes to me one fine Saturday morning with her lovely, sweet-smiling face (I did not know what she wanted, had no idea, but, I knew I’d give in---I sure enough did!).

Those sparkling blue eyes danced in her six year young tender face and inquire with that lilt of an unspoken “Please! Daddy!”---“Can we have a garden?”…”Yes!” I smiled, softly.

We got out the pick-up and went to town, 11 miles, picked out a nice roto-tiller; went to work.

She helped like a champion; no chore to daunting or difficult; made the project a pleasure.

Then, the little village a mile from our residence had an annual Octoberfest with crafts and food and such festival-celebrations; Little Rachel “rented” a booth with her own money, set up shop and sold the produce from “our” garden. Pumpkins and gourds and Luffa; made a killing!

That girl sure enough had a knack for making money! Always!

Poor Nanny caught the brunt of the “garden”-experience; she canned all the vegetables that we did not consume fresh, or, give away. The entire family has a giving nature.

Beth got roped into the “canning”-culture---and, brother…was it ever hot!

We do not like to use the air conditioning in the house; we had a pool and enjoyed it every day. But, canning is a “hot” task, at best. We had an attic fan that blew stifling air around!?

I can’t say that I ever “hated” the garden; it’s just that my Dad had so much of it. I reckon he used it to keep a troublesome son (somewhat) occupied---nice try…I never was much of a saint!

Actually, I like to work, enjoy the “fruits” of my labor; like to do a good job.

My wife and kids sure enough aren’t lazy; that farm endeavor tested all of our metal.

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Squirrels are in the corn!” Memories!

 

American Requiuem & Day 285 CJSM-book IV

American Requiem

(Praise! Honor! Glory!)

 

Jungle: 2 am: “Saddle up! Ten minutes! You’re ready!”

City: 8 pm: Phone: “Meet at City Hall! Stay steady.”

 

Conscripted from school, uniformed then offered a rifle

Injustice-taught; excuses practiced-sought; fault-stifle

 

Discipline-exact! Training-true! Patriotic-courage Proud-found!

Mob-rule chaos! “Herd”-mentality wild! Cadence hate-chant sound!

 

“Green”-bees off-key sing: “Death seeks you!” Night cold-horror black!

Blue-line holds! Shield bottle-rocks! Windows-shatter! Inventory-sack!

 

Adrenaline secures slight fright as I send red-racers killing-fire

Disrespect: Law! Man! Myself! Complicit-“Lie” media-conspire

 

Grey smoke clears, dust settles; I find my buddy stone-cold shot-dead

Violent-curse free country; burn red-white-blue flag; complain instead

 

Full-throttle, flaps-down, catapult-thrust silver war-bird o’er sea-waves

This criminal fractures same law “free-speech” my bacon handy-saves

 

Joe College-Cool atheist-avowed---Green-tracers close? “Dear Lord-God!”

Immune-excused! Irresponsible-Immature simply innocent-naïve smile-nod

 

Desert-sand scours white teeth as another revolution-despot makes moot point

“Under arrest?” Said scum-cop, handcuffed, he purposely crushed my weed-joint

 

Filled black body-bags C-130 cargo-hold like cordwood military-stacked

So very angry I might lie though I may not know why; I just feel “hacked”

 

Soldier’s mother answers cold knock-thud---fainted…forever despair-cry ever after

Protest!? My right. Obey-the-law!? No-respect! I offer Hate-speech ugly-laughter

 

Echo hollowed-halls “Royal-elite” empty silk-suit smirking-liar king

Votes-purchased insane surreptitious defiled-web forked-tongue sing

Hero-true worthy value-virtue Love give life for friend a sacred thing

Shackle justice holy Constitution-“plan”; Lie reverent-truth vacant ring

 

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Allelu---u…ia!

 

 Amen!---Amen!...Amen!

Plus:




Day 285

 

 

Candy covers her head with a tissue to

go to Mass to see her “man”

 

 

Thanksgiving Eve, 1964, I was cruising down Main Street in our little town and spied this little-cutie sashaying down the Boulevard in the chill evening air; I had seen Miss Candy around town, at least, a time or two, over the years; tonight was my chance---and…I struck! Hmm!

Pulling over to the curb (I recall the exact spot even to this day) and rolled down the passenger-window. “Would you like a ride on a cold night?” I inquired as Cool as James Bond.

Must have been a pretty good imitation---because…she got right in and slid right over.

She had once “teased” me way back yonder when I was a “tender” 12 and had just taken the entrance test for the seminary to study for the priesthood. (Yeah! Really!) I was cutting down a tree for my Grandma on her property line and pretty brown-eyed Candy had moseyed down the side street adjacent to me and had yelled across the garden, “Don’t hurt yourself! Big Boy!”

Wow! I couldn’t believe such a sophisticated beauty had ventured to speak to me!? Hmm!

So, a bit later, we became “good” friends. I attended Midnight Mass each Christmas Eve at the Catholic Church in town, even served mass on most holiday celebrations; Candy found out about my vigil-exploits and came to that mass one festival-eve Learning that Catholic girls covered their heads when in attendance of mass, she bobby-pinned a white Clean-X to her head.

She did just fine with her surreptitious endeavor to see “her man”, but, I wasn’t at the mass!

If she had not tried to surprise me and let me know she would be there---I would have been.

Well! Let’s see now? Oh! Yeah! We managed to get together---just fine…for 54 years!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “What was I praying for?” Memories!

Day 284 CJSM-book IV

Day 284

 

 

Becky was the 1^st in the pool every Spring---

Blue lips & all, insisting she was not cold

 

 

The best day of spring was opening the pool for summer-fun; the worst, closing it!

We sure enough enjoyed the hijinks of hot weather excitement---Love! The pool!

Of course, the main “kid” (me---not, the girls) just had to be the “first” to squeal as I cannonballed into the near-ice water. Never too early to cause some fun and excitement for all.

Truth is: I got “edicated” quickly about the frigid water and early-on I conscripted younger daughter Becky to take over the “honors” which she gladly did; saved my “tender” body many times. (Secretly, I envied her courage; terrible thing to make the “old man” look bad. Damn! It!)

The opening of the pool is a springtime sacred-ritual for the family; each added to the joy.

And, as soon as the water warmed enough that we did not put little Becky into shock. She always showed an intrepid-spirit (I think she was just too proud to show any timidity---Just a thought…the little daredevil). I would be filling the pool with water after it’s winter shut down and partial draining and winter-proofing, checking out all the equipment making sure it was in good working order for the festivities. Becky would get out her little round blow-up float-y and slip into the cold water; within minutes, her lips would have turned blue and she shivered like a bowl full of Jell-o! But, she wasn't cold!? Oh! No! Don’t make me get out of the pool.

Good thing, I reckon, Lady Candice has some good sense---I might have let her…freeze!?

Pretty soon, the cowards acquiesced to Becky’s intelligence; within a few weeks, we were all in the “freezer” for fun and games. Actually, it kind of grows on you---after a while…Frozen!

Thanks! Becky! For showing the “city-type” swimmers how a country-girl does it.

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Cannonball! Ye-ha!” Memories!.

Day 283 CJSM-book IV

Day 283

 

 

Soccer games---indoor & out

 

 

Reckon we sure enough spent a majority of our time with the kids. Great!

Lauren, Anna Marie and our Lexli-Lu played soccer, as did Z. Tyler and we saw all the games.

Miss Lauren participated in softball for a time with Anna and Lexi and was pretty good.

I taught Z.-man to play golf (like I knew anything about it) and by the time he was 12 I quit cheating on the score card so he could win; I could no longer beat him. As a sophomore he played school team golf; they did not allow spectators. He told me that one day he was on a 330 yard par 4 with a creek 30 yards his side of the green. He dragged out his “Big Bertha” driver and the coach told him to put it away, get out his 3-wood and “lay-up”.

Z. whacked the driver. The ball soared over the creek, bounced and rolled to within 12 feet of the flag! He missed many an afternoon of school from little on as Bapa taught him to play Hookie! Like I always claim: Taught that boy everything he knows---even…the bad stuff.

He is still the outstanding athlete, as are our girls. We watched them play indoor soccer, too.

Life has been{ Great! I don’t care what they do, just so I can participate! Amen!

 

Ah! Cookie jar Sweet “Score!” Memories!

Day 282 CJSM-book IV

Day 280

 

 

Alexandria Elizabeth (Lexi-Lu) – March 18, 2003

 

 

One of six (6) perfect days in this life---Lexli-Lu…Love you! Girl! Forever & a day!

I clearly remember each of the “birth” days of our children and grandchildren; such pure joy!

Of course, each of them have grown and matured into fine young American people; Reckon my “issue” is that we were “kids” together---they grew up…I never managed that challenge. Now, I’m all alone in my mind’s child’s-existence---Gee!...It’s lonely in the “adult” world.

Lady Candice humors me, mostly. Poor girl. Patience of Job! A “saint”! An “angel”!

Our Lexi sports big, intelligent brown eyes, thick, curly, blonde hair, an angelic face and personality enough to share with others. Smart! Like the others with an incredible I-Q! So Sweet! And, each of these sacred blessings is so Good and kind to a fault that it hurts. Bravo!

Miss Lex is quite the talented athlete, also. She dances ballet, modern, tap and jazz. She has already had an exciting soccer career; plays an excellent game of softball, rides horses like the wild-wind, cooks and bakes, is on the high school color-guard flag-squad performing at football games; she is now 14 years old and a freshman. She sings, writes very well, is a fine artist, plays piano, flute and picked up Nanny’s psaltery one day and within a minute, or so, bowed out a fine rendition of “Twinkle! Twinkle! Little star!”. Amazing! Talent! Unlimited.

Each of these children ought to be modeling; they have the looks, intelligence and poise for it.

Each is an obvious “head-turner” (they each claim that “boys” are useless---we’ll see); when they “dress-up”…Oh! Wow! Look out Miss Melania! Just---absolutely…Gorgeous!

Her “big” brother, Z. Tyler, 16 years her senior, loves Lexi more than life; she reciprocates. The two are as close they could possibly be and it is patently obvious to all who see them.

The entire family is extremely close. Daughters Beth and Becky are friends. Beth’s children: Z. Tyler and Lexi are very tight with Becky and her girls: Lauren and Anna Marie, Miss Lauren is 16 and driving (chauffeuring) her kid sister and cousin; Anna Marie and Lexi are the same age and are in class at high school together. We spend all our “free” time with the kids. Delightful!

They are all extremely talented, Good people, Worthy citizens---and…Valuable!

The girls babysit “Bapa”, sometimes. They secretly allow that he can be “a handful”! Hmm!

We love you! Girls! Each and every one of you! And, of course, our man, Z. Tyler.

You all sure enough make Santa Claus’ life easy and exciting. Thank you!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Love you more each day!” Memories!

 

 

Day 281 CJSM-book IV

Day 281

 

 

“Who gets the books?”

“NO! Who gets the books?”

 

 

Somewhere along the journey, I recon that I actually learned to read---at least…a little.

When we got around to buying our first house, I took on remodeling the old place; I built in a 4’ book shelf; three years later, we sold the property. Coincidentally, the book shelves were full.

Building our first new home, I constructed built-in shelves in our basement family room totaling 12’ in length. Six years later, I sold the ten-acre property as the shelves filled up.

Our next home was on the 214-acre farm and I built in 24’ of book shelves beginning to fill those cavities; in eleven years we managed to fill those spaces, also then moved to Oregon.

By then, the kids were young adults; we took the “kids” and the books with us.

When Becky was about five, or so, we were loaded up in the old chariot going to the mall on a shopping trip (probably to buy some---books…to fill the shelves!?) when younger daughter Becky leaned forward from the rear seat and inquired, out of the blue, “Who gets the books when you die?” Well! Now! Funny! I reckon, the things that spin around in a child’s head.

Well! Lady Candice and I had a good laugh at that bombshell---I hadn’t considered…Dying!

Elder daughter Beth was in the back seat but Rachel somehow managed to confine her to a corner while Becky took center stage between the front seats to dominate Mom and Dad; in a later time, Beth would become a lawyer; that day she seemed as speechless as her parents.

Ever since, the “Who gets the books?” query comes up and we all enjoy a good laugh.

At the time of the “Question” from Innocence!?, ole Dad mustered his “dim”-wit with a reply of: Girls! We are going to leave each of you a million dollars---in…Debt! I laughed at that!

Hmm! All these years later after I got done with my “financial” acumen---I just might!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Read me a bedtime story?” Memories!

Day 280 CJSM-book IV

Day 280

 

 

Mom---“Beth! Go wake up Dad!”

Beth---“Becky! Go wake up Dad!

 

 

Once I got my “lazy” butt out of the comfy bed, I managed well-enough. I reckon!

As a “kid” I despised having to stop the fun game-of-life to come into the house to eat; bed time hurt even worse (what a waste of 8-hours a day); my teen years found me out “late”, or, perhaps, “early” as dawn often greeted my return home from yet another wild night of “fun”.

Once civilized (somewhat---I reckon…sure enough) with a wife and kids of my own, I came to treasure the overnight respite finding getting up early in the morning a real chore. Of course, if chasing the ole whitetails or “quacking” feathered-friends was in the offing---well…I am all-in!

So, a I “matured?” and the kids grew, waking old Dad in the morning to get a jump on the day-at-hand became a “problem” none of the family cherished---not in the least!

I did not eat breakfast as that “waste-of-time” could be best devoted to additional “sleep”.

Lady Candice had the distasteful task of waking me for several years until daughter Beth received the assignment. Since Candy had wrought the un-kind conclusions of having to wake me for too many years, she had palmed the tedious, and un-rewarding, chore to Beth; very quickly, as soon as practicable, Miss Beth diverted the assignment to little Rachel Rebecca.

They claim I was not receptive of Candy’s or Beth’s morning fiats, but that I never crabbed at Becky (I don’t remember it that way, but, Oh! Well!). Becky came into my bedroom and made animal sounds to awaken me. Then, I’d wrestler her into bed and we would play. Hmm!

So? If the old walls could talk and tell their humorous tales, I reckon they’d go like this:

 

Mom: ”Beth! Go wake up Dad!”

Beth: “Becky! Go wake up Dad!”

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Go away!” Memories!

Day 279 CJSM-book IV

Day 279

 

 

Going to Floyd Niebreugge’s to

play with the Morgan horses

 

 

We bought a little 14.2 hands white Welsh pony for daughter Beth as she had fallen in love with horses; in the bargain through horse trading on the purchase price I gained an old, black western saddle, worn, but in serviceable condition. I rode in that saddle for several years; Beth had gotten a new “Youth”-saddle from good ole Santa Claus for Christmas. Merry Christmas!

Somewhere along the experience, the family came to love the Morgan-horse breed, best.

A farmer in our region raised Morgans; each spring he boasted a new brood of foals; soon it became a family-tradition to visit the Morgan-farm to view the newborns---and…dream.

We finally purchased our first Morgan gelding: Mitchie Cammander!

This human-friendly steed was a magnificent creature, eager to please and loving of people. He and daughter Beth were best friends and I loved to ride the equine, too. We sure enough had us quite some adventures with old Commander; horse shows through 4-H, trail rides and just plain ole fun. When Becky required a horse of her own, Morgan-mare Midget joined our “herd”- a Christmas present for both girls.

We branched out in our choice of breeds over the years; the Morgan remained our favorite.

“Fun” is where one might search it out; we found our own in Faith! Family! Freedom!

 

Thanks! Floyd! And, Thank God---for the …Morgan-breed! Amen!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Getty-up!” Memories!

Day 278 CJSM-book IV

Day 278

 

 

Taking Graig & Dad to the casino

 

 

Yeah! That’s the “guy”!---Heard he will absolutely “corrupt”…anyone! Even, nuns!

Umm! Hmm! I took three nuns to the race track! (Pray for me! Please!)

So? One fine Christmas Day, I decide to go to the casino! Wow! A stretch---even…for me!

Well! Of course, Lady Candice refused to go (reckon she really does want to get to heaven---one day…50+ years with me pretty much precludes such futile wishes, I guess) and the kids were still too young to go (can’t gamble until 21---too young…I’m too old! But, still dumb!

So? I conscripted son-in-law Graig to go (much to daughter Beth’s chagrin), but, like Miss Candy of the wife-persuasion, she knew better than to “reform” Dad. Brother John was visiting from Chicago-town for the holiday-event and it took little coaxing to enlist his presence.

Brother John is lucky, for the most part; especially at gambling. (But, I won the lottery $100k)

Anyway, off we go, three hopeful, bright-eyed Christmas-elves wishing for riches and fame.

Well! Graig promptly lost his $10.00 and sulked angrily at his “bad”-Luck! I soon joined him.

Brother John was winning at Black-jack and didn’t want to leave the “lucky”-table gold-mine!

Losers Graig and “Carlos” stood stupidly-by watching the Chicago-kid add to his holdings. We were right next to a bank of slot machines where a rather “large” woman with an even bigger mouth and a boisterous screech was winning even more than “Lucky”-John! $3-Grand! As brother-John was walking up to Graig and I while shoving his winnings in his bulging pockets explaining that he had a turn of “cold”-luck and asking what we were watching.

The slot player’s husband walked up about the same time brother-John reached the broke-“spectators”. The “large”-gal wildly gesticulated her acumen to her spindly husband; he stood dumbfounded, apparently used to such treatment at the hands of his “Lucky”-mate.

Brother innocently inquired, “What’s going on?”

Before I could answer, Graig, already quite upset about his losses, shouted out in response, “She’s winning some more money to buy groceries to feed her fat-ass!”

The “Pa Kettle”-husband look-alike gave the three of us a sly look and a weak smile as we quietly and unobtrusively retreated with Lucky-John smiling and two “losers” grimacing.

Maybe it was my sin to gamble on Christmas, and, I corrupted two innocents (one Lucky, the other like me) so the punishment might have been deserved. Hmm!

Anyway, the story makes for “Great” Christmas holiday lore. Even, I, can smile at the tale.

 

I still “gamble” the lottery---can’t win…if you don’t play! I reckon!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “7 come 11!) Memories!

 

 

Day 277 CJSM-book IV

Day 277

 

 

Roaring fires and sleeping in the living room

 

 

Must have been a big ole Grizzly-bear in a previous life---love Winter…love to sleep!

When the snow flies---I’m in heaven! Fire up the ole fireplace, or wood burner---Voila!

When we got lucky enough for the deep snow to cause school to be cancelled the next day, I’d fire up the logs, lay out bedding on the living room floor for a “camp-out” and sleep there.

Just begin with a clean hearth for the bed, crumple newspaper tightly and lay dried kindling on the wads (about two handsful). Shove a piece, or two, of crumpled paper up the chimney with the flue open if the chamber is filled with cold air (depends on outside temperature). Light this chimney paper and as soon as the smoke is drawn up the confinement, fire the paper in the hearth with tinder lying on it. When the kindling ignites, add slightly larger dry pieces to the flames and gradually increase the size of the fuel pieces. When a good glow blazes in the firebox, lay a 3 – 4 inch log on either side of the fire; across these, add larger logs until the fire is roaring; usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, tend the flames and enjoy the warmth and ambiance. Mmm!

I like to start with oak logs; it gives the best heat and starts easily. Occasionally I add ash as it is the second best uniform heat. Cedar is a “fun” fuel adding mock fireworks to the display as it erupts in “mini”-explosions when tiny water droplets trapped in the cedar wood heats to boiling and explodes in its escape to the surface. Hickory adds a pleasing aroma to the experience.

Any fire that warms the body and satiates the spirit is a “good” reason for the effort.

The kids loved it (probably mostly because school was cancelled), I loved it; Candy, too!

Just another exquisite adventure for the family with life with a “kid”-Gypsy out for fun!

And, the following morning? A huge breakfast prepared by Dad. Then, winter-wear for horseback riding in the drifts and saucer riding in the long field behind the truck; finally, as we reluctantly watched the ole winter-sun set, a bonfire for hot dogs, marshmallows and hot chocolate. Nothing like a gourmet-feast under a cold moon in the warmth of Family! & Love!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “I smell---snow!” Memories!

Day 276 CJSM-book IV

Day 276

 

 

Bapa’s “the old candy in the shirt belly-ache”

 

 

Kids bring out the best in me---maybe not very good…but, it’s the very best I can do!

Reckon I’m in my element when the kids show up. Of course! I never grew-up!

As the girls grew and then the grandkids came along and developed to maturity, I found my meaning in providing constant “humor” and fun in making them laugh. Clown-city!

So? I continuously come up with new routines to keep them entertained. Challenging!

One of my favorite ploys is to visit the kids and come in with my shirt billowed out at the stomach-area while I moan and groan about a severe belly ache. The kids have learned to immediately attack my mid-section with eager hands and sparkle in their eyes as they search the interior of my cache for the “goodies” I have hidden there. Finding the treats, they squeal with delight. It doesn’t matter what the “present” might be, it’s the silly game that’s important.

Especially at Christmas---when ole Santa is at his Raving-lunatic very best…let the games begin! Wild-times guarantee that this festive holiday celebration will be the best---yet! And, it is!

Uh! Oh! Gotta go, now! Feel a “belly-ache” coming on; need some candy to hide in my shirt!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Surprise” Memories!