Merry St. Wenceslaus Day to all! Here, in Czech Republic, it is a national holiday as he is the patron saint of Bohemia. It was nice that we had a day to relax and celebrate. Even the pope came to visit us today and helped block continuous traffic flow throughout the day. I believe that the Catholic Pope has even more security than President Obama when he came to Prague last year. The Pope's secret security is very intense. You could see everyday looking people occasionally pull out a walkie-talkie and mumble something low in Italian like, "I think the coast is clear", or "Does this disquise make my butt look big?" Oscar and I were too busy recovering from a marvelous weekend in Germany to spend time tracking down the pope. Our day was spent much like the reign of King Wenceslaus, (Kral Vaclave), relaxing, joyful, but still too short.
This school year has been very very busy and I'm thankful for even just this short vacation. This year I have a large classroom of 23 new students. It was more busy in the beginning, but now it feels smoother. Most of the children are settling into the routine and there are still a few that are taking time to adjust, but such is life.
Since coming back to Czech Republic, I've spent a lot of time trying to rid my body of Poison Oak. Although I thought it was finished after a strong perscription of steroids, it has persisted for a little longer on my left knee. Now it seems to be dying off, but the occasional itch reminds me that perhaps its here for good. If, however, it chooses to move onto another body or just disappear, I may be a little sad. It has been with me for longer than any other rash or even pimple. It allows me to tell people my exciting California adventure story and re-count the wonderful time I had this past summer. Such is life.......
Speaking of life, watching the wedding of my Aunt Angi to my new Uncle Ron was a phenomenal event this summer. Although I was a bit scratchy and at one point I tried walking through a glass door, the fun never stopped. I hope they continue filling one-another with joy every day and, on occasion, a fun surprise. Nothing says love like fun surprises.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
July 22, 2009
July 22, 2009
In a six-day stint in Indianapolis, there was more to see and do than time for it to be accomplished. It was a very short and sweet tour of my hometown. Thankfully, my brother and his wife hosted me for this round of visits and I was able to see old friends around the time of a wonderful wedding celebration. Certain goals were in mind before the trip. The main goal was to clean out my things from my parent’s house. Another goal was to research how to file taxes from abroad. Other goals included meeting up with friend and seeing the city in a new light. The agenda was more or less fulfilled with a few surprises, laughs, and banana grams.
Upon landing in the airport, I sensed how developed and progressed this city has become. The new airport is shaped much like a new European style airport and offers relaxing artistic touches around each corner. My favorite was an area close to the new baggage claim that features furniture created from vintage suitcases. Outside there are fields of grass so well manicured that it might be mistaken for a miniature golf course. On the drive to my brother’s house, I observed the development of homes around the downtown area and development of shops and museums. Currently, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is hosting an exhibit on treasures from King Tut’s tomb and other finds in various ancient excavation points throughout Egypt. The giant statues that surround the exterior of this museum are life-like and inviting.
The first day was cleaning day. The afternoon was spent going through boxes in my old room and handing them to Natalie with instructions of trash, goodwill, donations to a specific party, or ship to Czech Republic. In a few hours, the room was cleared its wall of boxes and all drawers were emptied. My sewing machine is still there, but the cost of shipping is too much. I am asking it to travel with my next future visitor. The rest is history. There is no greater joy than knowing that the stuff you’ve collected in life is ultimately stuff and realistically a burden for families to clean once life passes. A few jewels stay for generations, but even those need to be kept at a BARE minimum to really stand out and shine.
Many letters were accumulated throughout the years and the most important ones were saved. My grandparents, parents, brothers, friends, and distant relatives wrote such letters to me. One set of letters was from my great Uncle Eddie, who is Evelyn’s brother. We started corresponding from the time that I met him at Florence’s funeral until his death just a few years later. He was around for only the day of the funeral, but his straightforward way of talking with soft smiles impressed me greatly. I wanted to share parts of my life with him in letters and a few drawings. In return he shared news of Florida such as the weather and life on his property. At the end of his first letter, he included $100 and a note that “Here’s some money and if you need anymore, just ask your grandparents. They’re loaded”.
I never expected anything more than correspondence with a newly discovered fabulous relative. His writing was always so fresh and inviting that his death came with a great blow to my heart. It was a similar unexpected feeling to how I felt when George Carlin died. His funeral was in Michigan where I first met his daughters and grandchildren. I’m not sure how their relationship was with their father/grandfather. He was private and realistic, but I’m sure it was a difficult time for them. Although our time in knowing one another was short, Eddie made a greater impact in my life than any of my other great aunts or uncles.
Another set of letters that was saved came from my grandfather Ralph. His beautiful cursive writing is instantly recognizable. His words were also fresh and realistic, but they were deeply personal. He wrote frequently to family and friends. The art of writing was one of his greatest masteries and in an age where writing feels like a lost art, he provided the greatest inspiration to keep contact. Evelyn lost more than just her greatest love and support when Ralph died. She grieves every day very privately. Perhaps just as privately as Ralph’s letters dictated to those he loved most.
Three boxes were shipped back to the Czech Republic and one suitcase was filled with its maximum weight for travel, (23 kilos or 50 pounds). I invited people to come and take whatever they liked and a few ladies came. The parts most enjoyed in this trip were the meetings of friends and families. By getting rid my material goods, these meetings were even more enjoyable.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 14, 2009
July 14, 2009
As a child I remember my grandmother as a great aficionado of CNBC. This was mentioned previously, but it shocks me that she still indulges most of her day in the financial network. As a child, the funniest part of CNBC was the ticker tape at a constant run across the television screen. The reporter could have been a terrier and still my focus would have been the stock market. I feel that as a child growing up in the 1980s, I had a better chance at the market than I do as an adult.
The ticker tape still scrolls across the screen, but now it feels like there are more financial programs and less tape. There are many hours where I have to leave the house in order to avoid people like Jim Cramer. Perhaps there were similar sound-effect specialists screwing with people’s finances in the 1980s, but it never kept me from enjoying a quick game of Rock’em Sock’em with my brothers. Despite the nauseating shouting, Evelyn’s main interest is still in the stocks. She follows the market whenever it is open and when it is closed, her sub-conscious is following it. She may not remember which fruit she had for breakfast, but she can always tell you if the market was up or down, (to an exact percentile), on the day that you ask.
This week I will travel back to Indianapolis in order to gather some belongings and see a friend’s wedding. I will stop by Evelyn and Ralph’s old house during my time in Indy. I’ve heard that the current owners have re-done the home both inside and out. Before the house was sold, two years were spent just throwing out what was not needed and moving the rest into a new ranch-style home. Because the main focus was to get as much out as quickly as possible, very few considerations went into remodeling. Besides, the lime-green carpeting might have been in someone’s interest.
When my grandmother began a Montessori school in Indianapolis, it was first in her basement. This was an easy access point for my aunt Annette. Annette has Down's syndrome and in the 1960s, there were few options in education for people with special needs. Evelyn researched various methods of alternative education including Montessori education. At the time, there were no Montessori schools in Indianapolis and very few in the United States, (or the rest of the world). She completed a correspondence course with St. Nicolas training center in England. After completing her training, she began the school to give her daughter a chance in education. My aunt was able to complete high school and is still living in Indianapolis close to my mother. This August she will be 49 years old.
Although the school moved to a church basement and then to its current building in the early 1980s, Montessori materials or other educational materials were found in the final move from the main home. At the time that I was throwing out materials, my grandmother knew that I was studying Montessori education and encouraged me to take whatever I wanted. It seemed that the basement's mold and sludge had first dibs. Piles of water-stained booklets, toys and manipulatives were all that was left of one of the first Montessori Schools in Indiana. I wonder if the current owners have any idea of the amount of educational history that took place in their home. Perhaps in their renovations they found a few jewels of educational history. Perhaps after I threw out most of the rotten materials, they were able to un-earth brand new Montessori materials and start a revolution in education! I can't wait to see whet they found!
As a child I remember my grandmother as a great aficionado of CNBC. This was mentioned previously, but it shocks me that she still indulges most of her day in the financial network. As a child, the funniest part of CNBC was the ticker tape at a constant run across the television screen. The reporter could have been a terrier and still my focus would have been the stock market. I feel that as a child growing up in the 1980s, I had a better chance at the market than I do as an adult.
The ticker tape still scrolls across the screen, but now it feels like there are more financial programs and less tape. There are many hours where I have to leave the house in order to avoid people like Jim Cramer. Perhaps there were similar sound-effect specialists screwing with people’s finances in the 1980s, but it never kept me from enjoying a quick game of Rock’em Sock’em with my brothers. Despite the nauseating shouting, Evelyn’s main interest is still in the stocks. She follows the market whenever it is open and when it is closed, her sub-conscious is following it. She may not remember which fruit she had for breakfast, but she can always tell you if the market was up or down, (to an exact percentile), on the day that you ask.
This week I will travel back to Indianapolis in order to gather some belongings and see a friend’s wedding. I will stop by Evelyn and Ralph’s old house during my time in Indy. I’ve heard that the current owners have re-done the home both inside and out. Before the house was sold, two years were spent just throwing out what was not needed and moving the rest into a new ranch-style home. Because the main focus was to get as much out as quickly as possible, very few considerations went into remodeling. Besides, the lime-green carpeting might have been in someone’s interest.
When my grandmother began a Montessori school in Indianapolis, it was first in her basement. This was an easy access point for my aunt Annette. Annette has Down's syndrome and in the 1960s, there were few options in education for people with special needs. Evelyn researched various methods of alternative education including Montessori education. At the time, there were no Montessori schools in Indianapolis and very few in the United States, (or the rest of the world). She completed a correspondence course with St. Nicolas training center in England. After completing her training, she began the school to give her daughter a chance in education. My aunt was able to complete high school and is still living in Indianapolis close to my mother. This August she will be 49 years old.
Although the school moved to a church basement and then to its current building in the early 1980s, Montessori materials or other educational materials were found in the final move from the main home. At the time that I was throwing out materials, my grandmother knew that I was studying Montessori education and encouraged me to take whatever I wanted. It seemed that the basement's mold and sludge had first dibs. Piles of water-stained booklets, toys and manipulatives were all that was left of one of the first Montessori Schools in Indiana. I wonder if the current owners have any idea of the amount of educational history that took place in their home. Perhaps in their renovations they found a few jewels of educational history. Perhaps after I threw out most of the rotten materials, they were able to un-earth brand new Montessori materials and start a revolution in education! I can't wait to see whet they found!
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 13, 2009
July 13, 2009
Although there were many possibilities for writing over the weekend, I felt it would be better spent in other ways. There were travels all over the area including a local restaurant where my father’s cousin played blue’s piano. Time was cherished at the beach watching kite surfers and walking along the wet sand. Yesterday there were also visitors! Joni, (Bernice’s daughter), and her husband came by in time to share some pizza and talk over photo sharing. Both Evelyn and I really loved seeing this pair again. Wherever they are, life feels more energized. Joni also has an incredible talent. She is able to walk into any room anywhere in the world and radiate. It is practically impossible not to smile when she stops in for a visit.
The beach was so inspiring that I thought, won't it be perfect to bring Evelyn by the shore? Her caregiver Annabelle and I made plans to spend the day by the shore on Sunday with Evy, but when asked if she would like to go, she instantly refused. My mother was able to bring her to the beach the last time that she was in California, but lately she has been less interested in transferring from her chair to a car and then back. It is easier for her to go with dial-a-ride, but more expensive. Instead of feeling the breeze by the shore, we took a walk around the block. About halfway through the walk, she recommended taking a break.
The break was refreshing. Evelyn asked why I didn’t want to go to the beach with my young cousins, but I really just wanted to take her. I explained how precious the beach and water is for me and she exclaimed, “So THAT’S why you came to California!” My response was simply, “If I wanted to go to the beach, I could travel to any beach anywhere in the world. There are many beaches, but only one Evelyn Froehlich”. Perhaps she has forgotten how precious she really is in this world, but I have not. The stroll continued leisurely and we reflected more on how nice it is to be in the water. Evelyn said that once she used to swim and dive, but now she is old. She cannot do such things. I told her that she could still probably float. However, floating is not her current forte. A sea of visitors is much more exciting than a day by the sea.
Joni’s shared more about her memories of Evelyn during her visit. She remembered a plane trip that she took at the age of ten to visit Evy and her family in Phoenix, Arizona. As usual, my grandmother was late and Joni waited by herself at the very small Phoenix airport, (Perhaps around 1957?). The first dinner that was presented to Joni was liver and onions. After speaking the words, “liver and onions”, Joni’s face contorted from a radiant smile to an awful grimace. Probably like most children, Joni really hated, (and I imagine still hates), liver and onions. Despite her dislike, she ate it because Evy explained how as the oldest of all the children present, none of the other children would eat it if they saw that she didn’t like it. She managed to stomach it, but never forgot Evy’s words of leadership.
Joni also said that the one thing she wanted to do most in Arizona was to go on a picnic. She had obviously never been to the desert, but her mind was set to go on a picnic. It was the middle of the summer, and what she remembers most about this splendid picnic was not just the heat, but also the frightening number of bees. My grandmother was happy to have a picnic in the middle of the summer in the heart of the desert to fulfill her niece's wish. I'm sure she was equally terrified by the amount of bees, but surely they must have spent a nice time together.
To Joni, Evelyn was always Aunt Evy. Both women glow in one another’s presence. There exists something amazing that people can share with their aunts and uncles, which bridges the gap between friends and family. I feel very sorry for children that despotic or selfish aunts and uncles. They see their family as much smaller and perhaps the world much smaller than it really is. Perhaps we all have a few good A&Us and a few more self-centered A&Us. It is only within our happiness that we see what is good and grow from this.
Although there were many possibilities for writing over the weekend, I felt it would be better spent in other ways. There were travels all over the area including a local restaurant where my father’s cousin played blue’s piano. Time was cherished at the beach watching kite surfers and walking along the wet sand. Yesterday there were also visitors! Joni, (Bernice’s daughter), and her husband came by in time to share some pizza and talk over photo sharing. Both Evelyn and I really loved seeing this pair again. Wherever they are, life feels more energized. Joni also has an incredible talent. She is able to walk into any room anywhere in the world and radiate. It is practically impossible not to smile when she stops in for a visit.
The beach was so inspiring that I thought, won't it be perfect to bring Evelyn by the shore? Her caregiver Annabelle and I made plans to spend the day by the shore on Sunday with Evy, but when asked if she would like to go, she instantly refused. My mother was able to bring her to the beach the last time that she was in California, but lately she has been less interested in transferring from her chair to a car and then back. It is easier for her to go with dial-a-ride, but more expensive. Instead of feeling the breeze by the shore, we took a walk around the block. About halfway through the walk, she recommended taking a break.
The break was refreshing. Evelyn asked why I didn’t want to go to the beach with my young cousins, but I really just wanted to take her. I explained how precious the beach and water is for me and she exclaimed, “So THAT’S why you came to California!” My response was simply, “If I wanted to go to the beach, I could travel to any beach anywhere in the world. There are many beaches, but only one Evelyn Froehlich”. Perhaps she has forgotten how precious she really is in this world, but I have not. The stroll continued leisurely and we reflected more on how nice it is to be in the water. Evelyn said that once she used to swim and dive, but now she is old. She cannot do such things. I told her that she could still probably float. However, floating is not her current forte. A sea of visitors is much more exciting than a day by the sea.
Joni’s shared more about her memories of Evelyn during her visit. She remembered a plane trip that she took at the age of ten to visit Evy and her family in Phoenix, Arizona. As usual, my grandmother was late and Joni waited by herself at the very small Phoenix airport, (Perhaps around 1957?). The first dinner that was presented to Joni was liver and onions. After speaking the words, “liver and onions”, Joni’s face contorted from a radiant smile to an awful grimace. Probably like most children, Joni really hated, (and I imagine still hates), liver and onions. Despite her dislike, she ate it because Evy explained how as the oldest of all the children present, none of the other children would eat it if they saw that she didn’t like it. She managed to stomach it, but never forgot Evy’s words of leadership.
Joni also said that the one thing she wanted to do most in Arizona was to go on a picnic. She had obviously never been to the desert, but her mind was set to go on a picnic. It was the middle of the summer, and what she remembers most about this splendid picnic was not just the heat, but also the frightening number of bees. My grandmother was happy to have a picnic in the middle of the summer in the heart of the desert to fulfill her niece's wish. I'm sure she was equally terrified by the amount of bees, but surely they must have spent a nice time together.
To Joni, Evelyn was always Aunt Evy. Both women glow in one another’s presence. There exists something amazing that people can share with their aunts and uncles, which bridges the gap between friends and family. I feel very sorry for children that despotic or selfish aunts and uncles. They see their family as much smaller and perhaps the world much smaller than it really is. Perhaps we all have a few good A&Us and a few more self-centered A&Us. It is only within our happiness that we see what is good and grow from this.
Friday, July 10, 2009
July 10, 2009
Today Evelyn went to J.C. Penny’s for her weekly hair appointment. Just like last week she was taken to the same stylist who has been setting Evelyn’s hair for many years here in California. The stylist is extremely kind to Evelyn and able to put her hair in the classic short bouffant that she has sported since 2000. Today I will include some photos to give everyone a clearer picture of her!The photo on the left illustrates the DASH bus that brings her to and from the beauty supply store. It is free for residents in her area, but must be ordered one week in advance. The photo on the right shows off her beautiful "birthday cake" from my uncle Bill, (Bam), aunt Jean, Rachael, and Tyler. The blouse was a gift from my aunt Angi. Many other family members and friends sent great cards and flowers for Evelyn's birthday and she was very thankful for it all.
This weekend we will continue to celebrate the gorgeous weather and practice exercising! Evelyn's overall health is remarkable. Despite the incontinence and neuropathy, the most recent doctor's visit proved that her major organs are all functioning well. The doctor just mentioned that she should keep working her muscles, (kicking her legs, bringing her arms up and out, etc.), and walk a few more steps every day. In total she walks around 10-12 steps a day. She should be practicing more in the living room. With the presence of family, (Angi excluded), she often asks people to do things for her that she can do by herself. For example, when I saw her in the bedroom, she asked me to help her with a blouse and I was happy to help. The caregiver Annabelle caught me helping her at the end and explained how she is working hard on getting Evelyn to do things like this by herself. I quickly learned how she easily reverts to lazier behaviors when she knows that loved are present.
This same phenomenon has been witnessed with young children. When young children know that an adult or older child will help them, they become less interested in completing a task independently. After speaking with Annabelle I felt awful for breaking apart the hard work that has been progressing with my grandmother. It angered me that my grandmother would so easily give up on independence. I suppose that once one's body ceases to function normally, it may be easier just to give up in self-pity. No longer will I stand in the way though! I know better and I hope that when the rest of the family comes to visit, they will help to boost her self-esteem in independence. Yesterday I even cheered her on while she took 8 steps to her chair, (typically it is between 3-4 steps)! As a child Evelyn always encouraged me to never stop and perhaps the best way to thank her is to keep encouraging her in life.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Happy Birthday Jimmie!
July 9, 2009
Happy Birthday Jimmie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today is my uncle Jimmie’s special birthday! Therefore, I will share today’s addition with thoughts about him. Wow, now where to start? In general, the most interesting thing about Jimmie for me is that he was never living in Indiana when I was alive, but his presence was never doubted. In his early 20s, my uncle moved away to the great state of Alaska where he had remained until just a few years ago when he and his family moved to Washington State. During these times that my grandparents or family visited “Jimmie in Alaska”, (as he was to be known throughout my childhood), they would bring back native Alaska art, beautiful pictures, and stories of their great adventures. Wherever he came back to visit his family in Indianapolis, the sun seemed to shine endlessly. My uncle has an amazing ability to make people happy wherever they are in life. Perhaps he has negotiated some deals with kind or evil spirits, but his powers are practically supernatural.
Perhaps it all began with his artistic touch. From early in life, Jimmie was known as a bright student and a gifted artist. For someone like Evelyn, this was a supreme gift. Jimmie was able to graduate early from high school and began a life of artistry. He still engages in a variety of art, but he is now a public school elementary teacher and also quite successful as a teacher. He is also married to an equally radiant, (perhaps a bit more then he), lady and together they have a shinning sun, I mean son. Jimmie paints, photographs, sketches, installs, and has even made ice sculptures. Art seems as endless as words when it is in his hands.
The walls of my grandparent’s house adorned Jimmie’s artwork. I loved his giant canvas of swirling hues in blue and white. As a child, it evoked images of fear and I imagined that they were deranged whales about to devour me. It was impossible for me to take a nap comfortably on the sofa underneath this painting. Many sickly hours were spent imagining my horrific demise in the odd shaped whale creatures. My fears of this painting lessened with age and it became more bearable.
It was only a few years ago that my uncle released the secret nature of the painting to me. It was just an oversized painting of a deflated inner tube that was found at a dump. In an instant the monsters of my childhood burst in slow motion into a pathetic piece of unwanted rubber. It was no wonder that my grandparents didn’t mind having their bible study classes in the midst of such art.
My uncle also completed a portrait of my aunt Annette that gives her an intense glow. Then, of course, there was a painting of Evelyn and Ralph that was revealed at a “birthday party” for everyone celebrating their birthday in Texas around the time of my uncle Michael and aunt Julie’s wedding. This is actually a drawing done in oil pastels. It pictures my grandparents beautifully. Before my grandparent’s 50th anniversary, I made a picture based off of a similar photograph to make a card for them. My grandfather was very easy to draw with his sharp facial features. However, Evelyn became more of a challenge. Jimmie was able to explain how her softer features are more difficult to capture. His inspiration kept me content with the picture even though it still looked like my grandfather holding a blob with glasses.
The first thing that my grandmother wanted to do this morning was to call Jimmie. We were together with the call, and even when I was talking to him and his family, she kept glowing. I notice this same glow whenever she talks about or considers her family. So much of her day is still lost in the financial market or daily routine habits. Thoughts of her family give her the ultimate satisfaction in life and it is obvious whenever we talk about anyone familiar to her. Even though I have been living outside of the country for the last four years and barely able to see Evelyn, our greetings heed the same love and affection. Perhaps it is this same love and affection that also keeps Jimmie so close with everyone that he meets. No matter where he has lived or how far he may be, his love for his family and his ultimate love for the world gives us a daily light and subtle chuckle.
Happy Birthday Jimmie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today is my uncle Jimmie’s special birthday! Therefore, I will share today’s addition with thoughts about him. Wow, now where to start? In general, the most interesting thing about Jimmie for me is that he was never living in Indiana when I was alive, but his presence was never doubted. In his early 20s, my uncle moved away to the great state of Alaska where he had remained until just a few years ago when he and his family moved to Washington State. During these times that my grandparents or family visited “Jimmie in Alaska”, (as he was to be known throughout my childhood), they would bring back native Alaska art, beautiful pictures, and stories of their great adventures. Wherever he came back to visit his family in Indianapolis, the sun seemed to shine endlessly. My uncle has an amazing ability to make people happy wherever they are in life. Perhaps he has negotiated some deals with kind or evil spirits, but his powers are practically supernatural.
Perhaps it all began with his artistic touch. From early in life, Jimmie was known as a bright student and a gifted artist. For someone like Evelyn, this was a supreme gift. Jimmie was able to graduate early from high school and began a life of artistry. He still engages in a variety of art, but he is now a public school elementary teacher and also quite successful as a teacher. He is also married to an equally radiant, (perhaps a bit more then he), lady and together they have a shinning sun, I mean son. Jimmie paints, photographs, sketches, installs, and has even made ice sculptures. Art seems as endless as words when it is in his hands.
The walls of my grandparent’s house adorned Jimmie’s artwork. I loved his giant canvas of swirling hues in blue and white. As a child, it evoked images of fear and I imagined that they were deranged whales about to devour me. It was impossible for me to take a nap comfortably on the sofa underneath this painting. Many sickly hours were spent imagining my horrific demise in the odd shaped whale creatures. My fears of this painting lessened with age and it became more bearable.
It was only a few years ago that my uncle released the secret nature of the painting to me. It was just an oversized painting of a deflated inner tube that was found at a dump. In an instant the monsters of my childhood burst in slow motion into a pathetic piece of unwanted rubber. It was no wonder that my grandparents didn’t mind having their bible study classes in the midst of such art.
My uncle also completed a portrait of my aunt Annette that gives her an intense glow. Then, of course, there was a painting of Evelyn and Ralph that was revealed at a “birthday party” for everyone celebrating their birthday in Texas around the time of my uncle Michael and aunt Julie’s wedding. This is actually a drawing done in oil pastels. It pictures my grandparents beautifully. Before my grandparent’s 50th anniversary, I made a picture based off of a similar photograph to make a card for them. My grandfather was very easy to draw with his sharp facial features. However, Evelyn became more of a challenge. Jimmie was able to explain how her softer features are more difficult to capture. His inspiration kept me content with the picture even though it still looked like my grandfather holding a blob with glasses.
The first thing that my grandmother wanted to do this morning was to call Jimmie. We were together with the call, and even when I was talking to him and his family, she kept glowing. I notice this same glow whenever she talks about or considers her family. So much of her day is still lost in the financial market or daily routine habits. Thoughts of her family give her the ultimate satisfaction in life and it is obvious whenever we talk about anyone familiar to her. Even though I have been living outside of the country for the last four years and barely able to see Evelyn, our greetings heed the same love and affection. Perhaps it is this same love and affection that also keeps Jimmie so close with everyone that he meets. No matter where he has lived or how far he may be, his love for his family and his ultimate love for the world gives us a daily light and subtle chuckle.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 8, 2009
July 8, 2009
There are just a handful of photo albums remaining in possession of my grandmother. There are two main ones in her living room, (the 50th wedding anniversary album and another album made for their 40th anniversary), and a few more in her bedroom. Most of the photographs that my grandparents had at their home in Indianapolis were either re-organized into other albums either here or in Indianapolis, or given a special place in a large orange trash container, (these were mostly duplicates, triplicates, quadruplets, or photos of food taken on various cruises).
Of what remains, one can see a clearer picture of the progress in my grandmother’s life. She was born with blond hair and blue eyes. Her eyes continue to shine blue, but her hair has changed colors as the decades passed. There was a brunette period, blond period, red period, and every variation in between. It appears that a new dye job accompanies each move that she made to follow my grandfather’s work or a new child. Of course, a new hair color could highlight an Easter or Christmas celebration. Nothing says Happy Easter like colored eggs, orchid corsages, and Grandma’s curl set and “fresh” hair color.
Evelyn still has a small library of assorted books in both the entryway room and her bedroom. The ones in the entryway room all seem out of her interests. I’m sure that they are books from other family members or friends, (like those belonging to Angi). However, the books in her room are all in her interest. In my first day here she told me that I could take any books that I wanted from her room. Every previous visit has presented me with the same opportunity, “Take whatever books you want. I can’t take them to the grave”. In the past I have benefited from various books by Maria Montessori or other educators. Wherever I am here I always leave with a few new books. This morning, it seemed doubtful that I would find anything I would like.
Her main bookshelf is full of books on nutrition. Such topics include peripheral neuropathy, good pills/bad pills, and Grey’s Anatomy. It is utterly obvious that most of our family has little interest in medicine. Either that or there were many other medicinal books that were better received by other relatives. The remainder of her book selection refused to spark my interest, but the search continued. Finally I was able to locate a bright red book entitled, “Treasured Polish Recipes For Americans”, created by Polanie Publishing Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1948. In the forward is the following paragraph:
Every Polish woman has been taught the art of managing a household in the most economical way. Nothing is ever thrown away, and they have clever ways of using leftovers, such as making cordials of fruit skins, which are said to have medicinal qualities. This training has stood Polish women in good stead, now that they have lost everything. They earn their living working in restaurants, making pastries at home, cooking for orphanages and hospitals. (Polanie, 9).
I could not agree more with the first sentence. Managing a household in an economic way is not just an art; it is a true talent. My grandmother could live for weeks on free condiments from fast food restaurants. Not that she ever did, but the possibility was always there. The hoards of ketchup, jelly, mustard, soy sauce, mayonnaise, vinegar, sweet & sour sauce, syrup, and barbeque sauce in individual packets has been a staple of her gourmet tastes. However, there is a little discrepancy that I must add with the other parts of this paragraph.
In regards to having “clever ways of using leftovers”, I would say that there were certain limits to this equation for Evelyn. It’s true that she would prepare and eat leftovers, but nothing would ever fully disappear without being tossed out in raging disgust by another family member. It was like “last cookie syndrome”: no one will eat it for fear of being the jerk that finishes the cookies without anyone else getting a bite. Perhaps she was just saving everything in case the nation of Canada decided drop in for lunch. It’s true that she would always have something for us when we visited for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. One could find a variety of delicious foods, but there were many tests that would be administered for a final inspection. Lack of expiration dates at this time required certain tests.
Such tests include a simple obvious smell test. Upon opening a rancid container of milk, smelling would be enough to diagnose the demise of the product. With other foods, a quick identification of mold was also an obvious giveaway. Some foods were a bit trickier. A normal rice cake can taste like a concrete cookie when left unwanted for year. Freezer foods are also challenging. One would never suspect that a national celebrity like ice cream could be hiding an unappetizing freezer burn. I was burned many times by such frozen “delights”.
Of course, it would have been simple to share these foods with local orphanages or hospitals if someone took the time to deliver the goods. The problems would be in deciding what should stay and what should go. I believe that for my grandmother, she felt that whatever was bought and placed in the kitchen should stay there. I never heard of them bringing people in from the streets or rehab clinics, but they were very generous with their family. Ultimately, canned goods are always given to the needy. I’m not sure if they actually created the term “canned food drives”, but it would make sense. When you want to help people in need, the last thing they need is food poisoning. Thank God my family has always supported one another!
There are just a handful of photo albums remaining in possession of my grandmother. There are two main ones in her living room, (the 50th wedding anniversary album and another album made for their 40th anniversary), and a few more in her bedroom. Most of the photographs that my grandparents had at their home in Indianapolis were either re-organized into other albums either here or in Indianapolis, or given a special place in a large orange trash container, (these were mostly duplicates, triplicates, quadruplets, or photos of food taken on various cruises).
Of what remains, one can see a clearer picture of the progress in my grandmother’s life. She was born with blond hair and blue eyes. Her eyes continue to shine blue, but her hair has changed colors as the decades passed. There was a brunette period, blond period, red period, and every variation in between. It appears that a new dye job accompanies each move that she made to follow my grandfather’s work or a new child. Of course, a new hair color could highlight an Easter or Christmas celebration. Nothing says Happy Easter like colored eggs, orchid corsages, and Grandma’s curl set and “fresh” hair color.
Evelyn still has a small library of assorted books in both the entryway room and her bedroom. The ones in the entryway room all seem out of her interests. I’m sure that they are books from other family members or friends, (like those belonging to Angi). However, the books in her room are all in her interest. In my first day here she told me that I could take any books that I wanted from her room. Every previous visit has presented me with the same opportunity, “Take whatever books you want. I can’t take them to the grave”. In the past I have benefited from various books by Maria Montessori or other educators. Wherever I am here I always leave with a few new books. This morning, it seemed doubtful that I would find anything I would like.
Her main bookshelf is full of books on nutrition. Such topics include peripheral neuropathy, good pills/bad pills, and Grey’s Anatomy. It is utterly obvious that most of our family has little interest in medicine. Either that or there were many other medicinal books that were better received by other relatives. The remainder of her book selection refused to spark my interest, but the search continued. Finally I was able to locate a bright red book entitled, “Treasured Polish Recipes For Americans”, created by Polanie Publishing Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1948. In the forward is the following paragraph:
Every Polish woman has been taught the art of managing a household in the most economical way. Nothing is ever thrown away, and they have clever ways of using leftovers, such as making cordials of fruit skins, which are said to have medicinal qualities. This training has stood Polish women in good stead, now that they have lost everything. They earn their living working in restaurants, making pastries at home, cooking for orphanages and hospitals. (Polanie, 9).
I could not agree more with the first sentence. Managing a household in an economic way is not just an art; it is a true talent. My grandmother could live for weeks on free condiments from fast food restaurants. Not that she ever did, but the possibility was always there. The hoards of ketchup, jelly, mustard, soy sauce, mayonnaise, vinegar, sweet & sour sauce, syrup, and barbeque sauce in individual packets has been a staple of her gourmet tastes. However, there is a little discrepancy that I must add with the other parts of this paragraph.
In regards to having “clever ways of using leftovers”, I would say that there were certain limits to this equation for Evelyn. It’s true that she would prepare and eat leftovers, but nothing would ever fully disappear without being tossed out in raging disgust by another family member. It was like “last cookie syndrome”: no one will eat it for fear of being the jerk that finishes the cookies without anyone else getting a bite. Perhaps she was just saving everything in case the nation of Canada decided drop in for lunch. It’s true that she would always have something for us when we visited for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. One could find a variety of delicious foods, but there were many tests that would be administered for a final inspection. Lack of expiration dates at this time required certain tests.
Such tests include a simple obvious smell test. Upon opening a rancid container of milk, smelling would be enough to diagnose the demise of the product. With other foods, a quick identification of mold was also an obvious giveaway. Some foods were a bit trickier. A normal rice cake can taste like a concrete cookie when left unwanted for year. Freezer foods are also challenging. One would never suspect that a national celebrity like ice cream could be hiding an unappetizing freezer burn. I was burned many times by such frozen “delights”.
Of course, it would have been simple to share these foods with local orphanages or hospitals if someone took the time to deliver the goods. The problems would be in deciding what should stay and what should go. I believe that for my grandmother, she felt that whatever was bought and placed in the kitchen should stay there. I never heard of them bringing people in from the streets or rehab clinics, but they were very generous with their family. Ultimately, canned goods are always given to the needy. I’m not sure if they actually created the term “canned food drives”, but it would make sense. When you want to help people in need, the last thing they need is food poisoning. Thank God my family has always supported one another!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Matt's addition - July 7, 2009
My older brother Matthew compiled a research paper on Poland and Polish immigrants for one of his school assignments. With his grace, I can share his research with you today. Please excuse any grammatical errors and enjoy!
A writer once wrote, "It has often been said that we often love most in life what we have lost. The Polish have lost their cherished land many times throughout history. It is that history that has shaped their character and given them hope in an uncertain future." (Otfinoski, P.6) The strong and tenacious citizens of Polish background had been immigrating to the U.S. for hopes of a better life shortly after the Golden age ended in 1587, marked by the rule of Sigismund Vasa III. (Otfinoski, p.13) Poland's population has faced many hardships and because of these, many Polish citizens like Adolph Lozykiewicz looked to the U.S. for a better life.
The Polish immigration to America started after a declining economy in the late 1500's. This decline caused a weakness in government that set off many hardships for the Polish to face. Poland was invaded by Germany, Russia, Mongolia, Sweden, and Turkey in various regions. These invasions would weaken the power of the Polish government enough to leave the country in political unrest. The nobility at that time refused to agree on a style of government which would cause many failures in turning romantic ideas into political realities. This internal battle would pave the way for stronger countries like Russia, Austria, and Prussia to seize Poland through military treaties. In 1794, the oppressed Polish would try to revolt against the mighty Russian army to no avail causing the Polish population to shrink by nearly 8 million.(Otfinoski, p.20) At this time Poland ceased to be any sort of political entity causing it to vanish from the European maps of the time.
Polish custom was suppressed by the new government by assimilating young ones into a foreign culture. Traditions were lost by many because of the oppression in this time. Polish was not spoken in public, children had to learn about a foreign history, and the people who opposed were put to death. There were three uprisings in this era, 1830, 1840, and in 1863 which were all pitiful defeats resulting in the further downward spiral of poverty and famine.(Otfinoski, p.21).
Polish hardships had not yet peaked, however. In 1939, Adolf Hitler took over what was formally known as Poland. German bombers crushed the land made up of 75% farmers in less than 48 hours.(Richmond, p.19) Over 700,000 Germans moved the Polish natives out off their homes and into concentration camps.(Richmond, p.22) Hitler would turn Poland into a land full of wealthy Germans, starving Polish farmers, and concentration camps. Over 60,000 Poles were slaughtered in the camps.(Richmond, p.22) Polish immigration to the U.S. rose greatly during this bloody time of German rule. When the great war was over, Russia refused to turnover the land to the new Polish government. This refusal caused another war that took place in Poland between Russia and the Allies. The war made Poland weaker than ever, giving reason to seek new lives in the U.S.
After WWII, Poland was caught up in a civil war in 1981. A new radical political group had started a revolution that caused economic uncertainty throughout the land. Many families died because of starvation basically because most people could not possibly make enough money to support themselves during this time. In 1982, the radicals were jailed, but the starvation and national hysteria did not end until 1983. This sparked a new influx of Polish immigration to America.
All of the Polish immigrants had to have a way to get out of the poor and famished country. For this, immigrants gathered information on times and places of departures to the new country. The immigrants almost always had to make a plan to get to the U.S. before leaving. The immigrants were told stories of multiple acres of land, bountiful crops, and lavish living in the new country. The Poles would make their journey around springtime because of easier traveling conditions. Many people would leave their previous life with only the bare necessities and around $50 which was usually their life savings.
Once the Poles finally had all the plans worked out, they usually came to New England at places like Ellis Island in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Once in America, the Polish soon realized the severity of the crowded ports and were in shock. The millions of immigrants who arrived at these ports were screened for various diseases leaving families separated. The proud Polish names were changed into a shortened English form for many. A large number of families were split apart by the mass confusion at the immigration ports causing young children to sometimes fend for themselves.
Many Poles found it hard to acclimate to the different surroundings and decided to move back to their original homeland. They soon were reminded of the hardships in Poland and some decided to make another trip back to the land of the free. Most Polish settled close to other Poles because most Polish immigrants did not speak a word of English. These communities also served as a way to hold onto values such as religion, customs, and beliefs. The Polish had a hard time in the workplace facing stereotypes of thick-headed, dull, slow, stupid, and ill-witted. The word "Pollock" summarized these stereotypes. The Polish would strive to work harder and become successful because of these also. The success is shown by a present day figure of one-million Polish-Americans who lead a decent life.(Regalikis, p.43)
One of the many Polish immigrants during the Russian oppression was my great-grandfather Adolph Lozykiewich in 1909. Adolph's parents Peter and Lois owned a small farm in what is now Vilno, Lithuania, where his siblings Mary, Helen, Stella, and Ludwig worked.(Lozykiewicz, personal interview) Their family was poor and hungry because of famine and low wages. Adolf was born in July of 1875. Adolf only received three years of formal education in a place accessible only in winter because of a large river that had to freeze over in order for him to cross it. These three years in Poland were said to be just as good as eight years in America. He was forced to join the Russian army where he would serve as a postman and have the chance to cross the first railroad across Russia, (the Tran-Siberian Railroad). In the army he learned how to speak Chinese is addition to the Lithuanian, Ukrainian, and Polish he already spoke.
In 1908, Adolph learned about a free country with many opportunities for immigrants. He worked at a farm for a year hauling lumber and clearing land for the ticket to America. He arrived at Ellis Island in 1908 (Lozykiewicz, personal interview) and settled down in Chicago to work at the American Steel and Wire Company, where he learned English. In Chicago, he met a woman named Joanna Unold..
Joanna grew up in Zielmacia, Ukraine and was actually raised by Polish parents Gregory and Bethania. Her parents both worked hard on a small farm. The six children Joanna, Peofilia, Victor, Mary, and Frank never had a formal education. Joanna did not like the poor surroundings so she and her brother, Victor, sought after their sister, who had already made the trip over in 1912. Joanna arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia and then traveled to Chicago to live with Peofilia and her husband, Vincent. Vincent and Peofilia owned a boarding house and rented out rooms to recent Polish immigrants. Frank had come over and made money, but decided to move back to Poland. He was lost in the confusion of WWI and never heard from again. Joanna lived in the boarding house run by Peofilia and worked for three dollars a week at the Sager Lock Company. She also made featherbeds at night to sell in the boarding house. Joanna could practically make a dollar out of fifteen cents because of her good sense with money. She also never drank, which is why she met Adolph at a clean, Catholic dance in 1912. On the way over to America, her mother had packed a bottle of cherry wine in Joanna's pack. Joanna used this wine to bribe some fellows into picking up her belongings, which had been lost on the train ride from Halifax. They went all the way to downtown Chicago for their pay of the wine.(Lozykiewicz, personal interview)
Adolph and Joanna got married in 1913 in a traditional Polish wedding. At first, they hardly got to see each other because of long hours of work. Joanna, however, started to raise a garden to cut down on food bills, and kept making featherbeds for extra money. The young couple soon bought a large apartment building that they would rent out to families during the depression. The place had four living spaces with two bedrooms in each space. Adolph and Joanna took up two of these small houses. Then the family started to grow. Joanna had six kids. Bernice was born in 1915, Felix in 1916, Florence in 1917, Mary in 1919, Evelyn in 1921, and Ed in 1926. Felix died at the age of one because of the mumps. Adolph and Joanna celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1963 all in Polish to commemorate their heritage. Adolph died in 1966, and Joanna in 1969. Mary later died of heart failure in 1991. Evelyn, my grandmother, married Ralph Froehlich and had Lynn as their firstborn child. Lynn is my mother who has carried on the tradition of hard working values throughout my life.
There were many hardships that the Polish had to deal with since the late 1600's. These hardships have molded the Poles into a hardworking group of people. Adolph and Joanna Lozykiewicz were an example of how people could overcome tragedy and poverty as immigrants. Immigrants are an important part of American history and should not be forgotten.
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 6, 2009
July 6, 2009
In the beautiful mid-afternoon sun yesterday Evelyn, her caretaker and I went for a walk around the block. Despite the constant sun and endless warmth, Evelyn was dressed in long trousers and a sweater. She still felt cold on the walk. When we reached a corner there was an old Buick station wagon. She asked me if I remember that car. I thought she was referring to the station wagons that we had when my brothers and I were young.
The beauty of a station wagon is that approximately ten children and the driver are able to fit inside of its long stretch of a body. Of course, this can only exist in days before child car seat laws. As long as the seatbelts could stretch over everyone, (all the children in the back and center would share), then all would arrive safe and sound to a final destination. My mother worked for my grandmother at her school in Indiana and used the station wagon constantly for daily field trips in the summer. I thought my grandmother was referring to this station wagon. I cried out, “Oh yeah! I loved stations wagons! My brothers and I could be easily separated into three different sections to keep us from fighting during road trips!” Then I carried on about our trip to Florida, my older brother’s problems with motion sickness, and whatever strong memory that filled my mind regarding station wagons.
Then, she said, “Yeah, you remember, I used it for the school and shared it with my sister”. I was not born at the time when my grandmother and her sister worked together, (before her marriage), and therefore it proved to be difficult visualize this specific wagon. I asked about her work with her sister and she said they had a school together in Chicago. I asked if it was a school or more of a day care and her response was that it was more of a day care. She also added that the school didn’t last long. In response I mentioned that it must have been difficult to work with her oldest sister.
I don’t know much about Bernice, but from stories told by others in our family, it seems that she was a VERY strong woman. I remember meeting her with I was about ten years old. She looked like an older duplicate of my grandmother. She also enjoyed seeing her great niece and nephews and gave us all digital wristwatches. When Bernice found something on sale, she would take advantage of the opportunity and buy as much as possible of whatever there was. This included children’s digital wristwatches of which she had a full box. Then she slipped us some dollars and we all went out to eat at Old Warsaw.
In Czech Republic, a friend of mind told me how during communism people would buy a lot of something in order to keep it for a later trade. For example, if there was a lot of salt, people would buy a lot hoping to sell it when it was in short supply. In a later date it would prove to be valuable for a trade of other spices or food. In the end of communism, people continued to hoard large amounts of anything for a possible greater tradeoff. Of course, this just created more unnecessary waste, (of both money and materials). It reminds me a lot of my grandmother and her sisters. They all had a strange habit of believing that one day their finds would be worth a fortune. Sadly, fortune was not in their favor and their relatives gained the gift of boxes and boxes of things that were seemingly useless.
Despite their strong wills, my grandmother and her sister Bernice always had a soft spot for children. Teaching has remained a part of both Bernice and Evelyn’s families and the greatest gift that they gave us helped us to understand the value to human life versus material worth. Taking out years and years of unloved and unused materials has given me an even greater sense of my own waste and why no matter how much Evelyn asks to keep something that I know she won’t need, love for my grandmother is endless.
My mother has contributed to today’s blog. After reading the first few blogs, she wished to add her memories of Joanna and Adolf.
About Grandma Joanna: Grandma was always busy also. She might not have had the education like Grandpa, but she made money. She cooked, (a problem was she never let anyone else help her), canned everything, had a vegetable and fruit garden, kept duck/geese to make her feather beds for all the beds (up and down), bought the house next to the parish and turned it into an apartment so to earn extra money, (it was the depression starting in 1929 when Mom was 8 yrs. old) and basically kept the family together. Grandpa worked, but when I knew him, he was retired and repaired old toys in his fix-it shop in the garage out back. He would take us kids to the candy store across the street and caution us not to tell anyone, especially our parents. Then before we would leave, Grandma or Grandpa would slip us each a $1.00 or so and tell us the same. Another thing, when I got married in 1977, my Mom gave me a card from Grandma and Grandpa. I thought she was joking, because my grandparents had been dead for at least 8 years. Inside the card were 2 saving bonds, which my grandma bought years ago to be given to me on my wedding day. It was like a hug and kiss from the grave from them.
*I hope others may enjoy sharing their favorite memories and experiences.
In the beautiful mid-afternoon sun yesterday Evelyn, her caretaker and I went for a walk around the block. Despite the constant sun and endless warmth, Evelyn was dressed in long trousers and a sweater. She still felt cold on the walk. When we reached a corner there was an old Buick station wagon. She asked me if I remember that car. I thought she was referring to the station wagons that we had when my brothers and I were young.
The beauty of a station wagon is that approximately ten children and the driver are able to fit inside of its long stretch of a body. Of course, this can only exist in days before child car seat laws. As long as the seatbelts could stretch over everyone, (all the children in the back and center would share), then all would arrive safe and sound to a final destination. My mother worked for my grandmother at her school in Indiana and used the station wagon constantly for daily field trips in the summer. I thought my grandmother was referring to this station wagon. I cried out, “Oh yeah! I loved stations wagons! My brothers and I could be easily separated into three different sections to keep us from fighting during road trips!” Then I carried on about our trip to Florida, my older brother’s problems with motion sickness, and whatever strong memory that filled my mind regarding station wagons.
Then, she said, “Yeah, you remember, I used it for the school and shared it with my sister”. I was not born at the time when my grandmother and her sister worked together, (before her marriage), and therefore it proved to be difficult visualize this specific wagon. I asked about her work with her sister and she said they had a school together in Chicago. I asked if it was a school or more of a day care and her response was that it was more of a day care. She also added that the school didn’t last long. In response I mentioned that it must have been difficult to work with her oldest sister.
I don’t know much about Bernice, but from stories told by others in our family, it seems that she was a VERY strong woman. I remember meeting her with I was about ten years old. She looked like an older duplicate of my grandmother. She also enjoyed seeing her great niece and nephews and gave us all digital wristwatches. When Bernice found something on sale, she would take advantage of the opportunity and buy as much as possible of whatever there was. This included children’s digital wristwatches of which she had a full box. Then she slipped us some dollars and we all went out to eat at Old Warsaw.
In Czech Republic, a friend of mind told me how during communism people would buy a lot of something in order to keep it for a later trade. For example, if there was a lot of salt, people would buy a lot hoping to sell it when it was in short supply. In a later date it would prove to be valuable for a trade of other spices or food. In the end of communism, people continued to hoard large amounts of anything for a possible greater tradeoff. Of course, this just created more unnecessary waste, (of both money and materials). It reminds me a lot of my grandmother and her sisters. They all had a strange habit of believing that one day their finds would be worth a fortune. Sadly, fortune was not in their favor and their relatives gained the gift of boxes and boxes of things that were seemingly useless.
Despite their strong wills, my grandmother and her sister Bernice always had a soft spot for children. Teaching has remained a part of both Bernice and Evelyn’s families and the greatest gift that they gave us helped us to understand the value to human life versus material worth. Taking out years and years of unloved and unused materials has given me an even greater sense of my own waste and why no matter how much Evelyn asks to keep something that I know she won’t need, love for my grandmother is endless.
My mother has contributed to today’s blog. After reading the first few blogs, she wished to add her memories of Joanna and Adolf.
About Grandma Joanna: Grandma was always busy also. She might not have had the education like Grandpa, but she made money. She cooked, (a problem was she never let anyone else help her), canned everything, had a vegetable and fruit garden, kept duck/geese to make her feather beds for all the beds (up and down), bought the house next to the parish and turned it into an apartment so to earn extra money, (it was the depression starting in 1929 when Mom was 8 yrs. old) and basically kept the family together. Grandpa worked, but when I knew him, he was retired and repaired old toys in his fix-it shop in the garage out back. He would take us kids to the candy store across the street and caution us not to tell anyone, especially our parents. Then before we would leave, Grandma or Grandpa would slip us each a $1.00 or so and tell us the same. Another thing, when I got married in 1977, my Mom gave me a card from Grandma and Grandpa. I thought she was joking, because my grandparents had been dead for at least 8 years. Inside the card were 2 saving bonds, which my grandma bought years ago to be given to me on my wedding day. It was like a hug and kiss from the grave from them.
*I hope others may enjoy sharing their favorite memories and experiences.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
My Evie summer
This summer I am spending a little time with my Grandmother Evelyn and my lovely family in California. Each day I've planned on writing and sharing a bit about Evelyn. Please let me know if you have any other Evelyn stories, tales, or adventures. I'd love to start a bio for her. Here is a taste of the first few days:
Evelyn Froehlich
July 3, 2009, (the day after her 88th birthday)
After a long flight across the Atlantic and across the country, I’ve arrived in sunny California for a month long adventure with my lovely family here and most importantly, my grandmother Evelyn Froehlich. Evelyn is a special person for many reasons, but perhaps the most important reason is that she remains as a monumental piece of my greatest quirks. Hopefully this summer I will be able to share more about her life and influence into the lives of not only me but also her other very interesting friends and family.
Growing up in Indianapolis was a treat because my grandparents were close by and the owners of my first school. Their house was a 3 story building that at one time contained my grandparents, (Evelyn and Ralph), and all of their eight children. Once the youngest child graduated from school, the house was left to my grandparents and my Aunt Annette. My two brothers and I could expect a variety of surprises at a day visiting this house. A few things we re completely obligatory while visiting, such as taking new vitamins and watching the stock market channel, (no other programs could be seen during the day). After taking these items into consideration, it felt like a complete adventure zone.
Every corner of the house was full of various collections. Such collections included stacks of health articles that may one-day prove to be life saving and an entire room devoted to travel souvenirs. Sure, there were more typical kitsch collections including shot glasses, porcelain plates, bells, books, and endangered coral. These had a special place, (either in a cabinet, displayed on a shelf, or left in a more organized pile somewhere on some floor), but there was a list of endless collections that were more advanced. In fact the system was so advanced that in what would appear to be utter chaos, was this mysterious system of organization. Upon question of whether or not something was useful, there was an immediate answer to its purpose. Even if something was rotten, beyond repair, or highly dangerous, if it was in the house then it must have had a purpose.
Of course, this made a lady like Evelyn a highly eclectic woman than gave life more possibilities than one could imagine. As a child, I felt like my grandmother could direct any question into further research. Of course, if there was something that interested her, she would ask as many people as possible what their opinion of this matter would be. Then, she would make a conclusion that could eventually or possibly be argued after at least one year. Despite being slow moving, I always remember my grandmother as endlessly thinking. She could not stand to see someone else remaining idle. In fact, she still can’t stand idleness. This proves to be interesting as a normal person would think of her as a couch potato or computer zombie. However, if that same person would greet her, she would immediately direct him or her to do something, and usually without responding to the initial greeting.
It appears as though she is now a complete rude tyrant, but after many years, she seems to have given up on much in life and chooses selective people or memories to make a difference in her day-to-day activities. Perhaps it is why I am here and interested so much in her. I hope this adventure gives me some more time to reflect on Evelyn Froehlich.
July 5, 2009
Because yesterday was a national holiday, it seemed inappropriate for me to write. No one is supposed to work on a national holiday, unless of course, you are not in your own nation at the time or you sell fireworks. I used most of the day to observe Evelyn Froehlich in her bed, sleeping, up from rest, sharing breakfast/lunch, sharing photos from my wedding, reading a bible-esque book, reading the stocks, falling asleep in her chair, going for a walk outside, being present at church, and finally relaxing to watch a 4th of July program on television. By 8:30, I was exhausted. She was up later than I, but it would be impossible to continue the observation in my state of total exhaustion. Perhaps I am still jet-lagged. Hopefully it was only that.
From looking through various photo albums yesterday I retrieved the following information:
Evelyn Marie Lozkiewicz was born on the 2nd of July in 1921. She was the 5th child of Joanna and Adolf Lozkiewicz, (the first male had died in infancy), and only her younger brother Edgar, (Eddie), kept her from being the ultimate princess. She was born in North Chicago, Illinois and attended a Polish Catholic school as a young girl. Her elder sisters were, (in order), Bernice, Mary, and Florence.
As I was explained yesterday, my great-grandmother Joanna bought a house closer to the school so that Evelyn wouldn’t suffer any more wetness. It seems that she was excused from school after wetting herself as a young child and the obvious choice was to just move closer to the actual building.
In my favorite picture of the four sisters and their parents, (before Eddie was born), the girls are dressed in frilly white dresses on top of a bench, (possibly a piano), with great white bows in their hair. My three great aunts are sitting gracefully with their backs straight, hands folded, and legs crossed. They are all arranged from oldest to youngest, (left to right), but at the end of the bench my grandmother appears to be more like a blob. She was probably 3 or 4 years old, so I can understand why she would be less tolerable. In the photo she is completely hunched over, her legs are dangling, her hands are seeking refuge in her lap, and the look on her face says, “I hate this bow”. It seems obvious that she probably was a very strong willed child.
I asked my grandmother what her mother was like. She said that she was nice. I asked her if she was funny, and she said, “No. Not really”. It doesn’t surprise me. The Joanna for whom I am named emigrated from Poland as a young woman. She first went to Canada and later met Adolf, who also emigrated from Poland. I’m not sure if he brought her from Canada to Chicago, but it seems that was what happened. Despite being much older and more educated them her, (an engineer), they married and had 6 children. She never went to school or learned much English, but she was seemingly nice. She also kept the Polish language strong in her children and made sure that they attended Polish Catholic schools.
Of all the sisters, Evelyn was the only one ever to graduate from University. She was also the only one to not get married immediately after finishing school. Perhaps having a strong will is good for something. She became a teacher in a rural school for a few years before moving back to the city. She traveled and dated, but nothing too serious. At the age of 27, it surprised the family when she not only married, but also married a younger man in the US Navy, (only 3 years younger). Soon afterwards came children and constant moves to keep up with my grandfather’s work. Still, Evelyn continued working in a wide variety of jobs and hobbies that she still exercises to this day. Of course, her days of making pickles and painting with watercolors ended very early, but her constant vigil over the CNBC ticker tape is still strong.
Evelyn Froehlich
July 3, 2009, (the day after her 88th birthday)
After a long flight across the Atlantic and across the country, I’ve arrived in sunny California for a month long adventure with my lovely family here and most importantly, my grandmother Evelyn Froehlich. Evelyn is a special person for many reasons, but perhaps the most important reason is that she remains as a monumental piece of my greatest quirks. Hopefully this summer I will be able to share more about her life and influence into the lives of not only me but also her other very interesting friends and family.
Growing up in Indianapolis was a treat because my grandparents were close by and the owners of my first school. Their house was a 3 story building that at one time contained my grandparents, (Evelyn and Ralph), and all of their eight children. Once the youngest child graduated from school, the house was left to my grandparents and my Aunt Annette. My two brothers and I could expect a variety of surprises at a day visiting this house. A few things we re completely obligatory while visiting, such as taking new vitamins and watching the stock market channel, (no other programs could be seen during the day). After taking these items into consideration, it felt like a complete adventure zone.
Every corner of the house was full of various collections. Such collections included stacks of health articles that may one-day prove to be life saving and an entire room devoted to travel souvenirs. Sure, there were more typical kitsch collections including shot glasses, porcelain plates, bells, books, and endangered coral. These had a special place, (either in a cabinet, displayed on a shelf, or left in a more organized pile somewhere on some floor), but there was a list of endless collections that were more advanced. In fact the system was so advanced that in what would appear to be utter chaos, was this mysterious system of organization. Upon question of whether or not something was useful, there was an immediate answer to its purpose. Even if something was rotten, beyond repair, or highly dangerous, if it was in the house then it must have had a purpose.
Of course, this made a lady like Evelyn a highly eclectic woman than gave life more possibilities than one could imagine. As a child, I felt like my grandmother could direct any question into further research. Of course, if there was something that interested her, she would ask as many people as possible what their opinion of this matter would be. Then, she would make a conclusion that could eventually or possibly be argued after at least one year. Despite being slow moving, I always remember my grandmother as endlessly thinking. She could not stand to see someone else remaining idle. In fact, she still can’t stand idleness. This proves to be interesting as a normal person would think of her as a couch potato or computer zombie. However, if that same person would greet her, she would immediately direct him or her to do something, and usually without responding to the initial greeting.
It appears as though she is now a complete rude tyrant, but after many years, she seems to have given up on much in life and chooses selective people or memories to make a difference in her day-to-day activities. Perhaps it is why I am here and interested so much in her. I hope this adventure gives me some more time to reflect on Evelyn Froehlich.
July 5, 2009
Because yesterday was a national holiday, it seemed inappropriate for me to write. No one is supposed to work on a national holiday, unless of course, you are not in your own nation at the time or you sell fireworks. I used most of the day to observe Evelyn Froehlich in her bed, sleeping, up from rest, sharing breakfast/lunch, sharing photos from my wedding, reading a bible-esque book, reading the stocks, falling asleep in her chair, going for a walk outside, being present at church, and finally relaxing to watch a 4th of July program on television. By 8:30, I was exhausted. She was up later than I, but it would be impossible to continue the observation in my state of total exhaustion. Perhaps I am still jet-lagged. Hopefully it was only that.
From looking through various photo albums yesterday I retrieved the following information:
Evelyn Marie Lozkiewicz was born on the 2nd of July in 1921. She was the 5th child of Joanna and Adolf Lozkiewicz, (the first male had died in infancy), and only her younger brother Edgar, (Eddie), kept her from being the ultimate princess. She was born in North Chicago, Illinois and attended a Polish Catholic school as a young girl. Her elder sisters were, (in order), Bernice, Mary, and Florence.
As I was explained yesterday, my great-grandmother Joanna bought a house closer to the school so that Evelyn wouldn’t suffer any more wetness. It seems that she was excused from school after wetting herself as a young child and the obvious choice was to just move closer to the actual building.
In my favorite picture of the four sisters and their parents, (before Eddie was born), the girls are dressed in frilly white dresses on top of a bench, (possibly a piano), with great white bows in their hair. My three great aunts are sitting gracefully with their backs straight, hands folded, and legs crossed. They are all arranged from oldest to youngest, (left to right), but at the end of the bench my grandmother appears to be more like a blob. She was probably 3 or 4 years old, so I can understand why she would be less tolerable. In the photo she is completely hunched over, her legs are dangling, her hands are seeking refuge in her lap, and the look on her face says, “I hate this bow”. It seems obvious that she probably was a very strong willed child.
I asked my grandmother what her mother was like. She said that she was nice. I asked her if she was funny, and she said, “No. Not really”. It doesn’t surprise me. The Joanna for whom I am named emigrated from Poland as a young woman. She first went to Canada and later met Adolf, who also emigrated from Poland. I’m not sure if he brought her from Canada to Chicago, but it seems that was what happened. Despite being much older and more educated them her, (an engineer), they married and had 6 children. She never went to school or learned much English, but she was seemingly nice. She also kept the Polish language strong in her children and made sure that they attended Polish Catholic schools.
Of all the sisters, Evelyn was the only one ever to graduate from University. She was also the only one to not get married immediately after finishing school. Perhaps having a strong will is good for something. She became a teacher in a rural school for a few years before moving back to the city. She traveled and dated, but nothing too serious. At the age of 27, it surprised the family when she not only married, but also married a younger man in the US Navy, (only 3 years younger). Soon afterwards came children and constant moves to keep up with my grandfather’s work. Still, Evelyn continued working in a wide variety of jobs and hobbies that she still exercises to this day. Of course, her days of making pickles and painting with watercolors ended very early, but her constant vigil over the CNBC ticker tape is still strong.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
More Spring Break in the Czech Republic
We are on Spring Break this week and I've been traveling around the Czech Republic each day to a new place that I haven't been before.
The weather has been gorgeous in the past 2 weeks. I found out that it will be a bit colder next week, but thankfully I am on Spring Break THIS week. I don't have to worry about next week. Today I went to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand's mansion about 40 min. south of Prague. I could only see his hunting rooms and armory collection, (still extremely over-the-top), but hopefully I will be back another day, (perhaps with Oscar), to see his more private chambers that were not offered in this tour.
In the third tour, you can even see the outfit he wore when he was assassinated with his wife in 1914. The mansion was practically untouched after their deaths and it is shocking to see how much they had collected. There are also live bears in the moat that surrounds the mansion/chateau/mock-castle. They don't steal picnic baskets, but they are pretty active and scary looking. The grounds are a magnificent forest with a crystal clear lake. It was a perfect day to be there.
The weather has been gorgeous in the past 2 weeks. I found out that it will be a bit colder next week, but thankfully I am on Spring Break THIS week. I don't have to worry about next week. Today I went to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand's mansion about 40 min. south of Prague. I could only see his hunting rooms and armory collection, (still extremely over-the-top), but hopefully I will be back another day, (perhaps with Oscar), to see his more private chambers that were not offered in this tour.
In the third tour, you can even see the outfit he wore when he was assassinated with his wife in 1914. The mansion was practically untouched after their deaths and it is shocking to see how much they had collected. There are also live bears in the moat that surrounds the mansion/chateau/mock-castle. They don't steal picnic baskets, but they are pretty active and scary looking. The grounds are a magnificent forest with a crystal clear lake. It was a perfect day to be there.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
American in Prague
Yesterday I dropped off my uncle Bam at the airport after his four-day journey to Prague. Then I went to a park close to my apartment and read for a few hours. Afterwards, I slept continuously for about 13 hours. It was a great weekend.
My uncle Bam lives in Zurich and despite the fact that we've been on the same continent for a while, we haven't been able to see each other until now. Bam arrived on Friday with a suitcase full of Swiss chocolate and we hit the town. On Saturday we went to the castle which was much more interesting than the first time that I toured it about 2 years ago. Being here since August has taught me a great wealth of Czech history and now I really felt like I was visiting the world largest castle. On my first visit to the castle I was merely happy and a little jet-lagged.
The weekend before this one I was just outside of the castle on the castle's main square with Oscar and two other colleagues watching Barack Obama speak publicly to the city. We were incredibly lucky to get within close distance of Obama. We overslept and arrived about an hour and a half later than we should have at our tram stop. The streets were then closed due to the passing of the motorcade and we enjoyed a quick breakfast while we waited for the tram to move again. Finally, it was in motion and we got up the hill to the castle faster than lightning. No other cars were allowed up the steepest parts so the tram was the only way to go. When we arrived, they were only allowing people with VIP tickets for the front. However, with about 20 minutes to showtime, they realized that the VIP area looked sparse and they let us and about 50 other people fill up the front viewing area. I felt a bit guilty passing the people that had been there since 6 and looking very tired, but they were probably just as happy to see Obama as we were. His speech felt honest and very sympathetic to Czech people. Everyone was impressed and there were only a few boos when he mentioned that the radar project is still going to happen, but could be dismantled if we can reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world. He said that this is his greatest goal in life: To rid the world of nuclear weapons. What a charmer!
The weather has been nothing but gorgeous for the last week and a half. As my uncle and I were looking for the torture chamber, we stumbled into the royal vineyards where they were having a wine celebration with all Czech wines. We sampled a few goodies and a few baddies, but the atmosphere and live music was what made sampling wine on castle vineyards while overlooking the beautiful city of Prague all the more magical.
On Saturday/Sunday we visited an amazing city in Moravia named Olomouc. The city was believed to have been founded by Julius Cesar and contained loads of fountains as well as impressive baroque castles and monuments. It is also a college town and we had free entrance in their modern art museum every sunday. Being that Easter is not a big holiday, (Easter Monday is the day of whipping ladies in exchange for eggs, pastries, and liquors), the museums and most places were open. There were two phenomenal galleries with the work of Michael Rittstein and Eduard Ovcacek. This is the link to their site: http://www.olmuart.cz/ or in English: http://www.olmuart.cz/?nl=en The city also has great nightlife, food and of course some pretty snazy micro-brews. It was definitely a diamond in the rough.
We are looking forward to Oscar's first American experience. He is going to Venezuela for 5 days before joining me in the states, but hopefully he can smuggle a few hammocks that we can use in our new flat in Prague. We will get our new place in July and hopefully right before I head over to California. I will also be in Indy for a few days to see a friend's wedding, (from the 15th-20th of July), and then back to California.
Now that Spring is here, our cabin bickering has turned into chipper Spring teasing! Long live Prague Spring!
My uncle Bam lives in Zurich and despite the fact that we've been on the same continent for a while, we haven't been able to see each other until now. Bam arrived on Friday with a suitcase full of Swiss chocolate and we hit the town. On Saturday we went to the castle which was much more interesting than the first time that I toured it about 2 years ago. Being here since August has taught me a great wealth of Czech history and now I really felt like I was visiting the world largest castle. On my first visit to the castle I was merely happy and a little jet-lagged.
The weekend before this one I was just outside of the castle on the castle's main square with Oscar and two other colleagues watching Barack Obama speak publicly to the city. We were incredibly lucky to get within close distance of Obama. We overslept and arrived about an hour and a half later than we should have at our tram stop. The streets were then closed due to the passing of the motorcade and we enjoyed a quick breakfast while we waited for the tram to move again. Finally, it was in motion and we got up the hill to the castle faster than lightning. No other cars were allowed up the steepest parts so the tram was the only way to go. When we arrived, they were only allowing people with VIP tickets for the front. However, with about 20 minutes to showtime, they realized that the VIP area looked sparse and they let us and about 50 other people fill up the front viewing area. I felt a bit guilty passing the people that had been there since 6 and looking very tired, but they were probably just as happy to see Obama as we were. His speech felt honest and very sympathetic to Czech people. Everyone was impressed and there were only a few boos when he mentioned that the radar project is still going to happen, but could be dismantled if we can reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world. He said that this is his greatest goal in life: To rid the world of nuclear weapons. What a charmer!
The weather has been nothing but gorgeous for the last week and a half. As my uncle and I were looking for the torture chamber, we stumbled into the royal vineyards where they were having a wine celebration with all Czech wines. We sampled a few goodies and a few baddies, but the atmosphere and live music was what made sampling wine on castle vineyards while overlooking the beautiful city of Prague all the more magical.
On Saturday/Sunday we visited an amazing city in Moravia named Olomouc. The city was believed to have been founded by Julius Cesar and contained loads of fountains as well as impressive baroque castles and monuments. It is also a college town and we had free entrance in their modern art museum every sunday. Being that Easter is not a big holiday, (Easter Monday is the day of whipping ladies in exchange for eggs, pastries, and liquors), the museums and most places were open. There were two phenomenal galleries with the work of Michael Rittstein and Eduard Ovcacek. This is the link to their site: http://www.olmuart.cz/ or in English: http://www.olmuart.cz/?nl=en The city also has great nightlife, food and of course some pretty snazy micro-brews. It was definitely a diamond in the rough.
We are looking forward to Oscar's first American experience. He is going to Venezuela for 5 days before joining me in the states, but hopefully he can smuggle a few hammocks that we can use in our new flat in Prague. We will get our new place in July and hopefully right before I head over to California. I will also be in Indy for a few days to see a friend's wedding, (from the 15th-20th of July), and then back to California.
Now that Spring is here, our cabin bickering has turned into chipper Spring teasing! Long live Prague Spring!
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