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!
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