“Wonderful Comments ALL from ONE READER Alyssa”
Christmas is Love – Love of God – Love of Family –
a… “Love” that shares, will last forever, and ever more!
That freezing cold wind was whistling “DIXIE” up my skirt – just making me colder than necessary! 
– haha I am so glad that Angel was there that night to help you get on your way before the flood gates opened.
Meow Lucky kitty! That is SOOO sweet. I never knew that about your mom as a young girl – I can’t believe her mother would DROWN the kittens! LOL!! We all love kitties here now. 
I receive more Joy, just because Family and Friends take the time to share more “Love” in a way that helps all of us promote healthy living, fulfilling our “Dreams’ one for another.
The “Love for Life” knits us all… so close together that we grow stronger in our “Love”…
just being there, wherever needed.
Our Creator’s most wonderful and HIS enduring abundant Love and Blessings … is wished …
… for us all!
My brothers received a red “Wagon” – with those high lattice panels – something we all enjoyed!
My “Mom” dressed us up… so extra nice and warm, my “Dad” took the wagon outside – and we all got in – and Daddy pulled that wagon with the three of us – singing all of the “Christmas” songs that we knew and we were having lots of fun – around the block – again and again!
Under the “Christmas tree” … I received “ice skates” with those double blades – but, there was no snow – so, I just had to wait for a day of ice and snow.
This was one of the very best gifts, of all of the gifts… that I have ever received, a “Nurse-Doctor kit” for me!
A real good gift, that I enjoyed for a long time… since I had patients (my brothers) –
They needed me to bandage them from head to foot – and the “cure – for – all” – candy medicine!
While one would be recuperating and or waiting for a 1st class bandage job – there was always my little bottle of “red hot” candy pills!
Psalm 30 – dedicated to ME – since we were just talking about that the other day
‘You brought me up…’ rather like a bucket being drawn up from the deepest well; a dark well that is as deep as death itself. This imagery reminds us that God reaches down into the deepest, darkest places to bring us up and out. And until we are standing on the mountaintop again – well, he’s with us every step of the way.
In the early 40’s, my Dad took me to the Poultry Store where they had, (live birds) and we would pick out that live Turkey… to be prepared, “quickly” for us to pickup on our return – as we needed to head for McConnell’s fruit and vegetable store, for some of the other ingredients needed by my Dad… to prepare our Christmas dinner.
Immediately – arriving home… my Dad turned into an Irish elf – no cook book needed – he had pots and pans going – the smells and aroma were the indication something “special” is taking place – and this is going to be a most delicious meal and time for all!
Also, can not forget that “Christmas” tree – we all dressed warm and headed out – there were several “tree lots” to check out and we all had to give our “ooh o ‘s and ah’s” and with the “Right Tree” – we headed back for home and in a big hurry!
One day an extra special letter was sent to me, it had some sand from the beaches – pasted along the bottom – just so I would know … what the sand looked like in California.
My Dad, sent the mail… just special for me and said… that they had so much sand – that they would not care … if I … also had some of their extra special sand?
One thing I remember from those days, when I was just a small fry… I can still remember those times… that we were getting ready and really … as we were just kids that did like to help and in helping … Christmas Time – really was a wonderful time of the year!
Way back then… in the 1940’s… my Dad would take the time to make Fudge candy and Divinity candy – for the men and women in the Services!
Posted in Family, Grand-Children, Grandma, Today and tagged "AL R. ALDRICH", "Mickey McLaren" -" herself"with 1 comment.
“What EVER You Are Doing, Do TODAY”
On the Late Shift
On another evening, Lee called me to see if I would have dinner again and ride around in the district on patrol?
The one place we would have dinner was on the east side of Grand Avenue and very close to the “Water Tower” in the north Saint Louis area.
I believe that the businesses in the area wanted police officers to come to their place, gave them a sense of a little extra… security.
After dinner, we drove around, of course Lee was checking on places and activity… of which I was unaware of, at the time.
Then, when we were in the area of the “Tower Lounge” on the corner of Florissant and north Grand, we pulled into a parking place very close to the door on the corner.
When you walk in to this “Lounge” – it is always full of people – very crowed. Lee introduced me to the bar tender, and he told him what to fix me.
Above and behind the bar was a Piano Entertainer – he saw who I was with… and ask if I wanted anything special to be played?
Since my nickname is “Mickey” – I asked him to play “MICKEY.” And… sure enough, immediately he started to play, “MICKEY.”
Evidently, Lee was to meet with someone there – someone who would have information for him, so he had me sit at a nearby table and said, “Stay here, and do not get up for anything – no matter how long it takes!” “I will be back – just sit and wait!”
So that is just exactly what I did. I cannot now even remember… how long it took Lee to get back – but of course I knew he was on duty and police business comes first and foremost in his life.
While I was sitting and waiting the Piano Entertainer was doing a wonderful job of entertaining everybody, and I sure enjoyed just being there to enjoy all of the wonderful music and what everybody was doing. This was a new scene for me – something I would not go out of my way to do… on my own.
Sometime later, Lee was back at the table and sat down – he had a drink in hand – and seems to be preoccupied with something going on in the back of the Lounge. Lee said he has to meet with his snitches from time to time to receive info on what he is working on, and all of this type of activity is not for me to know about or see.
So, early on in dating him, I did not ask too many questions about cases… he would be working on. The “Newspaper” would from time to time have stories and with Pictures of Lee and other Detectives … and I would clip some … just collecting stuff about Lee and what he was doing.
Years after being married, Lee said he wanted me to write about some of the cases he was working on, as he was filling a scrap book with articles from the newspaper and photos of case recovered items – cases solved! The only bad thing about the whole situation he died too soon and I never went through the material with him – to get the point of view he wanted me to take in the write up of his cases.
Never put off for tomorrow – what you can do today! You never know if there will be a tomorrow? It is always “Today and only today!”
Posted in Family, Grandma, Today and tagged "AL R. ALDRICH", "Mickey McLaren" -" herself"with 2 comments.
“Each and Every Day Learn Something NEW”
“You need the keys?”
This is really… that one story, which you can never ever forget.
Way back there in time… when you are really too … not with the times… as you are just too young to know what time it is… as you just did not get that advice or you may have miss out on that day at School?
When you are dating a police officer, who is older and more mature than you, with life styles in different directions, one must be prepared to learn new lessons, every day!
On one such evening of driving the patrol route with Lee, there did become… somewhat of a situation that a young girl most likely thinks would never happen to her?
This would have to be a very cold night, weather wise, snow and ice everywhere, keeping the criminals off the streets, but the police are always out and on patrol.
After a couple of hours of drinking coffee and the cold weather adding its effects, I needed to make a “rest room” stop.
So, getting near the “Park”, I had asked Lee if he could find one of the “Park Restrooms” so that I could make a quick stop.
“We can make a stop, but… I will have to get the keys.
During the winter months, all the restrooms are locked for safety – so we will have to find that officer who has those keys.”
We did drive further and did find that… police car and officer that… had the restrooms keys.
So, Lee parks near the police officer’s car, knocks on his window, as he must have been sleeping and when he wound down his window, Lee asks for the restroom keys.
“You need the restroom keys?”
“Yes, and I’ll bring them right back – shortly!”
Lee drove over to the restroom, unlocked the doors and I went in.
Would you believe there were no toilets, only holes in the floor? Also, there were no sinks, just an empty room?
Well, I just could not believe the situation I was in – but… I did remember hearing in foreign countries – that there are only holes in the floor of their restrooms, so I figured… what is good in those Countries… is good in this Country!
Lee took care of locking the place up, and we drove back to the police officer’s car, where Lee returned the “KEYS” –
That police officer was “ready and waiting” for our return.
When Lee got back to the car, he said, “I never felt so silly, asking for keys to the restroom,” then the look I got from… Officer D.P. – “he knows that I know I don’t need keys to a restroom!”
I had to chime in with my full report, that there was nothing inside the restroom, how absolutely dumb – just having to ask to go to the restroom? This was really a night for me to remember.
Since then… I have been more aware of what I was going to be doing… where, when and all about… what I would need … and forever … there after to be prepared to expect silly situations … and in the learning game… the best thing in “LIFE” is to just be prepared!
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“Gift Giving and the Receiving of Gifts”
It’s the Thought That Counts!
There are some people… that are just a little more on the wiser side than most of us… and they will start to plan for “Christmas” in JULY… only because, they have more time to think about, what they will be doing … in that exciting month of December!
Just because… when you take the time to really think about it… “Christmas” has a way of getting here… so much faster… than you can make up your mind, as to what you fully plan on doing.
STOP and Think … right NOW… first …about your Pocketbook!
“YOU…Do not want to start the year off in the “RED!”
Usually, we think that we should go all out and spend top dollar… on a whole lot of stuff …for all of the family and so many friends, which is just so wrong to do, today.
Now, is the time to start doing those things that we are gifted with, our natural talents.
What nice things can we make, and we all have so many creative talents … that we could put to good use to make something extra special … something that has our time and inspired feelings of “LOVE” shining through.
Some of us can draw and paint and we can make up extra special artistic pieces worth “millions” … if only we utilize our time and put some extra special thought to all of those details that are needed to go into this finished product.
Sewing is another way of making some terrific items that can be used in the kitchen, and also in those bathrooms, and also… there are lots of other extra special places throughout the entire home.
Everybody and especially those family members… all know, that anything made by hand has the highest and greatest value, way over any amount of money you could ever spend.
I have many items… that my Mother and Aunt have made, so very many years ago, and I just cannot part with these “TREASURES” that were made with LOVE and and special feelings from their heart!
Today, we just do not take the time to make some of the beautiful things that we could be making and would be cherished for all generations – we just seem to not… have that little extra time?
Do not spend what you cannot afford… TODAY!
Remember – NOW and Forever… that which we all say – it’s the thought that counts… and given with a big smile… The LOVE shines through … making this… just the very best “GIFT” that they have ever received!
In todays’ world … It is that LOVE and Kindness, that shows up with that great big smile on your face… that for sure Friendship in all that you do… and or give to one another.
Rather than ever going into debt – just an extra special little note to that friend and or family member… or that special someone … your note of course stating …that your gift will be of some extra special “TIME” spent together… doing that which, you both would love to enjoy – something that you will both remember, forever.
“Friendship and time – is that “MILLION DOLLAR” gift!”
Don’t break the bank –
Speak volumes in Love and Time – a moment of “TIME” … is all that we really own and can ever give – and the receiver will remember – YOU – forever!
Posted in Childhood, Family, Grandma, Today and tagged "AL R. ALDRICH", "Mickey McLaren" -" herself"with 1 comment.
“A CHRISTMAS Children will never ever forget”
This is the time of the year, for making some real memories… to pass on to those next generations of all of the Joy and Love that we receive from our most wonderful Creator and our loving Family.
“Christmas” should be thought of as… all that LOVE we received, and our desire is only to pass it on – in those memories and photos we make to share.
“Christmas Eve’ – now this is – way back, when my children were small – we would go to visit family and friends houses to give gifts.
Then around 11:00 p.m. – We would make our way for Church services starting at 11:30 p.m. – if you wanted to get a seat or… and, if late, there was standing room only.
Seems like “Christmas Eve” brings everyone to Church for services, there will be more attending Church this night, than any other night – because… “who wants to miss out on something… special!”
After services, on the way home, someone in the car would have seen “Santa” on his way to our house – and we would all be highly excited as to if… he had made a landing and… if we would be able to see “SANTA” land anywhere?
Of course it was so cold, and we were in a hurry … to get into the garage, and then into the house, and this is where we would let the kids run in… just as fast as they could… to get the full surprise!
Absolutely – positively… “a miracle happened” – when we left the house, there was nothing under the tree, but “now” so many presents and just the most delightful array of “treats for the children” – how in the world did this all happen?
Here’s how… I decided to make magic happen.
We would be getting dressed for Church and to visit family and friends, and then… all of sudden, I would need something at the store.
So, I would tell my husband – in ear shout of the kids that… I have to have something before we leave and if he could go… and get it… real quick!
My husband would call the kids attention – that he was leaving and that they could go along for a ride, and see all of the “NIGHT TIME” sights – all the houses decorated and everything… that was going on outside.
So, off they all went – then just as fast as I could – get from my “special hiding place” everything that was wrapped and ready to be put around the tree.
Also, set up special snacks – including… a plate with cookies and a couple nicely broken… as if “SANTA” had been a little messy.
When everything was set up and ready, then I too, was ready to go –
I stood watch for my husband driving up the drive way – as soon as I saw them coming up the drive –
I hit the button to open the garage door – and out I went on my way to just jump into the car!
And off we were, no one in the car knowing… what was really happening?
The scene was all set – “SANTA” arrived and no one saw him or knows… how he got there with all that stuff?
The secret was having a “secret hiding place” in the house… that the children did not know about –
And then… when they were not around – things were wrapped and put there… till “SANTA” needed them!
Those were the days – making memories… when the children were small – that FUN…will last forever!
Christmas is Love – Love of God – Love of Family –
a… “Love” that shares, will last forever, and ever more!
Posted in Childhood, Family, Grandma, Today and tagged "AL R. ALDRICH", "Mickey McLaren" -" herself"with 4 comments.
“Prepare for BAD Weather and Freezing SNOW”
“Icy Roads” require Angel Service!
Do you remember … when you were in need of emergency help… when driving in freezing cold weather, and all roads were thick ice skating rinks?
Some years back, while I was at work – it started to rain – temperatures started to drop – roads took on a nice shinny glaze – icing up – just too dangerous, to be on… for any reason at all!
Do you think this “BOSS” would let anyone go home early to avoid this worst of all storms?
“NO!” … I think he was hoping that some of his employees would have accidents – he liked when bad things happened to people.
You know… there are some people in this world just like that!
You can see it in their face, when they hear of some catastrophe happening to someone they know. They are just enjoying every word about … what some poor soul must endure.
Anyway, the streets were frozen, and now it is 5:00 p.m. – and the few of us employees slide out to our cars.
It takes quite a bit of time to break up the ice from the wind shield – also the motor running to warm up the inside and help with the melting of the ice. Also, those were the days, when I was still wearing dresses or skirts and some type of tops for work, just to look like a LADY!
That freezing cold wind was whistling “DIXIE” up my skirt – just making me colder than necessary!
Looks like I can now see out of the windows, so I start to move the car slowly. I’m keeping an eye on the other employees and what they are doing, to determine just exactly how safe will this trip be?
So, we all go to different directions, and now… I am by myself on Hwy. 141 and there just isn’t anyone else out or about.
Going westerly – all lanes to myself – slower than slow – and would you believe the light is changing and I am going to have to stop – why? – Not a soul but crazy me – no one with any sense would be out on a night like this?
Sitting at this “STOP LIGHT” with my foot on the break – the car is very slowly sliding – the rear of the car is pulling me in a slow doughnut turn and toward the ditch … of which I look like… I might end up in for the night?
“OH God send me some help – help to know what to do – looks like I’m going to freeze out here – no way for me to walk home from here – no traffic – no houses nearby – what can I do? Please help! I am almost in tears.
While I am trying to figure this out… the light has turned green – and my eyes are ready to open the flood gates!
All of a sudden… some man is knocking on the driver side window!
I don’t know what to do – open the window some – he ask me, “Do you know how to drive on ice?” “NO!” –
“Well get your foot off the break, and when you are on ice keep the car in “NEUTRAL” when you are at the “STOP SIGNS” – this is so you won’t slide all over!”
“Aim your car as I tell you – I am going to be behind you and push you some… so you can get back … on your way!”
I was still praying to myself, and doing what I was told, the car window was still open some – so I could hear and do just exactly what… I was to do to get out of this mess.
Started moving slowly back on to the highway, turned my head to holler out the window to say “THANK YOU” – but no one was there?
It must have been an “ANGEL” – Almighty God sends his Angels if we pray often and all the time!
Posted in Family, Grand-Children, Grandma, Today and tagged "AL R. ALDRICH", "Mickey McLaren" -" herself"with 3 comments.