Grandma’s Stories

Jul 19th “From Generation to Next Generation”

It is wonderful to be able to  develop some activities that you can pass on – – from one generation to the next generation – – and with the important  point for all – – to enjoy having FUN – – lots of FUN while doing so.

In the “AIR” flying or when just resting between  Airports  stops – – having a  luxurious rest  where all can  just enjoy taking time for a “prize of a PHOTO”  like this on – –  well… this is the best of FUN!

“Everyone wants to go FLYING with JILL and Alyssa and Jaime – –  because  this is the best of all FUN TIMES!” 

We can not forget to start having the younger generation get on board as soon as possible – – as once you start early – – you will have going FLYING in the blood …forever!

“With such enthusiasm – with Alyssa and son, Lex – – I feel that I should hurry up and join them in the next  Flight – – up and away – – for all  of the FUN that comes with “Playing in the Sun”   with those you LOVE!”

Jul 18th “Nothing like CHRISTMAS in JULY”

This “JULY” seems to be just a little on the extra HOT side — just could be that I am older and as we get older –  we feel some things more than we did when we were younger – – guess maybe our skin is getting too thin – – or not enough of the correct VITAMINS – something… so with some PHOTOS of “HAPPY  TIMES” and even one taken in DECEMBER – – should bring on a “COLD” wave!

How’s this for  “Aunt Irene” – since her BIRTHDAY was yesterday, the 17th of JULY – –  this is her son,  “Bernard Riley” and was killed when only ten (10) years of age. 

My MOTHER had told me that everyone just loved little, “Bernie” he was always so happy and  kind and smart – – and so good looking as you can see on this PHOTO – – and this PHOTO that I have, always  hung on the wall at “Aunt Irene’s” home.
 This PHOTO at my home on “Cherbourg” should cool us off – – almost wish we had some snow blow in – – just to reduce some of the heat wave here in Missouri.

That is “Aunt Irene”  with my son,  Lee Aldrich jr., on   the floor and Al Aldrich sitting on her lap  “CHRISTMAS  DAY” – – must be some kind of a “Walkie-talkie” system that they are trying out – – have no idea if that was a good gift or not???
 Now this is a very good PHOTO of “Aunt Irene” taken in the late 1950’s … as this is my brother,  TOM’s and his wife Rose’s “WEDDING DAY” and a party to celebrate. 

From the left is brother, DENNY and his wife, JUDY – and next is our “AUNT IRENE” and her sister, MARIE – – and the “Groom, TOM, himself. – – Congratulations to them as they are still alive and married all these many years.

“Happy Birthday Aunt Irene!”

Jul 17th “Aunt Irene’s BIRTH-DATE and TIMELINE”

Just have to start off … with  that which… I feel was Aunt Irene’s  finest HOUR in LIFE – – the birth of her son, Bernie. This old PHOTO which I feel “LUCKY”  to have  – – and so glad that ‘It’  was one that was not lost in the moves from  moving to several other locations.

“Little Bernard Riley” was  the LOVE and JOY to  “William B. and Irene C. Riley!”

This is “Irene” and her Mother, Mrs. Thomas F. Brady and would be taken at least ten years  later

– – as little “BERNIE” was killed by a drunken driver at the age of ten (10) – – which really was devastating  – – there are no words to describe  how things were after that.

“Years have gone by – – and finally  “MARIE BRADY”  a much younger  sister to “IRENE” gets married and “Grandma Anne E. Brady” is still living  and Aunt Irene  and her husband, Bill –  have moved to Ashland Avenue,  Saint Louis and live in the downstairs flat – – and this is where I am seen in the arms of Aunt Irene in her backyard!”

“Time just seems to “Fly” when you  are having  “FUN” – –  and since Aunt Irene lived here across the “Fairgrounds Park” from us – – it was easy for us to visit  and visit often – as so many of the cousins of the  “SMART and BRADY Families” lived with just a few short miles of each other – – in most cases – – just a real nice walking distance  and there you were… visiting!”                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                 Photos in color indicate that “TIME” has really gone by – –  as these two PHOTOS of  “Aunt Irene” were taken when I was married and living in Florida.  Aunt Irene came down to visit for a week or two – – and part of the time with us we took her to the “RACE TRACK at Hialeah” and we had a nice meal in he “CLUB HOUSE” – – as I do not like to  take a chance and bet – – I prefer a nice meal and  to watch  others – – spending money they do not have – – in HOPES of winning MONEY – –  that  they  will never happen to win  – –  at something you most likely know nothing about – –  as  for those that need the money the mostest – -also loose the most! 

Trying to remember what was happening in this time frame – – my guess for these two PHOTOS would be in the year of 1965 as there were lots of things going on in the  1960’s – – trips back and forth to Missouri and Florida – – then births and deaths –  and  then complete moves from one place to another – –   sure glad that I was young enough to be able to do all that – as  now it  seems to be – –  more than just one person could or would be able to do. Thanks be to the Almighty for giving me the  extra strength to do and be where I was suppose to be – –  when and where   I was needed to be of a help!     D.V.

“Happy Birthday   Aunt Irene – – and enjoy the Heavenly realm with all of the FAMILY!”

Jul 16th “To Aunt Irene from TOMMY”

Jul 15th “July 17th is almost here for Aunt IRENE”

*****“Aunt Irene Riley Birthday… almost here”*****

It sure is good to be able to remember … Birthdays – – of the  rich and famous “RILEY”  FAMILY –  whether they are here –  and –   or where ever…  they may be.

“How is this PHOTO of the “RILEY’s” –  in the lap of luxury   in the 1960’s – that is “IRENE”  herself on the left  – and  then  “BILL” on the right –  there is “company” as we can see some  ‘shoes’  of someone on the sofa – and between the “NEWS of  the DAY”  on their  new  “TV” and  in the “newspaper” – what an exciting  – “LIFE for RILEY” –  or what more would one  expect?”

NOW… let us compare the above PHOTO –  to the PHOTO  below – this could be from the very same “MOVIE” – “my oh my…o” – WOULD this be the very same  couple?

That is …  “AUNT IRENE”  on the left – with her  little  white apron on as she is still on “KITCHEN DUTY” –  they may have had the first course – and are making room for dessert –  (one thing that I know for sure is that my  “Aunt Irene” could  “out cook” and bake anyone –  she did know all about having the food just right – oh well – may as well –  just say so here – when she prepared anything  – “it was the BEST”) – because  I know   that there was never a complaint –  everyone always wanted more of all the “GOOD EATS” –  as everything was  TERRIFIC!

This must have been the “RILEY” theme –  “BILL, himself “–  always sitting on the right side – – that way  there was never a question about “who dun it”  – when something would  ever –  that is ‘if ‘   ever –   be  found – to be out of place –  there is something about that “old saying” – “A place for everything – and everything in its own place” –  adds up to not having any  discouraging words!  That is one way to be “HAPPY”    and almost … forever!

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY  – – – AUNT IRENE BRADY RILEY”

Jul 14th “Great Grandma – I LOVE YOU”

“Hey GREAT GRANDMA … I LOVE YOU – – and I have many big kisses just for you – – and a HUG around the neck!”

  “Here we are… me  baby, Lex and my great big ole  “TEDDY”  – – I have my going out to a special DINNER outfit on  – – not quite ready  – -still waiting for my socks and shoes – – but –  how do you like  my big fancy going out to dinner  “TIE”  – – it is strictly first class –  and I like the way it gives my chin a little tickle now and then – – just something different  for a young baby to get used to wearing!”

  “Now it is getting time for some serious  thinking about going to sleep – – the “PARTY” is over and here with big ole “TEDDY” – – I get the feeling that he is here to protect me – –  to  kind of scare off any wild , fussy flying things in the night. Just so you know… Grammy… I am wearing your favorite hat – – just getting  it all broken in for you – –  so…when I feel that I am tired of it – – it will make you look glamorous – – like it does for me – – right?”

“OH… look at the “tie” that “TEDDY” has on – – he kind of has a disappointed  look – – cause he wanted to wear my  “BRAND  NEW” going out to “DINER TIE”  – – which is off bounds for him to have…right NOW!”

  “WE are all going on a short trip – – at least that is what I thought I heard someone say – – but in all of the getting ready – – I almost think that they forgot me – – HOW LONG … does it take – – once all the bags are packed and ready to go?”

   “Looks like my little “TEDDY” is about to climb out and see if he can find someone to pick me up and carry me out to that big moving machine – – the one that takes us to your house… GRAMMY – – maybe we are coming over to see you – – I just do not get to hear every thing that is said – – because – – I am sitting here – – just looking pretty – – but ready to go in a hurry – – see you soon!”     D.V.