Grandma’s Stories

Aug 19th “August is almost over and…”

“Must take some last minute   “sight-seeing”  Trips with friends!”

                   “Belle of St. Louis” – Day Trip!

My neighbor, Jackie Jansen and I took a “Day Trip” on the “Belle of St. Louis” and  we really enjoyed the whole trip,  which included a  delicious meal. I can not remember now,  the name of one of the St.Louis Radio stations, personalities’  name – who with his family were also enjoying a terrific  “Summer”  trip up and down the Mississippi River – –  and lots of the fellow travelers would stop him and talk for long periods of time – – but… and  since “Jackie and I” were so close by – – we were able to hear and enjoy the conversations going on – – all without disturbing anyone.

Jackie and I, would try going somewhere each weekend  – a weekend that we were free to do something that  – we maybe had not done before. Several of our trips were with regular scheduled  groups and took up almost the whole day and due to the length of time –  even included two (2) meals. We sure did our fair share or more   of visiting everything and everywhere  – in and around the Saint Louis area!

 Just thought that I would add this PHOTO – – only because the  “dress”  is that  very same  dress as  in the above – – but there is a difference of maybe thirty  (30)  years of wearing it. Sometimes  –  some dresses are very nice – – look nice and feel good to wear – but just seem to be too far back in the closet – and just do not seem to be the kind of dress to wear too often – – could just  be the “BIG DOTS” – – and the dress would be remembered by everyone – – if worn too many times – – with the same crowd.

This PHOTO was taken when “we”  from left…ME , grandson, Alan and my son, Al were visiting German St. Vincent’s for an  “old class mates reunion”  – – and we were taking a tour of the HOME – – and of course this is the “Sacred Heart Chapel” – – where we  were at Mass at six o’clock every morning – – lots of memories – – and so many “PRAYERS” said that were not answered, then  – – but are in the “Bank of PRAYERS”  – – which… when needed, later  – – over the many years of my LIFE – – have brought Blessings  – – that I can now give THANKS for – – as they were “LIFE” saver “BLESSINGS” – – now that I think back over the  many years.    D.V.

Aug 18th “On this OAR – Pictures will hang”

When you are on the BEACH and you find an old “OAR” – -you know that you can do – – something very interesting – just be CREATIVE – with your MEMORIES!

“So how is this – – along the Atlantic Ocean – -and to my surprise – – what… should I find – – an “OAR” – – and just my size!”

“With out a small boat for me to use this wonderful find – – will put on my “Creative Hat” and see – – just what will pop up – –  maybe  something to remember this  terrific trip and all the FUN we are having!”

 Here we are… my  sister, Alyssa and  me… Jaime – – the great finder of all kinds of good stuff! We have some wonderful,  very colorful outfits to wear in the SUN and FUN along the BEACH – and how… do you like these bright and summery  “play dresses”  you can spot us for miles – – do not believe that we will get lost!”  –   And I do believe – – that we found something highly exciting!

We are waiting for our “Camera Crew” to come and take PHOTOS – – of our mysterious  find – – looks like nothing that we have  ever seen before – – and just could be a scary  something  – – to be posted on the “TV”  tonight for the “Six o’clock News” – – its  not just everyday – – that you can turn up something exciting and news worthy – – on these beaches in Florida?  “RIGHT!”  “RIGHT?”

Aug 17th “Sure like what I SEE”

Some times in LIFE – – there are things you like – – and you just have to share with the whole wide world and that is what I am doing TODAY!

*****                      ******                          ******              *******

*****        *********                                            **********        ******

Aug 16th “Join the NAVY and SEE “SEA” the WORLD”

There is just  something extra special about the “NAVY” – – my son, Lee  joining the NAVY made it extra special for me, too!

 When my son, Lee  in the above PHOTO,  sent  home this PHOTO and another,   that I posted  just the other day – –  to me after being  stationed in San Diego, California  for several  months – –  I just had to let my neighbor see them – – to see what she thought?

My neighbor,  “Jackie Jansen”   thought that my son, Lee looked like  “Errol Flynn” or even  the other  late 1940’s movie star  “Tyrone Power”  – – both very good looking “Actors” – –  and the both of them in old movies that we both liked. When I told my son, Lee what we were talking about – –  that…  I was showing off his PHOTOS while in the “NAVY” uniform  and we thought –  –  he looked like a “Movie Star” – – he just said  – – “They  kind of look like me!”

This PHOTO of Lee – – is when he came “HOME”  for either  “Thanksgiving or Christmas” – – it looks like the grass and even the weeds are all dried up and dead for the cold season. If you are familiar with the area – – you know that  all of the homes  on FENWAY Drive  are gone and instead of the “40 acres of property”  – – there is a new subdivision of homes – – all built so close  together  with streets running through this area – – where we once lived for ‘twenty-five’ years – –  and each home owner had at lest “three acres”  and some of us even owned horses! 

Just thinking back – – the “LIFE TIME” of activities that  took place right  there  – – could write books – – sure glad to have PHOTOS and  good MEMORIES – – as this EARTH that we live on – – has a way of changing – –  and sometimes –  “I wonder if all of it  is  for the good?”  – – So… for the next twenty-five  years – –  and only with the HELP of the Almighty Yahweh –  will we be able to make many more good and ever lasting memories!    D.V.

Just have to include some “MUSIC”  from the “NAVY” – – and to listen – –  will get you to feeling so good – – you, too – – might  just get the urge to  “sign up”  to serve  “AMERICA” with all the “gusto”  that makes for our “America”  being a very strong NATION!

Aug 15th “Send LOVE and Blessings to the VETERANS”

      MY Favorite  *****   “VETERAN… LEE G. ALDRICH“

Fly your FLAG – today! All Americans need to see our FLY waving in the Wind – –   for we are all AMERICANS!

My son, LEE G. ALDRICH Jr.

When you are in the NAVY… you just LOVE to hear… “NOW HEAR THIS!”  and  also… “ALL HANDS ON DECK!”

I’m guessing that when you are on the “HIGH SEAS” – – everything is an emergency… because you will either sink or swim… unless you have the power of the ALMIGHTY…looking after you and guiding you all along the way…what ever  and when ever your destination may be. – – BUT – – and let us never  ever forget…to be protected …you must PRAY and ASK  for PROTECTION… against your enemy…wherever  that enemy  may lie???

Let us never forget,  to remember all of our VETERANS… today…and FOREVER… – – as they are the earthly GUARDIANS…that were sent to protect AMERICA – – and our only HOPE is to keep AMERICA…strong for all generations to follow!

“Remember our Veterans every day and every chance meeting – – let them know – – they are so much respected for the mission that they are on – – to Keep AMERICA strong  and FREE!”

“May the Almighty Yahweh  help all Americans to do their part – – to be united in the effort of working together as we all did  for the WAR effort in the 1940’s  – – we all did our part to WIN!”    D.V.

Aug 14th “Suzanne Somers and CREW on US RANGER (CV-61″”

          Marie Osmond aboard USS Ranger (CV-61), 1981

                                “Bye Bye  Baby”

Marie Osmond aboard USS Ranger (CV-61), 1981

” These shirts are for sale – – check out her web site to purchase”