Grandma’s Stories

Aug 16th “Last Look at St.Vincent’s PICNIC”

Every one in our FAMILY had great smiles for all of the activity and  especially to visit the inside of the “German Saint Vincent Orphanage”  –  – to visit the apartments of the children living there today – – and then to look at photos of how the same area looked…  when I was there… as a little girl.

This is my son, Al  and his daughter, Jaime on his right – – and then on Al’s left side in daughter, Alyssa – – and we are still full of big smiles.

Since this PICNIC is taking place … in the back of the Orphanage – – this area was used for the ball field – – that is when I was  here in the 1940’s and early 1950’s – – so this shot does give a view of the back side of the laundry – – rest rooms and garage, but at the top of  those buildings you can see the tops of the Main building – – which is not often seen.

The next PHOTO is of the girls, my Grand-daughters, ALYSSA and JAIME, and standing in the middle is  their mother, JILL –   and they sure do take very good photos – – you have to say that the camera likes them – – as they photogenic. –  And…  more smiles!

How do you like this PHOTO???  That is my Grand-daughter,  JAIME…  singing with the band. I do not remember  the name of this BAND – – but how do you like the extra long “HORN” – – which was used for a couple of the songs and music that was played.

Looking at this PHOTO… seems to me – – that this area – –  used to be the “TENNIS COURT” – – and also used for us to play  the “VOLLEY BALL” games…  that we would play – – way back  there in the good “OLE” days.

One thing about taking PHOTOS – – when attending events – – especially – – those that you might have lived and or  have older memories of times gone by – – – to look over the old Photos…  will  bring you up-to-date in memories – – so that when you are  just thinking – – “I wonder what happened there  and  also wonder … what happened to this  FRIEND   or FAMILY – – you can finally feel that everyone that you used to know  – – did make it “GOOD” – – and your mind just seems to rest…  with the thought that “all is well” – – everyone has had a very  good LIFE!

Aug 15th “Saint Vincent Home PICNIC”

Here I am… checking lists of names of possible old ALUMNI – – that may be showing up – – and also checking out some older names – – just to see – – WHO – –  WHAT YEAR – – and WHEN were they at   ….         “German St.Vincent Orphanage” – – 

Would you believe… this is an old class mate – – we graduated    in 1952  and this was a real surprise – – just to be able to check up – – on the  old NEWS and  WHO  in our class was still among the living.  Next to me is   Theresa Wieland – Eckerl and her husband.

Just had to add one more PHOTO  – – we are still standing  around  in the CHAPEL –  and the “TOUR GUIDE” is giving to  us  an  up-to-date  activities’   plan – –   that the children are doing …  that are now living in their separate apartments  – –  and  HOW and WHY there are so many changes – – compared to the way it was when I was there  – – to live in the HOME –  TODAY – – all together different  – – from yesterday… when I was there.

Just so you know…  that is “me”…  MARY ELLEN – – and next to me is my GRAND-son ALAN – – and next to ALAN is his FATHER, AL – – who is my youngest son. – – This was a very special day for all those  “old-timers”  who came back to St.Vincent’s for a very nice PICNIC – – the weather was beautiful and the Bar-b-QUE was superb – – no complaints were heard – – just a terrific time to think  way back to when you  and  some of your good “OLE” FRIENDS   try as best as you could  – –  remember some real “GOOD OLD TIMES”  –  – that we  will never ever…  forget!

Aug 13th “German St.Vincent Orphanage PICNIC – 2015”

If you were asked… “Where and WHAT were you doing a YEAR… ago?”

The answer that most people would give… “I have no idea… WHAT I was doing just yesterday – –  and YOU want to know “WHERE” I was a year…. ago?”   “You have to be out of your mind!”

So… while you are thinking back – – about where you where – – LOOK at where I was.  That is me in the blue dress and surrounded by  my GRAND-DAUGHTERS… ALYSSA is sitting next to me – – and JAIME is standing behind Alyssa  –  and their MOTHER, JILL  is standing behind me. 

“St. Vincent Home”… had a very generous sponsor for this get-to-gather PICNIC…  for previous ALUMNI and their FAMILY – – a wonderful BAR-b-QUE  dinner – – which also included dessert – – and to even have “seconds” if …  you  would have the room for more to eat! Just take a look at he plate of food that was brought to me…  more than I could eat all in one sitting – – as I am the type that likes the desserts – – and will save the food for a little later time – – as I am a very slow eater – –  – and for this PICNIC – – there were lots of other things to do – – besides just sit and eat.

So… just a reminder to other  “ALUMNI” – – if you were also attending  this PICNIC … and have PHOTOS – – be sure to contact me – – so we can share   stories with PHOTOS – – and even some of the good old days at  “St. VINCENT” –  – since as the years go by – – some times some good old things – – that we wanted to remember – – have been forgotten – – but to hear about it again – – just might be a very good thing – – reminiscing  the “GOOD OLE DAYS!”