Hi everyone,
My back might be slightly better, but it is soon forgotten when you make a wrong twist or forget and try and turn over in bed. Then you think, “Nope… it was just my imagination!” I have a hard time getting comfortable in bed. I was still awake at 3:15, so I started doing anything I could that didn’t hurt… wiggling my legs, raising them up very carefully, twisting my hips from side to side, just moving around… then I’d do something stupid because I forgot I couldn’t do THAT! EEK!
Three weeks ago I was picking things up off the floor that my hubby had dropped so he didn’t have to bend over, and now he’s doing it for me… he finally gave me his grabber! :o)
Linda went to the Missouri Botanical Gardens and took pictures for us to see… and she has some new dolly pictures too! Stay tuned! I’ll keep working on what I was making…
Where’s Dorothy in PA? It’s almost May 1st!!!
I have some pictures to show from Anne and as I was looking back to get the background right on the story that went with them, I was just thinking about how all of you chatter with each other… Anne’s complimenting Charlotte on her fabric choices of the baby quilts and Charlotte’s talking about RFID fabric she bought somewhere… and Joy wants to know where she got it… and Rosemary is talking about walking backwards for Sciatica troubles… and Joy say she’ll remember that… and Barbara is talking about red ants and using gloves… and Joy said they don’t have ticks where she lives… and when Joy mentions she has a new doll coming… everyone starts trying to think of ways she can get the doll inside without it being noticed… and then they want to know if she made it inside without getting caught… and Marilyn is giving up links to look at Queen Elizabeth’s gowns from the past and how she’s like me to try and make one…and I just started laughing to myself at how all of us REALLY get along with each other. It’s so much fun to have all of you as friends! Thank you for contributing what you do!!!
Okay… let’s get started with today…
Oh, I forgot to tell you… a few days ago I listed a few things on Ebay… just things I’ve had on my guest room bed and needed to get them listed and hopefully out of there… I have WAY more things to list but I had to get started… I’ll list then and then you can click on the links below to see them…
Hallmark Bicentennial cloth dolls
Ok… now back to today’s post…
Anne sent these 2 pictures to me…They have to do with a trip she was taking when she was a little girl… They were in her grandfather’s van and he wrote about it in a family story.
I don’t remember much about the trip but I do remember the bump when the wheel came off. The van had no proper seats only benches over the wheels. I could see the wheel disappearing down the road through the tiny windows in the doors. I think we had picked up my Auntie Eileen and cousin Joan. Her younger brother was probably there as well. I know Joan and I went into a field and made daisy chains.
I was probably about 7 or 8 at the time. I remember the handle falling off though I thought it was when we dropped Auntie and Joan off at home.
I think the van was a death trap, thank goodness for Warrant of Fitness checks nowadays!
Here is the story from her grandfather…
These pictures were on the facing page in the book. My parents with myself and my brother. I was about 3. The curls disappeared when I was about 5, sad to say.
Thank you Anne, you were a cutie…and still are!!
I sometimes get an email from Joy when she’s just sending it for me to see, but I wanted to show you something she sent…I thought you’d like to see them…you never know when it will start up a new conversation with someone…
From Joy…
Saw these pics on a Ginny doll sales site on FB. The box is priced at $75.00, should you ever run across anything like this.
I had Ginny’s as a child but have never seen a set of hats like this. Definitely from the 50’s.
Thought you’d enjoy seeing them.
Joy
Thanks Joy, I’ll keep my eyes open for dolly hats… those are so adorable!
See everyone tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne, you just never know what movement will “get” your back when you are having back problems. I highly recommend a trip to the doc and some gentle physical therapy. It will really help a Lot! And you’ll learn some stretches and exercises that you will be able to use any time your back starts to act up again. (Ask me how I know….)
I’ve been wondering about Dorothy in PA, also. I hope she’s not ill. Perhaps on a lovely trip, touring tea rooms in England or something?! Yes, it IS almost May!! It’s really my favorite month, too–usually the weather is halfway decent out here, and the lilacs are in bloom!
You have some nice things on ebay; I hope they do well for you. I am especially drawn to the Hallmark dolls; I do love cloth dolls. But I’m trying to do a little downsizing, and adding 4 dolls would be backsliding!!
Anne, I so enjoyed reading your grandfather’s story. What a trip that was for all of you! I remember the days when cars were often held together with wire and whatever materials were at hand, although that was pretty early in my life, and more especially in my parents’ lives. I remember daddy talking about how many times he had to patch the tires when they were on their honeymoon in 1945!
And the pictures are just wonderful! What darling children you and your brother were!
Joy, that was really a special find, those boxed dolly hats! I’m so glad you brought that page to Jeanne’s attention, so she could share it. Were the flowers also included (3rd picture), to use as embellishments on the hats?
I want to thank all of you for your nice comments on my pictures yesterday. I think I answered everyone, but will go back and double check, just in case I missed someone. I had planned to get to them a little earlier in the day, but just before 1, our power went out, and it was out for almost an hour, so I didn’t get any of my errands run when I had planned to, either!
Yes, the flowers were decorations for hats and posted with the set. 🙂
Thank you, Joy. What fun that must have been for a little girl!!
Good morning everyone.
Jeanne, I am disappointed that your back is being so stubborn. 😢
I know that feeling so well. It is so awful. If you are not sleeping well at night, this is not great either. I am happy that you are able to move your limbs and such laying on your back in bed though. Yep, you might want to check in with the ortho doc, of course after a zillion xrays, they might give you a cortisone shot. Those never helped me 😭😞 They could offer some oral prednisone… if that is something you would consider, I would inquire. Usually it is a short stint. Just be sure the doc does not start that first dose too high. They do need to consider our age. I am praying for you dear Jeanne. Pain is horrible.
Charlotte’s advice is good. It might be doctor time.
Anne, your grandfather’s story is hilarious. What a great memory, what a day,.
Yes, it is very good for yearly car exams. They are mandatory in Virginia as well. You will not find any dilapidated vehicles on the roads here, additionally, the State Police will randomly pull over trucks to check for inspection paperwork, as on all vehicles we have a sticker on our front window. Still, if you have a light out you can get pulled over. I do not think there are such rules in Maryland and when we drive the Washington Beltway there are a lot of very bad looking cars when we are in that state, which is right next door!
Still, your story is a good one! I love this family photo, what a beautiful family all of you are. You are cute as a button.
Joy, your hat find on FB is incredible. I love all of the styles. I am taking notes too. I have never made a hat! Now I want to try!
Yesterday I did errands all morning, driving around town, well, north east to the Leesburg area. I had several stops to make. I spent $50 for a half a tank of gas.
I passed by a Target, but no 🙂↔️ no, I am making my own tiny bags from now on.
I am confident I can now use some cute fabric. I went to Hobby Lobby and got 5 YKK zippers ($1.49 a piece, made in Japan!!)
….. and I needed some white Kona……. and I found a little square of some low volume white fabric also super cheapo.
Then to Homie Depot for Geraniums. I really wanted pink but settled on these really red ones. I might go to the other Homie Depot and see if they have pink or peach. I really love that color in the front of the old house.
Whew, then I went to the old place and planted the Geraniums …. which, I will probably “relocate” them elsewhere in the yard. Then I came home and did a little of this and that, I was pooped and certainly not in the frame of mind (alertness) to continue on my lone star block.
I also ate a lot of iced lemon cookies from Walmart (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Lemon-Dipped-Shortbread-Cookies-8-5-oz/574622271?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1100&from=/search). They are highly addictive.
I am an addict now !!!
Today is grey, it looks like lots of rain all around us, I hope you get super helpful rain, Sissy! We might get about 23 rain drops out of this pass.
I hope all of you get a bit productive on the important stuff. I have not decided what I am going to do today. I better make a list.
I will send photos to Jeanne of my progress but I will wait.
I wish that you could try hat making. Some of those little Ginny hats were made from horsehair. 🙂 I’d love to see you out pulling out some pieces from the tail of a horse. 🙂 Just kidding.
nope! not me. I trim kitty claws and that is as close to danger I am willing to be. Actually, Prinnie is a very compliant sweet kittygirl and does not sob too loudly whilst getting a “clawdicure”
LOL “clawdicure” Rosemary! I perform those biweekly except I call them “pawdicures”
it is an interesting maintenance procedure.
First, glasses, second scissors, then, find kitty and tell her she is so good
No Linda in St. Louis yet? I heard they were expecting a terrible storm, so I thought I’d check here because she’s often the second writer. Maybe she’s typing right this second.
When I was growing up, money was hard to come by and we usually bought only what was needed, so if a light bulb burned out, my sister Linda and I would walk 8 blocks to the “Little Store” or the College Grocery and buy another one. Once another bulb burned out while we were gone, so we turned around….
All this means that we tended not to throw things out and now have too much “stuff.” My niece-in-law gives away or throws away outgrown toys and outdated clothes so that the house stays clutter-free. It makes me shiver, but I think she’s doing her daughter a great favor by teaching her to let things go. We no longer live in a world of not being able to replace things and never having enough. Things can be moved on to new owners instead of spending 50 years in boxes. Times and circumstances have changed.
Jeanne, congratulations on your recognition that some things can move on. And thank heavens for Ebay.
Jeanne, I can remember when my back was so bad I could hardly sleep. Since in I now have my pain doc giving me back shots every 3 months it is much better. Also, I highly recommend that you take a gabapentin before bed. It will help you sleep. I take one every night, I sleep well and feel fine in the morning.
Anne, your story was so great I had to read it again to Peyton! He really enjoyed it too. I am glad y’all at least got home! You and your brother are so adorable. I had curly hair too, as a babe, but the curls did not stay. Thank you so much for sharing that great story.
Joy, those hats are so cute, too bad they are so small. Fun to see them, thank you!
Jeanne, I hope your “clearing out” on ebay will sell quickly. I have two dolls that have not sold on FB so I will be putting them on ebay today.
Now that we had some rain we can have a young man come tomorrow and get rid of the fallen tree. He cuts the tree up and takes it away for free!! He sells the wood to folks who have fire places! We didn’t want him cutting any thing before the rain because the ground was so dry it might cause a spark and a fire. We are supposed to get some more rain and praying that some of it will be where the fires are. They are spreading more and more.
I am looking forward to Linda’s photos, and also to anything Jeanne has a chance to show her sewing.
Have a great day, Y’all.
I am very happy that you are getting good pain relief regularly. Also, gabapentin is a pretty good med.
I am so happy to see on the radar that you are getting rain!
Wonderful that you have someone so generous to clean up the old tree.
There are still many angels among us. What a relief for all of you.
That is great that you’ve found someone to take the tree and for free too. 🙂
Finally here, but what a morning and night! We had all these dire storm warnings for us here in St. Louis, schools got out early, stores closed down as did other places and activities. Well, it looked just fine up until 7 in the evening, then it really got dark, windy and poured down cats and dogs! We lost a few big branches, but luckily not any trees, nor did we have the baseball size hail like some in the northern parts did, but enough is enough! Surprisingly, we did not lose power either.
Then last evening before the storm, Michael slipped and fell while in the basement! He now has a knob on the side of his knee and cannot put weight on it. He is using my walker and I am playing nurse now. Try telling him to see a doctor, and you might as well try talking to g to a rock! So I am now doing the clean up in the yard, but I am only halfway through, if that much.. Looks like it might rain again.
Jeanne, I certainly hope your back improves. I had lots of trouble with sciatica or whatever it was, but that was when I had my knees replaced. It eventually went away after my replacements. Hope you don’t need that! I must have been walking to favor certain parts of my knee, and my back suffered from that.
Oh, Anne, what a story! We certainly do have requirements here too like Rosemary mentioned. Of course that was in a different time and age. Things are different now. You were a darling little girl and had such a handsome family! Thank you for sending the story and pictures in!
I saw that listing, Joy, and wish I could have gotten that, but didn’t try. My smaller dolls need hats! There really don’t seem to be many for sale now or ever since I started looking. I have a couple, but the prices are crazy for a decent hat in that size.
Jeanne, you should make some for the smaller dolls just by themselves!
When I saw the weather report yesterday with the storm right on top of St. Louis and even Carbondale in big letters, I worried. Glad your place escaped any major damage and hope that Jeanne/George had no damage as well.
So sorry about your husband’s crash. Hopefully, it will get better soon, or he’ll change his mind about a doctor visit. And take care cleaning up the yard. Not fun.
When I saw those hats, they brought back so many memories. I loved the hats that I had for my Ginny’s. Some were made from horsehair. Very well made and decorated nicely too. I’d never seen that boxed set of hats before and all complete. Awfully pricey though.
Hi Linda, very glad to hear you are safe from the storms. We just got some badly needed rain. So very sorry about your husband’s fall. I hope his knee is better very soon.
So good to hear from you!
I am thrilled that you are doing okay with this wild weather!
Poor hubbs. I hope his knee improves. Ice is good and alternate with heat. He needs the circulation with the heat, and decrease the swelling with the ice. and of course, elevation….
I really hope it improves quickly.
Ahhhh, the Hallmark cloth dolls… I believe there were at least 20 different characters made of historical figures. Most of them came in boxes that looked like houses, or something related to the character. I think a few of them did not come in boxes. I remember back in the 80’s, the bicentennial figures, especially Betsy Ross and Martha Washington, were very hard to find, and could sell for $100 or more. I had started collecting them after finding a few at a doll show, and had a good time for a couple of years, trying to find them all. I would never pay the high prices for the “rare” ones, but after a few years, they dropped in value and eventually I was able to get Betsy and Martha at reasonable prices. I believe I have them all…. somewhere… probably in a box in a closet…
Ugh – I just accidentally delete a whole paragraph of text about a little doll I bought on an online auction last night… Not gonna retype, but maybe I’ll send a picture to Jeanne later. She’s a little bjd called “Suki”, and she’s 6″ or less. I’ll go pick her up this afternoon.
So sorry about the loss of your writing. So frustrating. I would love to see a pic of your Suki. And congrats.
congratulations on the big win Theresa! I am excited to see your new Suki
I’m still laughing about Anne’s trip when a little girl. Such a little cutie! What a wonderful written account and great family photo. Seems like Cy was the heroine there being able to produce her nylons and a cigarette lighter to save the day. So happy that everyone survived. Thanks Anne and Jeanne for sharing.
I hope that Jeanne, managed to get some sleep somehow. I do remember those days when my sciatica was in full fledged mode. I hope that Jeanne, is taking some kind of painkiller to take off the edge. Rather than wait for it to get better, perhaps put in a call to the doctor to get his take? You do have to be careful that it doesn’t cause any permanent damage.
I forgot to mention that those tiny hats were often made from horsehair. I do still have a few, or did, as grand now has my old wardrobes filled with Ginny things. I never had that neat boxed hat set though. Thanks for sharing Jeanne.
While watching the news/weather yesterday, I saw that the huge weather blob with thunder showers and possible tornados was over St. Louis and Carbondale on the national news. Glad that Linda’s place was okay, and hope that Jeanne didn’t have any trouble either.
Zipping right along on the weeds in the gravel and trying not to spread seeds anywhere as I pull out those that have them. Callie Cat was sprawled out on a bench watching, but of no help at all. And it looks like a sunny day today. Yay!
I hope your back improves very soon, Jeanne. I also hope Dorothy in PA is well. She needs to be here to ring in May.
What a great story and wonderful memory, Anne. Your grandfather sounds just like mine in his ability to solve problems. It was wonderful to see your parents and your brother and you as children. You were both adorable.
What sweet hats, Joy. Yes, good luck getting Arina in. With her cottagecore look you could always claim you need her to help in the garden. Worth a try.
Forgot to comment on the Bicentennial dolls. I definitely remember seeing those
Well, Arina, hasn’t left HK yet, but I did manage to get another box with dolls inside the house today, undetected. Yay. I’m so excited to see them, but other person is not planning on heading to the store, so I’ll have to wait to open the box until probably tomorrow.
Excellent selection of items on eBay Jeanne. Great photos! Those will go quickly
I recall having the Amelia Earhart doll!!! but I think we lost the coat long ago and I never kept the box 🙄 I think Christina has that cutie doll now, as I am certain I bought it for her.
What an interesting story, Anne. Your van story sounds scary. I know how scary those things can be. Once we were returning from a trip with our travel trailer. We were pulling it with our large van when the van blew a rear tire. We were all over the road with the travel trailer fishtailing behind us. I can guarantee you that everyone behind us on the interstate just stopped. We were nearly home when it happened. David was amazing at getting the van and the RV stopped with the RV in the upright position. He was sure he was going to have to lay it down and that would have not been good at all. Believe me we were praying big time. After we stopped and he pulled off the road we had several people stop to see if we needed help. Believe me it’s not an experience I ever wish to repeat.
I had a Ginny doll too in the 1950s and never saw this adorable collection of hats. My first Ginny came in one of those gift collections they used to do. It had two dresses a pair of pjs, a raincoat and something else I can’t quite remember. The doll was in the center wearing one of the dresses and the other four outfits were in each of the corners of the box, plus shoes and other accessories. I’ve looked on the internet to see if I could find something on that set but never could.
Well I’ve been deserted for a few days and this will continue weekly for about a month – or more. The guys will be out-of-town on a large job north of here. They will be home on weekends but will come back Thursday this week so David can go to the orthopedists with me. They will stay at a motel this week but have an Airbnb for next week and hopefully the rest of the time. I have so much I’d like to do around here but with my current situation I’m not sure how much I’ll get done. A lot depends on what I discover at the orthopedist’s office Friday. I’m sure I’ll have to make time for some PT but I’m good with that. Whatever it takes. But I do hope to get some sewing done. Sitting is the one thing I can do comfortably but the Ironing may be a little bit of a struggle, but it’s necessary so I’ll do it. I’m hoping to get the dress done that goes with the sweater I won. Bella is becoming most irritated with me I fear, since I told her the sweater was hers and she would have a new outfit or two to wear with it.
Oh, I hope that you find lots of time to do some sewing while everyone is out of town. What a great time it would be to receive deliveries. 🙂 Fingers crossed that the orthopedist has a solution.
Oh Anne…what a really good written account about your Grandfather’s van!! I had to read it twice and am still chuckling! It is written like some of the similar family stories written by Daphne and printed in the UK publication called “Daphne’s Diary”. Has anyone else enjoyed this publication? My eldest daughter gifted me with a year’s subscription and I’ve hung onto each issue to enjoy again and again!
https://www.daphnesdiary.com
And I couldn’t agree more with Marilyn regarding the “stuff” we tend to accumulate over the years and sometimes how hard it is to get rid of it or give away for others to use. Never gave much thought to being elderly and asking myself: “Unload it now? Or leave it for my daughters to decide what to do with it!” I’ve talked with them about what they want and I am trying to unload items no longer used, rather than having them look at something after I am gone and wonder “What did Mom want us to do with this?” Not trying to sound morbid….just facing the reality of stuff collected over the years! I DO, however, have a collection of my favorite historical romance novels from Better World Books, that grows a little more with each Mother’s Day or holiday BWB gift cards from my daughter, the Dean of a Library! I forget how the books go after a while and reread them after a year or two goes by…especially since I no longer drive or go to the library like I used too. Plus you can take your time reading them since there is no return due date. I can imagine my girls will drop my collection of novels off at a Better World Books bin someday! And they will continue to be enjoyed by others.
Also have a collection of art instruction books, several books on famous artists, and books about dollhouses and making miniatures, which I still enjoy and refer to often….can’t unload them yet! My art supplies may be enjoyed by my granddaughters someday….but old clothes, shoes, unused kitchen ware, furniture and knick-knacks will be easier to part with. I am amazed how much stuff is kept….we can’t take it with us! But our items give us comfort and joy to be surrounded with familiar things.
Just a P.S. note for Joy, who mentioned yesterday that her Uncle in his 80’s had surgery for spinal stenosis, and so did Charlotte’s husband….those are good options for some if they are good candidates for surgery. Joy, your Uncle must have been very brave and determined to overcome the spinal pain to have the surgery at his age. Saw my Gastroenterologist last month for his input on my umbilical hernia and if I should have it repaired or can I let it go as is. I am evidently at high risk for surgery due to liver disease (NAFLD), my weight, age, etc. I am really glad not to face any more surgeries if it can be helped since I have a hard time waking up from anesthesia and have reactions to some drugs. My liver tanked badly after my second knee replacement done 8 years ago, and I had gall bladder surgery followed up by an ERCP procedure about 4 years ago due to repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis. Developed sepsis while in the hospital after the ERCP procedure and was given drugs to fight that. Plus I ended up with a dysfunctional eustachian tube within days after the ERCP procedure, and my hearing is compromised. My youngest daughter said it seems like every time you have a surgery, you get something else to deal with! Is it any wonder why I am not looking forward to cataract surgery….even though they don’t put you to sleep for that, I am still leery of the process. My youngest daughter had Lasik surgery years ago and she said they do make you very comfortable and you don’t feel anything….she was amazed at how fast it went, and I have heard the same thing regarding cataract surgery. Sooooo….in the meantime, I adjust, learn to cope with certain issues, and thank God for each day of life!
So sorry that you have had to deal with many medical issues. And yes, both my dad and his brother were in good shape and played tennis into their eighties. My dad only gave it up when he couldn’t see the ball anymore. He died at 94 and my uncle at 92.
Well that was odd! The ‘Share your thoughts’ title came up but nothing underneath to write my comment. I closed the blog then came back into it and it was there!
I am glad you all enjoyed my Dad’s story. I only really remember seeing the wheel disappearing down the road, I don’t remember my baby sister being there so I might have been younger than 7, I was 5 1/2 when she was born on Boxing Day 1950 and this trip would have definitely been in the summer because the van had no heating. Another trip I remember in the van was to a holiday camp in Pwllheli. N. Wales. Dad had looked at the map and felt that the main route was through the mountains and the van might not cope so he went a different way. Unfortunately it was the opposite and we got stuck halfway up a mountain road. A bus came along and the driver offered to tow us. The tow rope broke twice and he said he would try once again but then he would have to leave us. Fortunately it worked that time. I’m guessing we went home the other way!
Linda, I am so glad you are OK. I hope Michael’s knee improves soon. If it is a dislocation he REALLY needs to see a doctor since it can permanently damage the ligaments. So the doctor on Snow Patrol tells us every week anyway. (Snow patrol is a reality programme about the ski field at Cardrona, near Queenstown. It is mainly, but not only, about the response to accidents on the ski fields and the treatment in the medical centre. Dislocations are a regular occurrence.)
We have had a few days of lovely sunshine and quite warm temps, it was 24C yesterday. Good for the power bills. Sissy, I really pray you have some really good rain, stay safe.
Have a great day everyone
Glad that Ihat I checked back in. Your van story was great. So, how was the camp once you finally arrived? Maybe the trip getting there was more exciting than the camp itself? 🙂