My Childhood Memories

Mom was home. We were fortunate.

Dad worked as a milkman @ Farrell's Dairy which was down the street from our house. Sometimes he walked home but sometimes he drove his car and parked it in front of the dairy and then drove home. I wonder if the neighbors found this strange.

My great aunt (Mabel) lived at the dairy and sold product there. Kids would come to her back door and yell, 'Mabel' when they wanted something.

Leo, my great uncle, also worked at the dairy.  He was a saintly man. He was always kind.  He drove a jeep which fascinated us. Neil talked about it alot. My father said it was a dangerous vehicle. He hasd driven one during the war.

We liked to come home from school and watch TV. My mother would ask us to go to the store. There were a  lot of different stores.

 

The bakery[Millers {rocks}(as Squirrel (Billy Joyce) called them], the meat stores (2 of them -Grandma Collins liked the one at her corner ( Kenny's) and my mom liked the further one (Kimmick's). There was a pharmacy across the street (Ryan's( Hammerschmidt) and later Dunn's(Knorl)  and Peewees was the grocery store. There were 2 stores: Wrights and Sirata's (convenience type stores). Jean's was a clothing store and there was a hardware store at the corner of Pomona. We could find most of what we needed here. 

On the weekends for something to do we would walk out Seneca- that is beyond Hayden to Woolworth's and Fishmen's and window shop at some of the other stores. We figured they'd kick us out if we went in because we rarely had any money to spend. In the winter it would have been nice to warm up there but kids got no respect. So it goes.

Our world was small and we had little interest in the bigger issues. We didn't have  a need to be concerned about those things. We were lucky to be protected from that by our parents. older siblings and aunts. 

Karen Sacco once told me she wrote to Dear Abby to ask for advice because the TV station changed the time Brady Bunch came on. This song reminds me of that.

Sr Patsy was a Rebel

 I loved hearing Sr. Patsy's stories. She told them well and they were always interesting and funny.

Her sister, Sr Victorine was the serious one. She was very kind, wise, generous, and patient. I look like her but fail short of her attributes. She reminded us often not to have expectations lest you be disappointed. She loved surprises, picnics, tailgating, and family get togethers. When she replied to a question she put great thought into it. 

We were so fortunate to have the sisters looking out for us.

When Sr. Patsy was old enough Sr. Victorine got her a job at the hospital in the Dietary Dept. After work on her first day her friend Maureen said she would love to have a job like that. Patsy went into her house, got her dietary uniform, and gave it to her.

Sr. Victorine was none too pleased to be informed that not only Patsy was a no show but someone else had showed up in her place.

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Sr. Patsy was gifted a ticket to Fla. by her friends (outside the convent). She was excited,  covered her teaching responsibilities, and readied herself for a great time.

The day before she was to leave she was called in to see the Mother Superior who told her she could not go.  'Nuns are not allowed to make independent decisions,' she was reminded in no uncertain terms.  

Patsy prevailed and enjoyed her time in Fla for the most part -but she did mention that many of the people on the beach were dead ringers for the Mother Superior and/or members of her family. 

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 Patsy was a notorious back seat driver. 

"NO BSD!"Patty would say before admitting her into her car.  She often reminded her that she needed a navigator not a nag -in- ator.

 Patsy:   "Use your signal Colleen!!!"  

 Colleen:   "I'm trying to save on the life of the battery."

Patsy (considering)

Patsy: "Go! Go! Go Colleen!" (despite any traffic law forbidding it)

It was great when we got GPS because before that  your stomach was in knots as she provided misdirection, barked out orders, and critiqued your driving -all delivered lovingly as only Patsy could. 

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Patty called Patsy and Mom's lunch visits the 'Ella and Patsy Show'.

Patsy would tell her stories in high dramatic style while my mother would just laugh or smile in response.

For some time neither could hear well. 

When I asked Patty if she needed anything at the store while we were at Mom's she would tell me to pick up some  hearing aides.

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Patsy's lifelong Pomona friend Eileen told us that another friend told her that she decided to join the convent. The friend asked Eileen to accompany her there. Eileen went with her to the convent and rang the bell but her friend had second thoughts and ran away leaving Eileen to catch up.

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Patsy was once and always a principal.

She loved the students and she was a firm believer in discipline.

One former student told us his hands are still cold after having been told by Patsy to make 100 perfectly round snowballs after he got caught throwing snow balls at the bus windows when he was in grade school. "...but Sister I have no gloves," he protested. "You didn't seem to notice that when throwing them at the bus," she replied.  

Patsy liked Tony Kenny and his songs.

Back in Buffalo!

 Retired and able to come to Buffalo for a longer period of time. I am a reverse snowbird. The weather, entertainment, and of course company has been amazing! It is especially nice after the horrendous year we have endured with pandemic restrictions and political turmoil. 

We lost Patsy but I'm so glad she did it 'her way.' What a rich life she lived!

Some highlights:

Reconnecting with friends and family 

uotdoor concerts/events

ilne dance -learning

using GPS to find my way around (much better than the old way-trial error and so less

time consuming!)

hanging with Sassy 

Joy of the Early Days (Raising our Family)

When my children were small I would often make up games As they got older their attraction to them diminished to the point that I was forced to abandon the practice.

We would play the birthday game where I would wrap up their toys nicely and they would get to open them ["Oh its my truck(again)!] I would take plastic eggs and put notes inside such as, 'good for trip to the store with Mom.'

Stephen retold in his own adorable manner some of the stories told to him. Most always he was the star/hero in his telling. Some I have videotaped and enjoy watching.

One day I told them that I would put each of their names in the hat and the one that was chosen would get to go to the library with me. I told each of them to write their name on a piece of paper. The older two, who by this point had tired of this 'nonsense', wrote the youngest child's name on the paper and when I picked out a name..surprise ...it was his.

Grocery Shopping (Childhood Memories)

One of our childhood chores was going to the neighborhood store to pick up items for our dinner. 

Of course we weren't real thrilled to do this as it interfered with our after school TV watching or play time. In addition it sometimes entailed not only shopping for our family but for my grandmother. She lived on the next street and we were always trying to discover new short cuts through neighbors yards to shorten the trip. We were mostly caught and turned away.

Another objection we had was going to different stores: one for baked goods, another for meat, and then my grandmother used the other meat market. 

Not to mention the hoodlums who lived at the corner of Pomona (my grandmother's street)  who constantly tormented us, "What's in the bag?" ( usually some odd assortment of housewares) which upon investigating they would immediately lose interestand and allow us to pass.

Of course my grandmother was wonderful so you had to smile and suck up your impatience with the experience or you would be scolded when you returned home.

 

One time my brother Marty was sent out on one of these excursions. When he returned home it was pouring rain and he had ridden his bike. 

My mother came out on the porch to greet him and retrieve the goods. He handed her a brown paper bag that was empty. It had been through soaked by the rain and the contents had fallen out. She kind of laughed (still in shock after losing 1 # ground beef) and asked," Where is the change?" 

"It was in the bag," Marty replied.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Dickies (Childhood Memories)

My at home (or around home) sisters occasionally would plan a trip to visit another sister who lived away. On one such trip of (which I unfortunately was not a party to) Mary, Moey, Patty, and Peggy were going to visit Joanne in New Hampshire. 

Mary, my oldest sister asked Moey what she was bringing in the large bag. Moey replied that she was bringing some dickies for Joanne. Mary excitedly responded, "I just love dickies. I have them in so many different colors; blue, pink green..."  Then Mary added," I love to wear them when I go running!" 

The other sisters at first attributed Mary's comments to their difference in age and fashion taste but that last comment seemed too bizarre. " You wear them to run in? (while exchanging 'that's unbelievable' glances with each other) 

"Oh yeah, they keep my neck so warm and toasty!" With this statement they determined that Mary was referring to the other 'dickey' which had long been a beloved fashion accessory for Mary. 

Fortunately for her the trend never caught on so she pretty much has the market to herself.

Peggy: Red is the Rose ( Peggy Farrell Flynn)

I thought recently about investing some time in researching our family history when my son was doing a school project on this subject. I decided I would rather be reminded and hear the stories of those who came before me. That is where my interests lie. I hope some of the family that comes after me share this interest and continue the story. 

 Peggy loved to pull pranks on her friends and then sharing the stories. 

Once when there was a snow day at school her friend Paulette (a school nurse) was counting her lucky stars. Another friend  called Paulette and asked her why she was not at school. She replied that it being a snow day she figured she was to stay home.' No,' she was told, ' as a memeber of the non teaching staff she was expected to come in and shovel snow'. When she objected saying that she couldn't get her car off the street she was told that their maintenence man could pick her up in his 4X4.

Another friend shared her good news with Peggy that she had been laid off by the Buffalo Public Schools and couldn't wait to get some rest and collect unemployment. Another friend impersonating Bflo. Schools Human Resouces called Susie and told her they had good news. 'You may return to work immediately as a bus driver. She protested.'Don't I need to be trained?' 'No problem' was the answer 'We'll take care of it and you'll be ready to ride that bus in no time.'

There was an embarrassing jingle by the hardware store on local TV and Peggy would tell her kids that she would be featured in their next commercial. She told how she was appproached while shopping there and illustrate the words and dance sparking fear and dread in them.

Neil said he felt like, ' The Captain and Tenille' when out with Peggy because she did all the talking.

 

Peggy liked this song. She left us too soon. She left 3 great children and her husband to carry on and 

I'm sure she is proud of how they not only managed but continue to spread the love and joy she embodied. May she rest in peace.

Sage Avenue: The stuff dreams are made of happened here. ( Childhood Memories)

We knew our neighbors and found lots of fun and excitement here. We were always in search of new activities and discoveries. We climbed a cherry tree in Ned Parson's yard. We hung out on our porches and enjoyed the weather, sights, and sounds. We didn't use doorbells just yelled the kids name at their back door until we got an answer or not. When the Greaves moved on our street we were thrilled because many of their kids matched up in age with our family. We had carnivals in our yards,swam, played kickball, basketball, hide and seek, blind man's bluff, cards (Fish, Old Maid, and Gin Rummy). We  slept out in makeshift tents or on the porch/ car if it got too cold and jumped rope, hula hooped, and went on adventures to the creek at the end of the street.

Neil regularly does bike tours of the old neighborhood. He speaks fondly of his experiences there so much so that when his son was a child he said he wished Sage Avenue would blow up. Never. 

Angels Among Us

Going to the Dance and Beyond: Stephen (Raising our Family)

Stephen and Nina July 3,2021

Bully and Taylor( Raising our Family)

PJ  and I went to the pound looking for a large dog for a pet. We found these 2 'sisters' instead.

Petey. Patrick had a lot of nicknames (some of them he gave to himself). (Raising our Family)

He was called P.J. as a child but once when a coworker of mine asked him if the P( in P.J.) was for Peter he answered,'yes."

Stephen's First Ride (Raising our Family)

When Stephen proudly brough his new (used) car home to show his brothers Patrick tried to open the front passenger door and the handle came off.

 

Hope for our Children

Sneaky Pete!

Or given to Fr Baker!

PJ: Lost and found in California (Raising our Family)

Patrick now lives in California. He loves it.

Canada: We miss the old days of the magic carpet, comet and yellow roller. (Childhood Memories)

Denny and PJ at Crystal Beach cottage. Patty in the background.Our cottage was quite  a find!

 

My Uncle Jack, an engineer, was correct in noting that ...it might need some work.

The plumbing seemed to be constantly 'on the fritz' . It kept Billy busy and Patrick was his willing assistant until he found something more interesting.

Patrick had the best time exploring, finding relatives and bringing them back to see me,  escaping from his babysitters, and sneaking into his Aunt Patty's pool.

The crawl space was mysterious until Jimmy, our neighbor, fell though in an attempt to retrieve Maddie's sandal.

We were told by neighbors that there was a built in pool in the backyard so for awhile we made it our mission to dig it out. Fail.

Peggy brought a blow up boat and the kids had the most fun with that.

Mary rented a cottage across the street resulting in even more fun! Skip brought fireworks on his way so we lit up the night to all our neighbors delight.

My Three Sons (Raising our Family)

The Boys: Stephen, Brian, and PJ

They were not a big fan of getting their pictures taken.

Hand Me Downs (Childhood Memories)

In a large family one gets used to hand me down clothing from older brothers and sisters but one time my sister Peggy received some clothing (neatly packed) from a 'rich' girl. I thought she was the luckiest person and couldn't wait to get my mitts on the loot!

Of course everything in the box fit Peggy perfectly and looked nice on her so I had to wait my turn. Some of the clothes were only worn by Peggy (because only she could wear them well) but some items were passed down to me and I enjoyed them.

Next in line however was Moey who had relished in the idea of inheriting these beauties for some time. Unfortunately as happens styles had changed. Moey wouldn't let anything like that stop her.

My brother (Neil) would regularly hide her 'new' shoes and one classmate would make rather snide remarks about Moey's (now yellowed) white go go boots but she was determined to take her place in the now somewhat dulled limelight.

Moey is now a grade school teacher and one day one of her student's could no longer contain himself. "Mrs. Nagel, you are going to have to stop wearing your grandmother's dresses!"

So in this world of constant changes it's comforting to know that Moey's attire remains consistently out of fashion. JK!!

Twins? (Childhood Memories)

"Are there any twins in your family?"

It was a question I was asked often and enjoyed imagining the possibilities. I don't doubt it was a recurring prayer of thanks of the other members of my family that I was an only but this escaped my understanding.

Neil was closest in age but he had pouted when he had to pretend to be the same age as me when we took a trip on the NFTA (to get the kid fare) and he was for the most part a disagreeable cohort (when the idea wasn't his).

I figured Moey would have to fill in. I'm not sure Moey was a willing participant as even today she maintains she had multiple bad experiences with my 'creative' ideas.

When "The Parent Trap' came out with Haley Mills I decided she would be my model. I found to my sheer joy the perfect outfits for us: terry cloth white short sleeve t shirts and jeans.. exactly like the ones worn by my new heroine Haley!

I'd like to share some of the great experiences we in our twin roles but nothing comes to mind. I bet Moey will remember some of these swell times!

Crystal Beach in the old Days (Childhood Memories)

It was one of the places we thought about when we couldn't go to sleep at night.

We liked the beach alright during the summer but the trip we looked forward to most was when both our parents came with a picnic and ride tickets.(A grocery store awarded us ride tickets for our report card grades).

One of my favorite rides was the 'Magic Carpet'. It was a fun house with mirrors that distorted your body shape and a bench that shot air up when you sat down on it. Of course the best part was at the end when you got to go down the magic carpet.

I've often thought how wonderful it would be if I could duplicate these attractions in my own house. I may need to ask my handy brothers to assist me in this endeavor.