Monday, November 16, 2009

ABA-DABA HONEYMOON

Toilet paper in a four roll pack could be purchased for five pennies. A can of Campbell's tomato soup was a mere dime and a ten pound bag of potatoes brought a whopping thirty~five cents. It was a time when a housewife could fill a grocery bag with three cans of cream corn for thirty eight cents, a loaf of bread for twelve cents and treat the family to a T-bone steak for fifty nine cents a pound. Tunes such a "Hey, Good Lookin," "Unforgettable" and the theme to "I Love Lucy" were blaring from Thunderbird convertibles. George Burns and Gracie Allen were burning up the airways along with "Whats my Line" and the "Jack Benny show." Harry S. Truman was President and the United Nations had just opened in New York City. John Hustons dramatic film "The African Queen" staring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn premiered in Hollywood. The year was 1951 and their song was" Mona Lisa".

Country mouse meets city mouse. He was stationed on the Sandia Army Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico as a Military Policeman. She worked at a local movie theater where she had once told John Wayne over the phone, "Ya, right and I'm Marylin Monroe!" She couldn't get the paint out of her hair from painting their new apartment and he couldn't wait to make her his bride. The wedding would be a simple home ceremony with close family and a few friends.

November 14, 1951 at 7:30 in the evening my mother and father exchanged their wedding vows. Mom wasn't going to let a little paint in her hair ruin her day. Dad had less than twenty-four hours before he had to report back to duty. They told everybody they were going to Santa Fe to honeymoon. Oh, that would have been so lovely but time would not allow such a luxurious trip. Ain't nothing worse than a bunch of MP's barging in on a couple 'cause the grooms gone AWOL, so they stopped at a little Podunk town with a Podunk motel and well.... let's just say there was no honeymoon suite available. 'Nuff said. Dad was back on base in time and what did Mom do on her second night of wedded bliss? Can you say slumber party? Her best friend Emma and some other chicks spent the night at her newly painted apartment gabbin' and gassin' as gals do when they get together. Mom and Dad lived in that little apartment until Dad was discharged from the Army about a year later and the Missouri move was on.

Poor Mama moved from the city where water ran freely from faucets and one could use inside facilities. The town was a small rural community with population less than 300. The farm house was a large two story home with electricity but no running water. The bathroom facilities consisted of a two seater outhouse tucked behind two large lilac bushes. Mom was a duck out of water, a chick out of her element. She was moved to a land which spoke a foreign language. Words like county-pin meant bedspread and a safe was a cupboard used to store flour and dishes. When my grandmother announced she needed to go to the closet my mother watched as Grannie walked out of the house and beyond the front porch. Mom's curiosity was quenched when she discovered the word closet meant outhouse. Who knew?

My uncle came to help Dad put screens on the house and Mom was in charge of preparing the meal. Dad asked mom if she would fry a chicken for them. Not knowing what was to come next Mom answered," sure!" Dad went outside ran down a chicken, rang it's neck, beheaded it, plucked it and slapped its naked body on the table saying "there ya go" as he walked off leaving Mom in shocking despair. My uncle noticed the citified look on Mom face stating, "ya don't know how to dress a chicken do ya?" He then proceeded to teach Mom the ways of the Ozarks and cut the critter up for her. Moms first attempt to help with cattle was during a loading event. Dad placed Mom in a space by the loading chute and told her just to stand there and the cattle would go obediently in. Ya right, if you work with cattle ya know they seldom do what their suppose to. Dad headed the cattle toward Mom. Now if your a city gal and you have a herd of cattle runnin' right at you , what's a city girl gonna do? Of course she's gonna let out the loudest bloodcurdling scream from the deepest depths of her lungs and jump right up in the middle of the hood of Hubby's truck. This granted abundant amusement and entertainment to all the in-laws.

Fifty eight years ago my parents married. I was born in 1952 exactly ten months later. In 1960 I was blessed with a sister , a real live doll to play with. Mom eased her way into country life embracing many years on the farm where she could cut up a chicken faster than her butcher in Albuquerque. My parents have since moved to Brownsville, Texas where Dad will never have to feed cattle in the snow and ice again. Soon after Thanksgiving we will be making the trip to see them leaving the Ponderosa behind where I moved after my "Aba-Daba Honeymoon." Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!
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86 comments:

  1. Congratulations to your parents! I wish them many more years of happiness!

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  2. Thanks for stopping at my blog. I enjoyed reading about your parents! Happy Birthday to them!

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  3. Super Duper Congratulations!

    I'd be right there with your Mom---as they say,"You live and learn."

    Enjoy your visit!

    Melinda

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  4. There were no facilities, but there was LOVE between the "country mouse and the city mouse" and that's what mattered .

    As always, I enjoyed reading your colorful , vivid description of the events.
    Happy Anniversary to your parents!

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  5. Nezzy,
    You are such a GREAT story teller! Thanks so much for sharing! What a lovely story and picture! I just love old photographs! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

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  6. That was a great story! Happy Anniversary to your parents!

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  7. What a great post. Happy anniversary to your parents. Tell them we all say hi! Take care, Susan.

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  8. Oh Nezzy....I absolutely love everything you write!!!

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  9. Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your nice comment. Your post here was great!! Great story. You really look like your Mom...has anyone ever told you that?

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  10. Awwww, very sweet tribute to your folks. I happen to like mine too. This Missouri weather is getting out of control already. I may be hitching a ride with you to Texas. :)

    T

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  11. Happy anniversary to your parents and have fun when you go travel to them this Thanksgiving - this is a great Thanksgiving story - you are a great story teller - but you can tell your pride and their love . . . quite a match.

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  12. What a fun story!

    Happy anniversary to your mom and dad... and many, many more!!!

    Lucy

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  13. I just LOVE your stories! Thank you for sharing! And, happy anniversary to your parents - enjoy your time with them! Hugs to you....

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  14. Hey Nezzy! Congrats to your parents! I really enjoyed their love story..and that photo..wow!! Was her dress bright blue? Beautiful! :)

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  15. I am touched after reading your story ~ Happy Anniversary to your Mom and Dad.

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  16. I wasn't around for everything you mentioned in your first paragraph, but I was born in 1947, so I remember some of it....Loved Burns and Allen and Jack Benny. Your parent's story is wonderful and you told it in a way that shows your love for them. Happy anniversary to them!

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  17. A very big congratulations to your parents!

    You are fabulous writer Nezzy! I'm so glad I found your blog. I get a kick and a happy feeling every time I visit you and always leave wanting more!

    Thank you!
    xo

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  18. You spin an awesome tale, Nezzie. Happy Anniversary to your mom and dad. Being Missouri born and raised, I had to laugh at some of your descriptions. I still have cousins who say "yu'ns come see us soonest"

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  19. Happy Anniversary!

    That was beautifully written.

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  20. I sure enjoy your stories...I'm sure there are many more of your mom learning to be the country wife/mom -- I can't imagine living back in those days - my family would have starved before I learned successfully to plant a garden and cook and bake! Ha!

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  21. Happy Anniversary, what a nice post! Stumbled across your blog today and thought I would say hi. Nice blog!

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  22. A wonderful story Nezzy, enjoyed it lots. A very Happy Anniversary Wish to your Mom and Dad. And what fun, a country road trip to see them soon for the holidays! Oh, and I been thinkin' about your two day chili since you mentioned you were makin' it over at Gail's blog :)

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  23. Happy Anniversary to your parents. I enjoyed your story of love and simpler times. I hope you have a fun visit with your parents over the holiday and I hope your Mom cooks some delicious chicken for you to enjoy.
    Joyce

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  24. Nezzy, how have I missed your blog before? Excellent post - so well written, I have to ask if you write for a living?

    Love the vintage photo of country mouse and city mouse. We are of the same vintage, you and I.

    I'm your newest follower.

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  25. OH btw...."abba-dabba abba-dabba abba-dabba- dabba," said the monkey to the chimp....

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  26. Happy Anniversery! Love is grand!
    Thanks for stopping by!
    <><

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  27. Oh what a great story and fun memories about your folks. Happy Anniversary to them!

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  28. I love the picture. You did a great job telling their story. I was back in time with them, as if I was there.

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  29. What a wonderful, wonderful story. My best to your folks!

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  30. Happy anniversary to your parents!

    Hats off to your momma... she's the original Pioneer Woman. :) Heh.

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  31. What a lovely story and so well-told. I wish your parents a very Happy Anniversary and many more to come.

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  32. Awwwww, what a sweet story! I confess I've stalked your blog a few times, following your comments from Jenn's blog. She and I seem to have quite bit in common. :) Thanks for your comment. Have a wonderful day!

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  33. What a sweet story! Thanks for sharing with the rest of us. So glad you stopped by my blog. I was reading your profile and and it looks like we've got some things in common. I love girlie stuff, too, but I also now how to work an old fashioned cattle branding since I grew up on a ranch. We call it "draggin' 'em to the fire" around here, LOL!

    So glad you liked the idea of the Thankful Tree. We have a little show 'n tell time with some fellow homeschoolers in this town and my son is going to present the Thankful Tree. Great to meet you and I hope we get to know each other better in Blogland!

    God Bless,
    Jackie

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  34. What a totally delightful story. Happy anniversary to your parents. I love the way you write. I'll be back often.

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  35. Oh my goodness what a great post! What a woman will do for love is amazing...love the look into the past. Thanks so much for sharing! Kim

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  36. That is a lovely picture and story. Happy Anniversary to your parents. I wish TP was still that in expensive! Your comment is hysterical. Husband in a speedo with a neck tie--Love it. You are funny. xoxo

    SC

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  37. I love you, I love your blog and I LOVE your story! I was married in 1954..what a time it all was! Tell your parents "hi" for me! Well...ok...I know you will forget...but..I feel a connection. I am glad they are still both there for you to visit! That is so wonderful!
    Hugs to you, Sweetie!!
    Mona

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  38. What a wonderful way to share the story of your parents wedding. You definitely have a flair for storytelling!

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  39. Awe, that is a wonderful story.
    Happy anniversary to them.
    Have a great week neighbor.

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  40. Oh I love your story today of your parents life...58 wonderful years...wow....so inspiring in this day and age. Happy Anniversary to your Mom and Dad!

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  41. Nezzy,
    I will now commence to refer to Chuck E Cheese as Chucky Jesus! (How could it be anything else?) Thanks the punks are all better. :)

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  42. What a beautiful story. I so admire people who are triumphed in those circumstances. Your mom sounds AMAZING!!!!

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  43. What a great story and awesome post. I really feel like I know your parents a little now. Here's to their love story!

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  44. you have a gift for telling stories! i enjoyed reading about your parents. happy anniversary to them!

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  45. Love your story of back when times were safe, simple, serene & from a different 'world'. You just tickle me, Nezzy, with your tales, love you!

    Please give Mother & Father my best wishes & congratulations on this momentous time in their lives.

    Hae a wonderful eve. Hugs, TTFN ~Marydon

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  46. What a cute post! Happy Anniversary to your parents! (I would have died over the chicken fiasco!)

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  47. Wow fifty eight years. Unbelievable! What a great story!

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  48. Hey Nezzy,
    Your such a good writer girl, do I hear book writing calling your name? Congrats to your parents, mine were married in Nov. of 1955 and I was born 9 months later in August of 1956 a honeymoon baby just like you! It's weird how we are warmer than you southerners right now, must be El Nino. I actually would rather have snow when's it's cold because it's pretty where the brown ground isn't. We are so used to driving in snow in Wisc. that I don't think anything of it unless its blizzard conditions. I think we are just conditioned to it so we never let a little snow slow us down,. Last year, we would need more than 6 inches for the school's to even think of closing! Thanks for the special read! Cindy

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  49. Congrats to your fabulous parents!
    Wishing them more joy being together!!! :)

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  50. What a nice tribute to what must be a nice couple of parents. Enjoy your visit with them, Nezzy.

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  51. Hi Nezzy and thank you for visiting me - I recognize your name from Connie's blog and it is a pleasure to visit with you. What a pretty photo of your parents and such an entertaining post. I hope you have a lovely visit with your parents - what a blessing to be able to spend time with them at this special time in their lives.

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  52. This was such a pleasure to read. I just love the way you write...so descriptive!!

    I can't believe they've been married for 58 years!! That's amazing!!!! What's their secret???

    The picture is beautiful!

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  53. Happy Anniversary to your wonderful parents. I loved your post. I love country life. I have used an outhouse at my grandmothers. We have raised chickens here for food also. Have a great day my friend:)

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  54. To show my appreciation for your support, please pick the Award from my place.

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  55. I love this glimpse into the good ole days! So much history!

    And what a wonderful old photo. Happy anniversary to your parents! Enjoy your visit. Oh - and I hope you find your diamond ring!

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  56. Awwww! How sweet! Congratulations to your folks on their happy anniversary! They really were a real life Green Acres, eh? ;-)

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  57. Such a lovely story, I can't believe that prices were so low when I was born in 1950. What happened??
    Thanks for stopping by in Normandy.
    Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving with your family.
    Maggie

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  58. I'm just stopping by to say THANK YOU for stopping by my blog today and letting me know about yours I'll be following now...I'd love to hear more about your Grandma Camp. Congrats to your parents on the anniversary. How wonderful you still can celebrate with them.

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  59. I just love the way that this written. What a wonderful tribute!
    Thank you for stopping by my little blog. ;)

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  60. What an inspiring story of true love! I love your writing style and am now following you :)

    Happy Anniversary to your folks, they are the real deal!

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  61. Loved readin' about your folks! Thanks for stopping at Birdfarmsouth. I've only been at it for 2 weeks. I'm likin' this blogging stuff.

    Lisa

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  62. Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog. This story of your parents is so sweet and charming. Are you a writer? You have a wonderful way with the words. Blessings!
    Gwen

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  63. What a great story and tribute! Your parents sound delightful.

    Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  64. I love Garlic too. Thanks for sharing your favs with me. I use Cinnamon a lot in pies. Have a great day.

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  65. Your comments always make me smile. You have a way of putting things that are just lovely! xoxo

    Sc

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  66. What an absolutely wonderful story and I wish your parents a most wonderfully happy anniversary!

    I really enjoyed hearing about your mom's intro to such a foreign way of life.

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  67. Cow Patty Surprise?!

    Best blog title ever.

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  68. The preppy bible! Now that is a compliment and I may have to use it in a post if you don't mind. xoxo

    SC

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  69. Nezzy would you please go to Nov. 16th post & enter the giveaway there. TYSM

    Have a lovely weekend. TTFN ~Marydon

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  70. What a wonderful and reflective post. I love reading about the past. You have a really unique blog here. Thanks for coming by to visit mine.

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  71. WHat a lovely story about your parents. I love their wedding picture. I really enjoy looking at old phots. Thanks for sharing.

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  72. Oh, my. THIS IS AN AMAZING blog, and this old lady sure gathered some tips since I just entered the 21st century THIS WEEK.

    You look up to your eyeballs in...comments. No, I DID NOT even THINK that.
    But if you have time to stop down bayou way (or Normal, Illinois) I would love to have you visit www.pattilacy.com/blog. And thanks for the interest in my second baby, What the Bayou Saw.

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  73. Hapy Anniversary to your sweet parents! I loved their story... esp that your mom actually talked to John Wayne on the phone?! Oh what a funny story. And she sounds like such a sweetie, lost in the country. I think that could be me these days, LOL. I love it in the country, I just don't always know all the countrified ways. :)

    ENJOY your trip to TX to visit your parents for Thanksgiving. Sounds like a fun road trip. Or flight, however you're travelling. LOL

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  74. What a wonderful post! Your mom is a real trupper. I am always in awe at the courage of people who, during the war and shortly after that, when the whole world was falling appart, were getting married, have children and refusing to let the circumstances steal their lives from under their feet. My deepest respects to your parents.

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  75. What a treasure! Fifty years! And how wonderful there's stories and memories to be passed on through the generations :-)

    Blessings,
    Tammy ~@~

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  76. Hi Nezzie
    What a delightful story about your parents. Your mom must have been a gutsy lady! Happy anniversary to them. Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog anniversary too!
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  77. Stopped by to say Hi. Hope you will enjoy the Casserole. Have the best day my Friend.

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  78. Hi Nezzy,
    Thank-you for your beautiful comments, they really were touching. Hey girl, you can come stay in my guest room anytime! I wonder how far away we are? Have a Happy Thanksgiving too. Hugs, Cindy

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  79. How 'romantic' (said in a my best swoony voice)! You just can't out do a real love story!!! How lovely to grow up in the shadow of this beauty:)

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  80. Happy anniversary to your wonderful parents. Also have a marvellous thanksgiving daaaaaaaahling! May u always have loads to be thankful for *kisses* HH

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  81. That is so much fun. How wonderful to hear those stories! Blessings and travel mercies on you and yours. Let us know how it goes.

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  82. Congratulations to your parents! That was a really wonderful read. I never did learn no country ways, so I kind of envy that. Well, except for the closet. :)

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  83. The Good Old Days. I love this story. My husband would have been so well suited to have been married and working during this time. There is a classiness that seems lost to our generation. My grandparents just celebrated their 68th anniversary!! Happy Anniversary to your folks. I hope we'll get to where they are one day.

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  84. Sounds like your mom was a great source of entertainment! Congrats to your parents on their anniversary!

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  85. Hey Nezzy! I sent you an email but it was returned. You are one of my big winners for the Xmas giveaway. Chocolate covered fruit et al will soon be winging it's way to your door. Let me know when you receive it.

    Congrats!!

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  86. Hey thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment. You know comments a like Gold, always appreciated.
    I too was born in 1952, in fact that special day is just 10 days away. Ugh!
    I will check out more of your blog as time permits, I have some sewing to do now.
    Keep dry . . .
    It's sleeting here in Jefferson city
    Patti

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Yippie Tie Yie Yay, I'm so glad you popped in. I adore, cherish and covet your comments. Even though I love seein' my name in lights I am an award free blog. Thanks for visitin' ya'll!

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