Grandma’s house, the best place on earth. Filled with hugs, kisses, good smells and lots of love. She and Grandpa got along like best friends. Their happiness filled the farm and made it the most fun, most longed for, and safest place to be. My childhood fears faded at their house. I loved my time at Grandma’s. One of the first fears I had was the Boogieman. When I walked alone on a dark night I knew that he was right behind me, prepared to attack at any second. I pictured him ten feet tall with scalely-green skin, one eye lying on his cheek dangling from a slimy string of fleshy stuff. He had big hairy warts and long sharp claws on his hands. Just one look from his good eye and you could be turned to stone forever. Pretty much like the monsters my brother loved in his comic books or the late night movies. He could never get enough of the gory stuff, any amount of it proved to be too much for me!
I used to visit my Grandparents often in the 1950’s for weekends with my parents, then two glorious weeks in the summer by myself. I loved my Grandma in all things. Her gentle way of telling me to do things. Just before church she would give me Chicklets Gum and some Jergen’s lotion for my hands. Before walking into church she’d take the gum back and dispose of it. The smell of her hand lotion and lilac perfume gave me pleasure. Her mouth spoke kind words and her blue eyes held laughter most of the time.
My Grandma loved her large garden, she grew everything from squash to corn. She worked hard alongside of Grandpa in that garden. Towards the end of the season you could have a snack any time if you had a paring knife and a saltshaker!
I have always been one to stare at the clouds picking out shapes or just stare off into space and let my mind wonder. Grandma’s farm was the stuff daydreams are made of.
That was such a nice post. Funny but I was thinking of some of the soaps, like Camay, that used to be at Grandma's. Sometimes I stop in my tracks remembering small things about my Grandpa. The sad thing is that I don't think I have shared some of the special memories with my kids. I especially loved your comment about always having a good meal if you had a paring knife and salt with you. Those were some very special times.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely childhood memories you have shared! Your grandparents sounded wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thank you for coming by my n. michigan blog! :-)
What a lovely post and how wonderful your Grandmother must have been. Thanks for stopping by. I still love Jergens.
ReplyDeleteRoberta Anne
Your post was SO LOVELY and reminded me much of my love for my own Grandmother and the times I spent with her while growing up. I was blessed to have her for almost 50 years., and I often have tears that roll down my face as I lay in bed thinking of her and missing her. She always told me heaven is like a family reunion...I have no fear of dieing...because I'll get to see her...what a day that will be! Thanks again, lovely post! ;) ~CC Catherine from "Catherine de th`e Cups"
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind comments. We all hold dear memories of Grandparents in our hearts. I was blessed with wonderful Grandparents who wanted to be a part of my life and "mold me!" The painting posted looks so much like the farm it took me back. Isn't it funny how a picture or a song can trigger a post! Happy Spring,
ReplyDeleteJoycee
Love this post Joy! I don't remember much as far as hugs etc. But I do remember the kitchen smells. Seems there were always lots of cousins around. I sometimes wonder how my Grandmother handled all those people every Sunday at her house. Us kids were always outdoors playing most the time. I don't remember my grandmother as being a very warm person. You were lucky.
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