A Sad Day

This photo was taken at the Yori Cousin reunion at the club in 2013.  In the photo L-R are my some of my Yori cousins: Nicky, Sandy and Phil and then me. The photos on the chair are my Aunt Esther and my Dad. Both were planning to be there but died in June 2013 just prior to the reunion. The little boy is my 3rd cousin Nicholas.

 

My cousin Sandy shared this photo today because last night we lost our cousin Nicky. He is the first of our Yori cousins to leave this Earth. As I was looking at this photo I was reminded of how sweet Nicky was when my Dad died, sitting beside me at the funeral mass holding my hand.. Even after the funeral, he would call me from time to time or drop me a message on Facebook, inquiring about how I was doing. He was one of a kind, a sweet, caring person with a strong  love of family that was passed down to us by our grandparents and parents.

My Dad was next to the youngest of his family so many of my Yori cousins were a bit older than I was. When we were younger we of course spent time together at family functions but I didn't have the pleasure of hanging out with them. It makes me sad that I missed those times with Nicky and didn't get to know him better.

 

As I look at this photo I think of all the other Yori family on the other side, Grandmom, Grandpop, Uncle Vito and Aunt Esther, Uncle Goody and Aunt Lucy, Aunt Phil, Aunt Nat and Uncle Carmel, Mom and Dad and now Nicky. Well cousin, you are in good company. I can imagine the laughter and hugs that are being shared there on the other side. And as Sandy said, there's probably a card game going on too.

 

One day we will all be there together.

And it's off....

Thanksgiving is over. All that's left is the memories and left overs. For many, it's off to the malls early today for Black Friday. Most of my shopping is done. Sunday the tree will go up and the gifts that I've bought will be wrapped and under the tree. I can enjoy Advent and the real meaning of Christmas. Let's not loose sight of what the season is all about! Getting ready for Christmas is getting ready for the birth of Christ! Slow down a minute, take a breath and remember.







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Happy Veteran's Day

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Today I reflect on those who served our country. From the Revolutionary War to present day wars in the Middle East.

I'm thinking of the sacrifices they made, risking their lives, being away from family and friends, living in uncomfortable conditions, missing the comforts of home and life in general.

It makes me thankful for those who have made those sacrifices so that we may have the lifestyle we have and freedoms we enjoy.

So, if you are reading this and you have served this country or are presently enlisted, or if you are a wife, child or parent of one who has or is serving, thank you for your service to this country and God Bless You.

Election Day Memories

I don't believe there are that many undecided voters. Most folks have an idea who to vote for in the major races. When I was a new voter my Dad would make me up a list of people to vote for when I said I didn't know who to vote for (that was before internet). Dad was always in the know because he worked on campaigns and belonged to the Democratic Club. Now it's so easy to go to places like Vote411.org to research people and positions.

This started as a facebook status and then I started thinking about all my crazy election day memories of childhood:
Signs in the yard....Brochures and buttons all over the house... My Dad campaigning for close family friend John Pica for City Council in Baltimore. Dad pulled a little merry-go round from the back of his truck which had large signs on it "Pica for City Council" and a speaker in which Dad would pipe out music or periodically say Pica for City Council. I loved driving around with Dad, listening to the music, watching as the other little kids would get on the merry-go round. As they were spinning around, Dad would be passing out the brochures and campaign buttons to all the Moms and Dads. I wish I'd saved all those buttons. This photo that I found online reminds me of them.

When I got old enough to vote, I said, "Dad I don't know what to register as." and he said "Democrat, they are for the working man." (He was very disappointed in later years when I switched to Republican).

And then there was the list I'd receive on voting day with all his top picks. The candidates would come to the club and Dad would size them all up making his notes.

He formed many long lasting friendships working for candidates. Til the day he died he was friends with 2 former local former state senators. This is the first election year since Mom and Dad died that they won't be here to vote. But something tells me Dad's making his list on the other side and whispering names in my ear.

A Celestial Moment In My Life

Yesterday was the Feast of the Guardian Angels. It seems there was one sitting on my shoulder. My friend Denise and I went to Bingo World. It's one of those really big bingo halls in Baltimore.  

First I won a special which meant $100! Then Denise won $50 on a regular bingo on the computer and then I won $50 on a regular bingo on the computer. I kept thinking I wonder if it was my guardian angel or perhaps my Mom (who passed a year ago) who helped them find my numbers.

At the end of the afternoon as I was thinking this again, the staff were cleaning up and playing around with the microphone. Two of them sang, "Playmate come down and play with me, climb up my apple tree...." I said to the lady beside us. "It must be my Mom who helped me with bingo. She was an avid bingo player and she always sang that song to me when I was a child."

She looked strangely at me and then I introduced myself and told her about my parents passing a year ago. She introduced herself. Her name was Yvonne. I said, "that's odd. That's what my mother wanted to name me before she was convinced to name me after my Dad.".  Yvonne said, "Your father's name is Joseph and in Hebrew it means to add."

Then she turned around and the back of her shirt had a design on the back....believe it or not it was WINGS.

It was like a moment out of the Twilight Zone for me. Thanks Mom for the bingo. Now I can buy more clothes for the grands. 

Fall...not just leaves...

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What a start to fall. It's not just leaves but rain falling. I could do without the rain. In my head I know
that we need the rain  but I'm not just feeling it.

All rain does for me is make my joints hurt and my hair frizzy.



It makes Luigi (my dog) cranky too.  All he wants to do is lay around and sleep. Not even shaking his favorite toy at him makes him want to play.

So I'm hoping tomorrow brings a warmer sunnier day so that me and Luigi can go out and play.

County Fair Fun

Every year I look forward to county fair. I enjoy the animals, exhibits and fair food. But since my grandson came along, it's been even more fun.  

Which way did he go?

Birdhouse Kit

He had a great time this year hamming it up. He got lots of ribbons for his entries, rode on the bull ride and the carnival rides and he even managed to get into a magic show.

Blueberry Jam with Honey & Cinnamon