Mama Millie Moments#5

Have you ever did something that your parent requested (pressured) you and you found yourself hanging? When my Mama Millie was alive she received a telephone call from her niece in France asking if her daughter could come to visit us for a month. Mother was living in my home so I had to be the person to make this decision. Mother wanted this, but I had reservations. Corrine was 17 years old and I had to work. My mother was a person who liked to be at home. What great fun for a young person to sit at home with such an older woman.I AGREEDED TO THIS REQUEST, BUT Mama Millie HAD TO DEAL WITH ANY ISSUES THAT CAME UP WITH VISITOR.What a joke! The time came and when we went to the Atlanta Airport, we saw a very beautiful, full figured girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She spoke English which was a blessing to me as I couldn't speak French. With her accent, she even seemed prettier than I thought. I think a real looker. Corrine seemed sweet, but years ago girls didn't wear short shorts that came up to her hiney. My mother wasn't comfortable with Corrine's clothing choice. Corrinne couldn't understand why people were staring at her. Within a few days later, Mama Millie wanted to ship her back to France. No way, we had her for a month. I didn't want to hurt her feelings as NOW I was responsible for dealing with her. Mama dropped the ball. I tried to encourage getting some new clothing as a gift from us ,but that didn't work. She loved what she wore. Maybe I should have talked with her straight about clothes, but I didn't and Mama just dumped,dumped, dumped. I decided that I didn't want to make this a big issue. This young lady was so happy, and excited to visit. I, had to work, but now I had to take some time off. Mama doesn't like to entertain. What! let's just sit and rock all day with a 17 year old. I, worked half days and did the shopping, out to eat routine, and whatever. Mother stayed at home.DUMP,DUMP! I made a mistake and took Corrine to a local swimming pool. Well, one day the door bell rings. Guess what? Not 1 but 3 lifeguards showed up at the house and wanted to take my too beautifil 17 year old out on the town. Now that I remain in charge, I now have this situation to deal with. Being the good and responsible person, I had the 3 to set on the couch and gave my speech. "I, don't know you guys, and Corrine is new to this country and I want her to return back to France in the condition she came to us. Tough, but she's too, too, pretty and I just felt I had to say NO. Corrine and I talked and she accepted this. I never took her back to that pool. What would you have done? During the time she visited, I had no problems. I, overall enjoyed this visitor, but not dealing with these issues. Mama said she would never do this again. Years later my son who was also attracted to Corrine shared some info. Mom, didn't you guess that Corrine was going outside alot to smoke? well, French perfume is great at as a cover up. Years ago, we continued to talk to Corrine. One year after my Mother died, we went to France and spent sometime with Corrine and her family. She is in her 30's and still is beautiful. At some point, I plan to share the heartwarming story to Europe to meet My European family I never knew. I, felt that after Mother died, I had to do this to help with my loss. It was a great decision. May still have more of MAMA MILLIE MOMENTS stayed tuned and then we will travel to Europe.

TREASURES

JOINING JAVA AT NEVER GROWING OLD FOR MEET ME ON MONDAY.
QUESTIONS
1. I COLLECT ANTIQUES, OLD TEA TOWELS, GLASSWARE, ANGELS
2. NO TATTOOS BUT HAVE ALWAYS WANTED ON ON MY ANKLE,
BUT TOO CHICKEN. I WEAR ONE THAT IS WASHABLE ON HALLOWEEN
3. I LOVE TOMATO BACON SALAD DRESSING
4. I ATE COLD CEREAL AND JUICE
5. SAW KNIGHT AND DAY WITH TOM CRUISE. LOVED IT GREAT CAR SCENES
VERY FUNNY PARTS, ROMANCE. WOULD GO TO SEE IT AGAIN

Belated Father's Day Memory

Last week, my computer was sick and I didn't have the opportunity to post my Father's Post, so it doesn't have to be Father's Day to do so. I talk alot about my mother, but Dad was certainly an important part of my life. Unfortunately, my father is not of this earth. He died in 1986, from cancer. Dad was born in America, although his parents were from Europe. My grandparents became U.S. citizens,although they never learned to speak English. Because of the language barrier, I never had a close relationship with my grandparents. Dad met my Mother in Europe during WW II. After knowing each other for one month they married and came to live in Penn. They were married over 34 years. Dad was like a "bull dog". He was short, 5 ft. 2 in. overweight, was a dedicated provider for his family and a believer in getting education. Throughout the years my father worked in steel mills. Dad bought a tavern to supplement his income when the steel workers were unemployed. My Mother would clean homes for $5. a day. At times we had no car, so Dad would have to walk miles to get to work, he never complained. Dad always wanted my Mother to have her own home instead of renting. While we lived in Penn., he subcontracted and built two homes. Unfortunately, he had to sell these homes due to being laid off from work. After, my parents moved to Georgia, to be near my sister and myself, Dad built Mother a house and they lived in it until Dad died. Dad told my Mother that he wanted his two girls, my sister, Aileen and myself to get a good college education. My parents never had a high school ed. and Dad said he wanted us to have a better life. He and Mother worked extra to help us with college. If I hadn't gone to college I wouldn't have been a Social Worker for 34 years. I owe alot to my parents for having a better life. Dad was a man of action not a man who showed affection. No hugging, kissing, no words of love. He would do things for us or buy things as his way of telling us he loved us. One Xmas, after comming home from college, my Father remembered that the only item I wanted for Xmas was a blue sapphire ring. There this item was in our glove compartment, when my parents picked me up at the airport. My Father smoked and had cancer. We were told he might live 6 months to a year, he lived 3 months after his diagnonis. He was hospitalized 3 times. The night that Dad died at the hospital, he became restless and just before he died, his few and last words were "I love you". There had always been a sad part of my life not hearing words of love or affection, but those final words were what I waited for many years. As I write this post, tears still come to me. Dad loved us, but how important words can be. Throughout my life, I try to tell my family, friends I love them. Sometimes, people can't verbally express love. Remember to tell those you love them as there may be an emptyness if something should happen and then it's too late. My Father's last words will always be a Treasure. Thanks Dad, I love you.

Georgia Bloggers

Yesterday, I had the pleasure to have lunch with some of the bloggers from Georgia. It was great to hear the voices and faces of some of these ladies I have been blogging. Also met new future bloggers. I look forward in continuing my friendships and meeting more bloggers from Georgia as well as from other parts of the country. Have a good day.

I'm Back

I'm back. My computer just got out of the hospital. The doctor said the patient can go back to work. The patient and I plan to do a new post tomorrow, but wanted to share with the people in the "waiting room",that is all well. I never cared for computers, but in this past week, I have to admit that I missed my patient. I've gotten a little addicted to a blogging family. Don't know if I'll beable to catch up on all your posts, between the poor eyesight and the missing week, but will definitely jump back in to say Hi! Plan to do a post tomorrow on my delayed fathers day post. Talk with you tomorrow. rose

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

Hate to share having computer issue. Taking it today to the "hospital". When our baby is discharged will let you know. rose

MAMA MILLIE MOMENTS#4

I,love old photos. I would like to share these, of mother"s family in Europe. Unfortunately,Mother never saw her family after she came to America as a WW II war bride. Occasionally, Mother would have some correspondence and a telephone call once a year. I, remember years ago, we received a telephone call from the American Red Cross. Mother's family hadn't heard from her so they asked the Red Cross to locate mother to see if she was alive, or whatever. My mother hated to write as well as to talk on the telephone, therefore connection with her family was obviously limited. Mother got mad when the Red Cross talked with her. I explained to Mother why this would happen and with her permission wrote in English back to her family. I, think that Mother didn't want to do this initial letter as she felt uncomfortable. Someone in Europe got the letter translated and thus Mother learned her lesson and would occasionally send a letter and make a telephone call to Europe. I, could never read the letters from Europe as they were in her native language,Czech. Mother would do a very "short" version of the letter to me. Throughout the years before my Mother died, I would encourage her to see her family in Europe. She refused saying that she couldn't handle it emotionally. Good and memories. If you remember, my Mother was in Europe in the 40's and could recall seeing the Germans invade her country and city. Mother, even as years went by and still had strong negative feelings for the enemy of her country. She, never went into any depth to share this part of her life. When my Mother died, I was determined to meet my European family that I never knew. I did this about 3 years ago and plan to share this special moment with you in a later post. Mother had 2 sisters and one brother. for some reason she had negative feelings for her youngest sister. She spoke better about her older sister and brother. Mother lived with her parents and siblings. In Europe, the children began to go to work at an early age. At, 14, my Mother was a maid. All of the children had to give all of their wages to their parents without any for themselves. According to Mother, my Grandmother was the dominant parent. grandmother would disclipine, and take charge of the house and issues. My Mother always said "Ilove my Father", I didn't hear that of her Mother. She described my Grand father as quiet and very gentle. He was a glass blower which I Came to realize that the Czechs have a history of making beautiful glassware. I always felt a sadness that my Mother never came to terms with her family and life in Europe. I, don't want a hurt or an experience to affect me that I have problems facing life challenges. I,plan to do a weekly post, MAMA MILLIE MOMENTS, until my mind goes blank and my words are silent.

trees

As a new babe blogger I'm still making mistakes so these are the pics I HAD WANTED TO ADD TO MY POST. The trees are in our yard, You can see one big oak is very close to the house. It's 100 years old and still alive. It's history with our house so we don't want to take it down. we have had limbs cut, hope God hears us and we want this Giant to stay put and not invade our house.

TREES

whenever I think of one of the most unique features in nature, it's God gift of trees. I, believe that trees have personalities. The weeping willow, it's limbs so limp touching toward the ground as if it were wearing a long flowing gown. The cherry tree, with it's beautiful pink blossoms that invite eyes to gaze upon it's it's remarkable color and petals. The old oak tree, strong, towering over all other trees. The seasons change. Fall brings leaves that once were green now are brown, orange, and red on many of the trees. Fruit trees becoming empty of apples, pears. Slowly the leaves fall to the ground. Sounds made as footsteps bear weight on the leaves. The trees looking so different from warmer times. The once full bodied trees are looking empty and sad. A quietness is noticed as winter has arrived. Oh! come soon, Spring, Spring to bring warmth so that buds begin to appear and more noticeable life is awakening with God's gift of TREES.





It sways back and forth as the wind makes it's presence noted.

Slowly the wind dies, the trees become stationary.

Squirrels, run up and down it's body,

Birds fly back and forth to pick a safe place to build a nest for

their babies among the tree limbs. Eventually,

the sound of baby birds is heard and they add an excitement to

to those who hear and behold this new life.

Oh! how I love trees.

What part on nature do you see as God's gift to you? There is so much, it's not always easy to choose and why?



Rose

MEET MS. MEGAN

MEET MS. MEGAN. MEGAN IS OUR 4TH. (DOG), I mean baby that we adopted. Megan is a Rat Terrier, with black and white hair. We adopted Megan from a family that raises this breed. Megan, was a "wee baby" when we brought her home to meet her sisters, Missy and Molly, and her brother Murphy. Megan, is our "weather woman". She will go nuts running around, panting, won't leave the sight of her Mommy and Daddy. for the most part, she is on target to let us know that bad weather is coming. Megan, hates to go outside in the dark and I guess she is afraid of the Boogeyman. If her siblings nor her parents she will avoid going into the dark. She is our jumper. She greets everyone with a high jump, I wonder how she would do playing with a jump rope. She doesn't have much manners, and if you pay attention to one of the "other children", she immediately is at your side. Of all of our babies, she is like a "SHARK".She will grab, gulp steal any one's food. Megan's brothers, Murphy and Murphy, enjoy teasing their sister and think that her skinny legs are drumsticks. Boys will be boys, but because Megan can jump, she often looks for a chair or some other object to get out of her brother's reach. Last year, while we were putting all of the babies to bed, we noticed Megan was missing. My husband and I called for her, no response. We decided to look out into the dark back yard. Gerry, got on his riding mower with headlights. I, with my trusty flashlight began to walk about, we have 4 acres. No sign of Megan, crying and upset, we went into the kitchen"nursery", to figure what to do. Low and behold, Megan was buried under some blankets. We now know that is still afraid of the dark, loves to hide under things such as blankets or pillows, and sometimes just like any child ignores her parents when they want her to come. Next week, I will introduce our last baby, Micki.

MAMA MILLIE MOMENTS #3

It's MAMA MILLIE MOMENTS#3, for this week. Let's talk baking. First of all, let's get this straight, I'm not the best baker of cookies, cakes, pies. Give me a short, simple recipe and I'm happy. I'm not opposed to using a mix as part of a recipe. Now, my Mama Millie, is the opposite of me. Use a box mix, NO WAY!!! I'm 60 years old, and I never saw my Mother every use a mix. Mother came from Europe. Years ago, my husband I traveled to France as well as Czechoslovakia, where my Mother had lived. You never tasted the best baked goods unless you go to these countries. This visit made me understand why my Mother was the way she was with baking. Mother, insisted not to do any shortcuts, everything was made from scratch and precisely measured. Mother was a stickler, she did exact measurements and never changed anything. Mother had this one particular cookie recipe that we all loved. I, too loved this cookie, but no way was I going to make this. It was a nut roll that was shaped into a crescent. Usually, before Xmas, Mother would pull out this gigantic board (which she had over 50 years) and place it on the kitchen table. This board was almost the half size of the table. I, bet if she didn't have her board, we wouldn't have any cookies . After gathering up her baking utensils and bowels, as well as her needed ingredients., she was good to go. Now, this particular recipe was involved. After making and rolling out the dough, Mother pulled out her trusty WOOD RULLER. Yes, she would individually use this ruler to make the exact same size squares to then fill them up with the nut filling. If the squares weren't the same size or she thought it looked weird, she refused to use these squares. Once the cookies were baked, she like an inspector on an assembly line, she would pull out the cookies she felt were not perfect. I, always asked my Mother why she did this"I, don't want anyone to see them(DEFORMED COOKIES)" and then she would eat them immediately. During Xmas, Mother would at least make 5 to 10 dozen of this recipe. It was an early morning to late night effort. Now, let me tell you, she also went nuts making a series of other cookie recipes, so much that we couldn't eat all of them, and gave them away. It, was obvious that baking was her passion. Truth be known, I never learned to bake like my Mother, and I'm OK with that. Boy! I do miss Mother's baking.







Viennese Walnut Crescents



Walnut filling, see recipe.



1 package active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

2 1/3 cups sifted flour 2tab.granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup or two 1/4- pound sticks butter

3 egg yolks

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

powdered confectioners sugar, if desired.

Prepare walnut filling.

in a cup dissolve the yeast in the water along with the 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar; set aside.

Into a large mixing bowl sift the flour, the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and the salt. With a pastry blender cut in the butter until particles are small.

In a small mixing bowl beat egg yolks lightly; add the yeast mixture and the lemon rind; stir into flour mixture.

Divide dough into thirds. Roll each piece to a 12 by 9 inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle into 3 inch squares. Spread a generous half -tablespoon of the walnut filling on each square; roll corner wise to enclose filling.

Place on ungreased cookie sheets, a couple of inches apart, shaping ends slightly to resemble crescents.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until golden brown- about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. If used, sprinkle with powdered confectioners sugar. Store between layers of wax paper, in a tightly covered tin box.





Walnut Filling

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons water

1/3 cup apricot jam

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups walnuts, finely chopped

Into a small saucepan turn the sugar and water; heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat. Stir in the apricot jam and slat. Add the walnuts and mix well.

Use as directed in Viennese Walnut Crescents recipe.

extra yard views

after i did my post, i forgot to add these photos, enjoy

our little world

I love mornings on a June day. The temperature is bearable with a slight breeze. From our side porch, many beautiful things can be seen and heard. The birds are chirping, you can hear the neighbor's dogs barking as well as our 5 "babies" Missy, Molly,Megan, Murphy, Micki.Having numerous and very large trees, we often see squirrels running up and down the trees trying to avoid the dogs. While taking in the scene, you can hear the wind chime making beautiful music as a light breeze is causing it to play. No sound such as this can be duplicated. This year seems the best of the best in noticeable beauty in our surroundings. We have 4 acres of land, we have a small vegetable garden with no plans to farm. The flowers are roses(red,pink, yellow)and a number of other flowers that we have lost track of their names. My husband is an inventor, jack of all trades. Because of his imagination, we have numerous items in our yard that are unique and one of a kind. Gerry, built a windmill made of metal, wood, and plastic. It's great to see the windmill blades turn with the wind. I was frightened when my husband positioned this item straight upward as it's over 7 ft. and he had no help but myself. I took a picture of this item, but unfortunately, the photo didn't develop . Near this item, we have the large white bee box. this is for those bees in need of a home. the vacancy sign has been put up for 2 years and still no takers. In the years that I have been married, my husband always wanted a grotto. Over 4 years ago, with the help of family, we now have a grotto which has a statue of the Holy Family, placed on a mound consisting of rock and pink glass. This place is a place to go to think and pray. Before entering the grotto there is a wooden entrance with 2 red bird feeders as well as pink climbing rose bushes. My husband had an old Mercedes station wagon. As a result of a tree hitting it, it was not repairable. What do you do with this item/ well, you carefully mount it on a side wall of our old barn. Now everyone can admire it's beauty. This item is definitely an"ice breaker". in conversations. Near our garage,which is really a workshop, a large bright yellow sun acts as a trellis for flowers as well as gives a glow to our property and smiles to our faces. I, love watching the numerous butterflies of different sizes and colors fluttering around the butterfly bush. In looking in all directions , you can see, hear, smell, the beauty of nature and reflect about family and friends connecting with us in our little world.

MAMA MILLIE MOMENTS#2

As, mentioned before my mother came from Europe as a WW II war bride. Mother was a maid at the age of 14. This background started everything. I, think that mother had some obsessive compulsive behavior. With any task, she would go overboard in completing that task. HOUSEWORK was one of her issues. On every Friday, she would start cleaning the house at 4 a.m.She would never use a mop, but get on her hands and knees to wash the kitchen and bathroom floors. I, DIDN'T LIKE Fridays, because you could hear the sound of the vacuum cleaner at 6 a.m. There was no way of convincing mother to change this behavior. If she wasn't finished with the cleaning by noon, she would say"I'm late". I, could never figure out what late meant. She didn't have any appointments nor or special TV program she wanted to watch. Mother continued in this manner until she "slowed down", in her 70's. My father died in 1986. At that time, my 1st. husband and I were concerned about mother's emotional state. She had depended upon Dad. We suggested she stay for awhile until she could decide what she wanted to do with her life and home. I, swear we didn't mean for her to permanently move in with us. But, guess what,she did and I DIDN'T HAVE THE HEART TO TELL HER NO. Mother remained living with me from 1986 until 2006, when she died while receiving Hospice services in my home. Mother, had the pleasure of living with 2 son-in-laws. Thank goodness, I MARRIED MEN WHO WERE WILLING AND UNDERSTOOD FAMILY TIES. in 1991, my 1st. husband was killed immediately in a car accident that included myself and my mother. Mother had bruises, I had a broken right foot ankle as well as a broken pinkie finger on my left hand. I couldn't manipulate using crutches so I had to use a wheelchair. It was a blessing that mother was in my home. She jumped right in and became my caretaker helping me with getting on the pot, bathe times, getting dressed, as well as driving me to medical and physical therapy appointments. This lasted for 3 months. During this time, we became each others counselors dealing with my husband's death. In 1999, I remarried. Gerry, is from Ireland. He understood family loyalties, so there was no question of mother not remaining in our home. It was a blessing for her to live with us as we became her caretakers and I Could give back to mother as she had especially done when we had the car accident. Because of this situation, Hospice offered services in our home, although for only over a month before she died. We never had to place mother in a nursing home, which was always a fear my mother always expressed. I promised her I would never do that placement, but do admit that taking care of an elderly parent was draining. Mother taught me the importance of family and responsibility. She often took the credit for me having a long term (34 years) career as a social worker. She was right! Each week, I plan to share about Mama Millie until I can't think and write. Stay tuned for more stories. Is there someone in your life that has made a significant impact on your life, IF SO, WHO,WHY?



How blessed we are to have that special someone. It's my mother.
She traveled from afar, to an unknown country.
Determined to learn to be a wife and a parent.
She had no teacher, made some mistakes, but learned.
No payment was expected for her role except Respect and Love.
To my special someone. Thanks, Mom.
Love rose marie