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November 22nd, 2009
09:36 am - 21st
Yesterday could have been a day of sad rememberance at loosing my husband 12 years ago. Instead it was a day of wonderful thoughts as I saw grand daughter Cora as Kim in "Bye, Bye Birdy". Grand dad, a performer whenever the chance arose, would have been delighted. In the evening with my part in the concert of Mendelssohn's "Elijah" he would have been the joyful face in the audience as we gave a terrific performance.
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August 28th, 2009
10:44 am
This would have been my brother's 74th birthday. His last years were spent in decline from dementia, a terrible fate. As my big brother, he looked out for me and also tormented me as siblings do, but I knew he was always there if I needed anything. We were blessed with great parents and support, which I wish for everyone.
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June 7th, 2009
09:06 am
I'm home a week and the clothes are washed, but not everything put away. I seem to have come down with my usual sinus infection which is frustrating. The heavy rain for most of the week didn't help.
Ireland was beautiful and very green. The group was very friendly and compatible which added to the fun. I kissed the Blarney Stone and walked my share of steps and hills, up and down. Many mornings started with fog or drizzle, but then cleared up. You have to have rain to have the lush green of Ireland. I'm glad my family had the ability to make it to the USA, but happy to claim Ireland as my background.
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May 18th, 2009
02:21 pm
The suitcase is packed and my list checked and re checked. I'll be on my way to the airport and a trip to Ireland soon. I plan to enjoy it.
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May 5th, 2009
11:15 am - Merry Month of May
This is our busiest month with Mother's Day and 3 birthdays. We start with mine, born on Mother's day many years ago, then go to Joe and Will for the next 2 weeks. On Joe's I'll be busy singing the German Requiem with the group I've sung with since Will was born. I leave on the 18th for Ireland and will lift a glass of Guinness to celebrate Will's, then home on the 30th to recover. A good month!
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December 15th, 2008
09:20 am
My big brother Charlie died last night. Actually he disappeared several years ago into dementia. The body gave out finally and he can be at peace now. My sister-in-law has been remarkable in her love and care for him and will need time to heal herself. The service will be after the holidays and I have spent a lot of time thinking of our time growing up and how grateful I am for the wonderful family we were.
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December 5th, 2008
08:02 pm - Life
Today I visited my brother again. He has end stage dementia. He has been failing for many years and the last 6 months have be a dramatic decline. My sister -in -law has been remarkable in her love and care for him, but he needs far more care than one person can do. Charlie is 3 years older than I am and it is hard to understand how this could be. He really doesn't know me, but was a bit more responsive than my last visits. He is now in hospice care and that makes me review so much of life and growing up together. We were fortunate to have wonderful parents and a secure family. This is a difficult time to wish that he can be released from this living hell, yet regret that his physical body no longer holds Charlie's spirit.
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November 5th, 2008
02:17 pm - The world of change
I'm now old enough to be Obama's mother!
I find the 70 years of my life have covered many major changes from the time I was in segregated schools. They were inter-grated when I was in High school. The major battles of the Civil rights era occurred while I was raising children. The assassination of Both Kennedy's and Dr. King were part of the landscape of the first two decades of married life and children. Traveling to family gatherings in Georgia made me aware that if I were black, there would be no meals or motels for us. The small discriminations I had were by anti-Semites who thought my maiden name "might be Jewish" I have lived a protected and sheltered life and I can say that this election is one of the most significant changes so far and one that I hope brings a new way of working together for the good of the country and all of us. There is very hard work to be done to make the world of my grandchildren a positive one.
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June 18th, 2008
05:30 pm - Home again
I got home June 9th and got unpacked and a few things washed. Then the cough started and by the end of the week it was clear I had a sinus infection, the worst in many years. I have no energy.
The trip was wonderful and I had such a good time. It was not planned, but with an offer I couldn't refuse. I got to see the beaches at Normandy. As a history buff that was enough, but my neighbor of many years landed there in 1944. He never talked about it and I pulled the story together from a few things he told his sons and history of the 29th Div. We were there on a beautiful sunny day with families strolling the beach. He arrived later in the day in stormy weather with "more dead bodies than he had ever seen" as he told his son. It was certainly one of the most important days in our current history. I bought a flower to take to the beaches to thank my friend and with out language the florist understood when I said Omaha Beach, We visited the big cemetery with over 9,000 graves which tells how brutal the day was.
Then we cruised the Seine visiting towns of half timbered homes. Then for an artist we were at Giverny home of Monet. It was amazing! Of course I had to share it with a few hundred of my dear friends, but it was still amazing. In Paris I saw the water lilies where he planned them which was wonderful. I'm always amazed at people who stop only long enough to have their picture made in font of things without ever really seeing them.
It was a good trip.
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May 27th, 2008
01:39 pm - Ready to Go
One nice thing about being retired is the ability to take advantage of opportunities that arise on short notice. There fore when an almost half price trip to France came up 2 weeks ago, I signed up. I leave tomorrow night . It wasn't high on my list,but the chance to see Monet's garden and the Normandy coast was too good to resist. Luckily I had just had a CD mature that I was going to put in my old age savings, but in my old age I may not have the chance or be healthy enough, so off I go. The Spring weather has been so changeable with warm, cold, rain and mostly, pollen, that figuring what to take has be a challenge. I prefer to travel light, but must prepare for cool rainy weather as well a warm days. I will be on a river ship cruising the Seine for a week. I enjoy that with 119 passengers and a chance to get to know people. I will have an unknown room mate, but that has worked for me before. Usually there are other single ladies and people are friendly since we are all interested in what we are seeing. The visit to Monet's garden is a high point for any artist and with an interest in history the WWII history will be good. My friend Joe who died last fall, landed on D Day and I will be thinking about him and so many others who did not get home. Now back to packing.
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May 11th, 2008
06:48 pm - quiet decends
Yes, it's quiet now, but for over a week the house was filled with family and a one year old. What fun. They arrived in advance of a joint birthday celebration last Sunday for me - 70, Joe - 40 and Will -37. I called it 147 years of birthdays. We had family, friends, neighbors, work and art friends for a great celebration. Afterward we were on the road each day so Will, Pam and little Cleveland could catch up with friends. We had lots of fun with Will's friend's twins - 10 months old. Three little boys kept everything lively. Herding cats is an appropriate way to describe it. Tomorrow I'll begin putting back things that were moved out of little hands. It will seem strange not to have bananas and Cheerios every where.
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January 8th, 2008
06:54 pm
The Cold Weather Shelter ended Monday morning for me as the guests things were moved to the next church. We had a full house - 24 - 25 each night. there were 2 families with four children ages 8 - 17. There are always repeaters including " Donna" who was much better this year, perhaps she's taking her meds. A few will never make it out, but at least for the winter they have a warm place to stay and access to information from the case worker. This year one lady loved to draw and after telling an artist friend, she insisted on buying art supplies which were a big thrill. I sat several evening to tutor her on some basics and gave her my copy of "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain". She may never do more, but if it brings some joy and accomplishment to her after her minimum wage job then it will be a good thing.
Tomorrow I go to Chicago to visit my 8 month old grandson which will be delightful. Worth braving Chicago weather - today unusually warm, but will return to normal cold while I'm there.
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January 1st, 2008
10:54 am - Cold Weather Shelter
Last night was the first night for the week I organize the Shelter program at my church. It always makes me aware of all the things I have. There is always an interesting mix with some familier faces since I have done this four years. now. There are 2 families with children ranging from 8 - 16. In most cases those with jobs are working at minimum wage and one missed check throws them on the streets. Some regulars have mental problems or addictions which leave them unable to function. I'm always very nervous before when I'm trying to gather all the volunteers - it takes about 100 slots to fill, but once we start it always seems to work. I had my dreadful year after my husband died, but had the support of family and friends to make it through. This is my small way to pay it back.
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December 29th, 2007
09:34 am - 2007
As the new year approaches I guess it is time to review what this year has brought. The big plus is a new grandchild, Cleveland Jones Wall arrived in April in Chicago. I made 4 trips there and enjoyed having a baby to hold and watch my son and daughter - law become parents. They are great and just seeing this new life was a thrill. I will return in 2 weeks to see how much he has grown, even though I have to brave Chicago winter. My grand daughters are doing well and each has developed a distinct personality. Rainey, soon to be 15 has taken up electric guitar and Cora, 10 got a sewing machine for Christmas. Interesting kids!
This Fall found me feeling the effect of the 10 year mark of my husband's death. It still can seem both long and short. I passed what would have been our 47th anniversary and his 71st birthday, and next year I will arrive at 70. Somehow you can't ignore the passage of time. I will bring in 2008 leading the Cold Weather Shelter at my church for the 4th year. Trying to help people who are in need makes me be thankful again for all the good family and things that I have. This year will see me prepare for a one person show in September, making me work hard at art which got lost at times. There are other challenges that will arise, but so far I have managed to meet them as they come and feel that the year will be a positive one. I'll skip the usual New Year's resolutions, I'll just keep on keeping on. Happy New Year to all!
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August 14th, 2007
11:25 am - home again
I'm home again after 2 weeks with CJ and Will and Pam. CJ is growing and interacting with us which makes him more fun. He grew a lot since I saw him in May and will grow dramatically again before I see him. We are promised a visit in the fall or Christmas to show him off to friends and family here.
Meanwhile, I have gone through the 2 weeks of mail, phone messages and e-mails and am now getting back to a normal routine. Soon the Fall schedules will be back with rehearsal and concert schedule, theater tickets and other activities. I'll be happy to leave the hot weather behind. My garden is burned up even though a friend came in and watered for me. Tonight I'll go to a free talk about townhouse gardens for ideas to improve for next year.
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July 27th, 2007
10:38 am - Traveling again
I'm off tomorrow to Chicago for two weeks with my new grandchild. He may be becoming CJ although he is still baby, sweetee, etc. It will be fun to see how much bigger he is since I saw him in May. I had a chance to visit with his best friends twin boys on Monday which was fun. When Will and Pam think they are exhausted, they can think of their friends with two little boys tag teaming to keep everyone awake. Fortunately amnesia sets in or there would never be second children. I also know that nature is wise to cut off the age for child baring for women since I will come home very tired. Eventually I'll learn how to post pictures so you can see how cute he is.
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June 24th, 2007
01:33 pm - Happy Birthday
One hundred years ago on June 25th, Charles Talbot Gladstone, my Dad, was born in Baltimore. As that marker comes, I do think about what he was to me and what he brought to the family. He was a fine, honest, hard working man with great strength and understanding. He became a leader in business as an independent gasoline dealer. He was a tall man who could easily stand out in a crowd even before he spoke. He had a fine Irish sense of humor and family responsibility. He was “The Boss” for his family and employees and certainly the person to go to when you needed help. He was not of the generation that changed diapers, but took time with us and led by example. Unfortunately shortly after I was 25 and a new mother, we lost him to lung cancer.
(I never have liked smoking, being a pesky kid making remarks about it to my parents even as a child.) It was just at the time when with shared parenthood I could feel like an adult with him.
He loved history, politics, sports and reading. A day at Memorial Stadium for the Orioles was having your personal play by play announcer. He was a rabid Colts fan and saw “The Greatest Game Ever Played” as true fans called it. He played tricks on Mom, arriving home and shouting at her to get out on the porch immediately as if there was a great emergency. Then Mom would be greeted with “Look at that moon” He grew up without being able to finish high school, going to work as so many did to help with family finances. He beamed with pride when I got the first college degree in the family.
There are so many things I have wished I could talk to him about and I regret that my children have only known him as a photo and some stories. He was a big influence in my life and perhaps my children understand that his shadow falls through me to them also.
Happy Birthday!
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May 23rd, 2007
04:49 pm - I warned you
I warned you it's all baby, all the time. I'm off again this evening to Chicago with my original flight from when he was due in May. Babies are so sweet and grow so quickly that I will take advantage of any time with him. I had a meal with one of my babies with a late celebration of his "Jack Benny birthday" I love all my babies!
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May 14th, 2007
04:16 pm - All baby, all the time
Sorry, as a grandmother of a new baby that's what it is like. There's nothing as sweet as a brand new baby. They melt into you as you rock them. Their little sounds are too cute for words, even the rumble that indicates a diaper change. They have little control of their face so the half smiles are just muscle excercise, but we like to think otherwise. Watching ones own child so wrapped up in this new creation is special. I will be back next week on my original flight plan and I'll see changes already.
My daughter and two granddaughters were with me last night for Mother's day and they are all equally cute, although the 14 year old is gettiing too cool for us to say that. What a treasure to have grandchildren.
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April 25th, 2007
08:42 am - traveling
If March was a traveling month, now comes May. I already had my ticket to Chicago the end of May for the grandchild due on Mother's Day. Little Cleveland Jones Wall planned otherwise, arriving 3 weeks early. They are home and when I detected a wee bit of stress, I found another cheap flight ( Thanks Southwest) and will go up May 1-9 and then Pam's Mom arrives. I'll be back with my original plan the end of May. Since my grand daughters are now 10 and 14, I haven't had baby time for years. I get to celebrate my birthday on the 8th with them. I was born on Mother's day a LONG time ago. Once home we'll do Mother's Day with the rest of my family.
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