Sunday, May 23, 2010

Genealogy - Sentimental Sunday No. 44

This is my maternal Grandfather with my Mom. He was born in 1894.
My memories of him are good ones. He lived about 2 hours away from us when I was growing up. We would visit a couple of times per year. Every time we visited we would go out to dinner at various local restaurants. In the 1970's there weren't a lot of really fabulous choices in Hemet. I recall a couple of his favorites, and we always went to dinner quite early. Usually around 4pm. I remember that he enjoyed a cocktail before dinner and his favorite was a Brandy Alexander.

My Grandma Mary passed away in the late 1960's, and Grandpa never remarried. When he moved out of their home into a mobile home park down the street - he was quite popular with all the widows. Several times a few of them would come to visit him while we were there. At the time I didn't think anything of it. Now, I look back at how they would all fuss over him and it makes me giggle. Today I understand what a commodity an older gentleman is with the widows.

Grandpa was in World War I. Here is a photo of him with some of his unit. He is in the middle. My Uncle told me that only two men from his unit returned from the war. So sad.
Grandpa and my Grandma Maurine were my mom's parents. They divorced when my Mom was very young. However, this photo that I found, dated in 1930, indicates that perhaps they tried to reconcile at one point. Alas, it didn't work out. She ultimately married another man - and he married my Grandma Mary in the mid '30s.

Grandpa died in the early '80s. I miss our visits and early bird dinners with him. One of my prized possessions is a cherry-wood breakfront hutch. It belonged to Grandpa for many years. I treasure it and think of him when I look at it. When I open a drawer or door on it, I remember that these handles and this wood was touched by his hands as well. It brings me comfort to know that I can pass this on to my son and he will have something that belonged to his Great Grandfather. And, while a 15 year old boy doesn't find interest in this today - I hope that someday he will appreciate the history.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Robin Hood - The Movie

Although the reviews haven't been stellar, we saw "Robin Hood" starring Russell Crowe & Cate Blanchett last night.

I must say that I completely disagree with the reviews. I love that Ridley Scott did not make another movie about the same Robin Hood cliches we seen time and time again.

It was a wonderful story and enjoyable film. Both Richard and I really liked it!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Spoon's NW Bistro

I met a friend for an early dinner at Spoon's NW Bistro tonight, on Commercial SE in Salem. It was VERY good and I'll be sure to plan return visits.

We both had the Seafood Linguine. There were plenty of shrimp and mussels and crab was sprinkled throughout. Quite tasty. We even saved room for 5 Layer Chocolate Cake. Decadent and extremely delicious. I'm glad we shared it, because even with two of us eating it - we couldn't quite finish it off.

The service was wonderful and the entire evening was quite pleasant. They weren't very busy. Perhaps, people aren't aware they are open for dinner. I wasn't aware of that until my friend suggested we eat there.

I highly recommend you make a trip to Spoon's. Quite enjoyable!
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