Happy Father's Day - Sentimental Sunday No. 16

Both Richard and Cindy were very blessed with wonderful fathers. John Porter and Jim Mulligan were fantastic men. Strong in character, physically strong, and strong in the amount of love and caring they heaped upon their family.

We both miss our Dad's very much. We miss the contributions they made to our lives and the love they shared with us. We were lucky to have them for the time that we did. We both believe we had the greatest Dad in the world.

Cindy's Dad - Johnny

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you've already heard many stories about Cindy's Dad. So, for this installment of Sentimental Sunday we'll talk about Richard's Dad - Jim.

Richard's Dad - Jim

One of Cindy's favorite memories of Jim was during her first visit to Salem. Jim and Jeane took us on a driving tour of the city. It was springtime and all of the flowers and trees were in full bloom. Jim loved nature and appreciated the simple beauty of a colorful flower. As we drove through the town, admiring peoples gardens, Jim would excitedly exclaim, "Oh, look at the pinks, look at the yellows!" Now of course, after living in Oregon for 13 years, I understand the excitement Jim expressed at seeing the vibrant blossoms after a long dreary winter. He was a really sweet man!

Happy Father's Day to John. Happy Father's Day to Jim. We love you - and we remember.

And, Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there... especially to my handsome husband, Richard. He's a pretty awesome Dad too. I think that Brian and Kristi and John would all argue that THEY have the greatest Dad in the world.

Out of the Mouths of Babes – Sentimental Sunday No. 15

After we moved to Salem, I began working part time for Family Building Blocks – a child abuse prevention organization and educational program. I had been out of the work force for a few years, and decided I should purchase some new clothes. (Any excuse to go shopping… like I really needed an excuse!)

Richard and J.J. drove me to work in the mornings. On this particular morning I was wearing one of my new outfits. J.J. was 3 years old at the time. I asked Richard and J.J. if I looked nice. Richard said that I did. But, J.J. didn’t say anything. I said, “J.J., does Mommy look pretty – do I look sexy?” He replied, “You not sexy! You a Mommy!”
Around this same time we were watching the movie “Selena”, starring Jennifer Lopez. J.J. was dancing around the living room in time to the music. I asked him if he liked the music. He said yes. I said it’s the music of your people – it’s Tejano music – Mexican music. He stopped dancing and got a very serious look on his face. I said, “Honey, you’re Mexican.” He replied, “No, I not.” I again told him that he was, to which he stomped his foot and exclaimed, “I not a Mexican! I a boy!” Too cute.
To a 3 year old Mommy’s and Boy’s could only be Mommy’s and Boy’s and no additional adjectives were permissible. I miss those adorable little quips from my little man – who has grown up all too quickly!

It's A Proud Proud Day...

Our boy graduated from 8th Grade tonight. Hard to believe. He will be in High School in the fall. He will continue at Salem Academy, where he has been since Kindergarten. It was a little emotional for me. Seeing him, and so many of his friends, standing there so grown up. Accepting their certificates and awards. Where do the years go?

The class chose this scripture to read during the ceremony

John made Honor Roll again - 3.42 G.P.A.

John has been friends with most of these kids since Kindergarten.

It was a really wonderful evening and touching ceremony. Next stop - High School and a Learners Permit. God help us!

Happy Birthday Sylvia - Sentimental Sunday #14

Today would have been my Mom’s 87th birthday. Sylvia Maurine was born in Alameda, CA to Maurine and Roland. Unfortunately Grandpa didn’t hang around for many years. He left when my Mom was only 3. From that point it was just Grandma and Mom; but they had each other.

Times were hard – the Depression was in full swing. For a period of time Grandma’s Sister, Mae Mae, and her daughter Nona lived with them. They helped each other get through those days of not having much. Grandma could play the piano, and she played in “saloons” at night to earn extra money. Sometimes Mom would go with her and sing and dance. One of the songs that Mom remembered singing was, “Alice Blue Gown”. (She was five or six at the time.)

Nona, Mom and Auntie Mae - 1980

Mom was a championship “Jitterbugger”. What an awesome dancer she was later in life – I sure wish I could have seen her dance when she was younger. She met Dad when she was 18. They married six months later when she was 19. Dad was in the Navy – the bombing of Pearl Harbor was only three months away.

Mom was a very talented artist. She took up oil painting after Sharon Lee passed away. It was a release for her; a way of working through her grief. She did oil painting, charcoal drawings, and in later life ceramics and porcelains. Unfortunately, when I came along I wasn’t much help in her progress as an artist. I wanted to “help”. One day, after she had spent all day working on the latest project, I decided to “help” when she was in the kitchen making dinner. I repainted the bottom portion of the painting. Needless to say, my help wasn’t appreciated and I don’t think I ever remember my Mom being that mad at me. I do recall that when Mom was painting, I spent a lot of time sitting in the corner being punished. I was handful, I know that.

Paintings by Sylvia
Stan Laurel 1966 ~ Little Miss Blue Jeans 1964

My Mom and I were really close. We spent a lot of time together; had amazing adventures; I was so fortunate that she was willing to be so open and honest with me about life, and love, and her opinions. I feel sad that I ended up hurting her so badly when I married my first husband. She only wanted the best for me, and I was too stubborn to listen to her. In the long run, I was the one that ended up being hurt by my choice, but I hurt her in the progress. Parents usually do know what is best for their kids – but as kids we just refuse to admit it sometimes. Fortunately, my Mom had the opportunity to meet and get to know Richard before she passed. She and my Dad both knew he was a good man, and they were happy that I met him. The night before she died Richard was in the room alone with her. She reached up to him and told him to take good care of me. She had my best interest and well being at heart, even at the end.

It’s hard to believe Mom has been gone for 23 years now. It seems like yesterday we were laughing and carrying on and dancing around the living room together. I’m so proud that she was my Mother. I miss her immensely, but am so grateful for the years we had together.

Last Night

was Ya Ya's! The first Wednesday of each month we get together for fun and festivities! This month we celebrated Laura and Kathy's birthday's... our Gemini Girls.

I made them a fresh strawberry and whipped cream cake. It really turned out fantastic. I've added the recipe to my GumboYaYa blog. (Click HERE for the link.)

We had a "Strawberry Shortcake" birthday party - complete with horns and hats!

There was a lot of laughter - like always - but especially when it came time to blow out the candles on the cake. For some reason, we always get the giggles at this time during each birthday celebration.

Any night with my girls is a fun night. But we all agree - Ya Ya Birthday's are the best!

Disneyland - Sentimental Sunday No. 13

If you know me, you probably know that my Dad worked for Walt Disney for 30 years. He was involved in the building of Disneyland, DisneyWorld, and all of the live action films that Disney produced from 1954 – 1984.

Johnny Porter - Walt Disney Studios - 1981

Dad was a prop-maker, by trade, and a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 44. He was a talented machinist and wood worker. Of course, being his ever loving daughter, I’m a little partial to how talented he was. But, I thought I would share with you – on this installment of Sentimental Sunday – some of his handiwork. All of the images being shared were gathered from Google Images.

All of the fancy wood turnings (called "Gingerbread work") on the Mark Twain Riverboat were made by my Dad.

The original wooden book stands in Sleeping Beauty's castle were made by him.

For the original "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" my father and my Godfather, Orie Carfagno, made the chair that President Lincoln sat in.

Dad was charged with creating the staircase banister for the movie "Mary Poppins". It had to come apart so that a seat could be placed in for Mary Poppins to appear to be riding up the stair case. But, when the seat was not present, the banister needed to appear to be one solid piece. He worked on this project for quite some time.

You can still see much of my Dad's work at DisneyLand and Disney World. All of the fancy woodwork on the buildings on Main Street U.S.A., and cabinets inside the shops, were made by my father. I am so proud of the work that he did and the legacy that has been left behind.

We're going to Disneyland in about a month. I haven't been there since J.J. was little. I am looking forward to sharing these things with him and pointing out the work that his Papa created.

I Wish I Was....

... going to be here this weekend! It's our favorite beach in Hawaii. Oh Well! August will be here before we know it, and I'll finally be enjoying those tropical breezes. (And a Mai Tai wouldn't hurt either!)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Canadian Geese

I love this time of year in Salem. The Canadian Geese consider Salem to be a "destination vacation" spot - and this is where they have their babies. The baby geese are so adorable. I get very happy whenever we are lucky enough to have a family of geese cross the street in front of us. Unfortunately there are SO many impatient people. They get mad because they have to wait a couple of minutes for the geese to get across the street safely. I just always feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to see the little family and the adorable babies.

Breakfast Anyone? - Sentimental Sunday No. 12

My (Cindy’s) Mom and Dad were a couple of characters. Here is one of my favorite stories about them…

Mom and Dad were married in 1941. They were very much the typical husband & wife of the time… He worked; she stayed home and took care of the house and my sister. Dad had to be up very early for work each day, and he suggested to my Mom that it would sure be nice if she would get up with him, make him breakfast and spend some time with him before he left for work in the mornings. This wouldn’t have been an unusual request if it weren’t for the fact that he got up at 4am and had to be at work by 5am!

Mom was not what you would call “a morning person”, but she dutifully got up with my Dad the next morning to make him breakfast. While Dad was in the shower Mom cooked eggs, bacon and toast for him; sat down at the table and ATE IT! Then, she promptly went back to bed. By the time Dad got out of the shower Mom was sound asleep and there was nothing for him but the dirty dishes! She wasn’t being a smart aleck… she didn’t remember a thing about it. She basically “slept walked” her way through cooking breakfast; eating it and going back to bed.

Needless to say, Dad didn’t ask her to get up with him ever again!

An Evening with Jerry

We had a really fantastic time on our Friday night outing to Portland. We arrived at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (Affectionately known as "The Schnitz") fairly early because we wanted to eat dinner... but where? So we walked around for a bit and discovered this restaurant - DragonFish. VERY GOOD food. I would call it Asian Fusion. If you are in Portland - check it out. There is one in Seattle too.After dinner we headed to the show!

Jerry's good friend, Larry Miller, opened for him. He was very funny. We truly enjoyed his act. After Larry's set the theater darkened - and then Jerry came running on the stage - greeted by thunderous applause.

Jerry was extremely funny - but we wouldn't have expected anything different. Jerry's humor is very topical and we enjoyed that his routine is pretty clean. He talked about marriage, and family, and spent a lot of time making his observations about life in general. It was SUCH a fun night. All three of us had an awesome time!