Our Military Past

Memorial Day 2008. Memorial Day originated shortly after the US Civil War to honor those who have died in service to the country. It used to be called Decoration Day because graves were decorated to recognize these soldiers.

We have no direct ancestors who died in the service. Grampie Brown, Nanny Flynn's grandfather, served in the Civil War and claimed a pension based on disability he acquired as a result. But he did not die as a direct result -- he died in 1917 in Buffalo where he spent most of his life. Paula and I were lucky enough to find his grave in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo. Grampie, William Brown, was born in England and came to the United States in 1845 when he was almost 2. I believe the family moved from Albany to Buffalo on the Erie Canal. William Sr was a blacksmith and it seems logical he could have used his skills on the Canal.

Of course, Dad served in World War II and the Korean War. These are his separation papers describing his history of service. He was very young, as are our service men and women today. It amazes me.

I think Memorial Day has evolved into a recognition of all miltary personnel, so we have Grampie Brown, Uncle Tim and Dad that I am aware of to honor this Memorial Day 2008.

So, I'm thinking about flowers. Yes, flowers. Mom loved her violets. Does anyone else recall that she wanted to grow orchids? Can't imagine that--I think they are really delicate and require very particular care. But somehow I could see Mom in a greenhouse.

Dad and his garden with the zinnias and marigolds. I still really like both of those. They look so colorful. They appear to be sturdy but are actually kind of delicate too. Dad also grew gladiolas. I can remember seeing glads sold on the side of the road in Florida--other places too of course, but I connect them with Florida. Some people don't really like them because they consider them funeral flowers. I never thought of them that way. I have grown them too but not lately. I loved the blooms but hated seeing them all slumped over all the time and I could never get the bulbs to stay healthy over the winter.

Dad also like to have his roses. I never never have had good luck with roses. Mostly because I can't pay enough attention to them.

Paula reminded me today to think about wildflowers too. I recall Devil's Paintbrushes and Queen Anne's Lace (did you know Queen Anne's Lace is an ancestor to the carrot??). Paula also mentioned Jack in the Pulpits from the woods--these are now protected I think because they are endangered. I have always loved the white flowering shrubs that were in front of the house. I'm trying to grow one here now but it isn't taking off too well just yet. Weren't there alot of them in front of that Dennison Road house?

Lilacs always remind me of Mary Jane--well, the smell of lilacs makes me thing of Mary Jane. Probably because they bloom in May.

Spring flowers are my favorite--especially tulips. One of these days, I'll be able to take good care of a large garden of tulips and spring flowers.

See, there 's quite a bit to recall about flowers--you didn't think so, did you? How about you? What do you have to say about flowers in your life?

First of all, Happy Birthday Matthew! I hope you had a great day.

Mother's Day, of course, makes me think of Mom. One of the things I think about with Mom is how in the world she was able to raise all 6 of us. They must have had to stretch Dad's paychecks pretty far although as a child, I never felt like we struggled or were poor or deprived.

As I think about my childhood now, I realize there were some ways Mom was obviously trying to save money and one place was with meals. They were pretty economical. Meatloaf was not something she did well. I never realized there was any other way to have meatloaf than that dark brick we were presented with. Meatloaf CAN be juicy, even tasty, when done differently than with Mom's recipe. Same thing with pork chops. I was a full adult before I realized they didn't have to resemble cardboard in texture and taste.

One of my favorite meals was tuna fish and french fries. This was a Friday meal since we observed the Catholic tradition at the time. I also liked pork and sauerkraut, but that was a dangerous choice with children in the house! Dad's b-b-q chicken tasted pretty good too. I liked to have roast pork for birthday dinner.

Going to Foits for fish fry was a treat--must have been a pretty good deal in order for them to take us all there somewhat regularly. That's the only restaurant meal I remember except for where we might go with Nanny and Weenie.

So, I appreciate never feeling seriously deprived when I know it must have been very tough. What did you appreciate Mom for?