Provenance continued

I'm sure you recognize Weenie's lighter.  I was always fascinated by how they got his signature on that lighter and even though some of the wear and tear has occurred in the almost 27 (!) years since he died, it's somehow still comforting to know he used it ALL the time.  And his signature reminds me of his letters--always such a treat to find on in the mailbox. 

I remember Dad calling me at work when Weenie died.  I'm not sure why he chose to call me at work when it easily could have waited a few hours.  In those days, you had to toddle your way down to the main office to take a phone call--no such thing as a phone in your classroom (or your pocket).  So there I am standing there in our main office taking this phone call.  The news upset me very much and yet I felt I needed to maintain control.  Maybe Dad didn't want me to get the news at home alone.  Anyhow, it's amazing how such times stand out so clearly even years and years later.  Today I take comfort in the lighter and the sock and the memories. 

See you all Sunday and we'll make some of our own memories.  BTW--no one has claimed the coaster.  I'm beginning to think it came from the hotel in Gloucester, but I"m not apologizing for assuming it was one of you. 

??? Provenance ???

OK--does anyone recognize this?  It seems to be a coaster--glass with a picture insert.  It pains me to say this, but I found it in my purse a while ago and I have no idea where it came from.  Since I found a sytery object in my purse, it seemed only natural to turn to you all first!  Fess up so I can get this poor wolf home.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

I was going through some old journals recently and found some words I'd like to share about what I've learned from my family.  This is June 1993:  "From my grandmother Nanny Ryan, I learned to cover myself at night-no matter how hot.  This has always stuck with me and I never thought much about why I do this until Jim asked once why I always have covers on.  From my grandmother Nanny Flynn I learned of the strength of women.  She was unique in her time and she taught me that was OK.  From my grandfather Weenie Flynn I learned "Everything will take care of itself"-I have trouble remember that.  I also learned how it feels for be cherished.  .....I'm not sure what my grandfather Grampie Ryan taught me.  I remember that he seemed naughty and daring.  We have such a streak in our family.  From my dad I think I've learned to try to be prepared and accurate.  An interesting legacy.  From my Mom, I"ve learned so many things that I use every day.  Things that carry over.  For example, don't ever put a utensil into mayonnaise that's been in anything other than mayo.  Let sleeping babies lie.  Write to your mother.  Manners matter.  Small sentences-big ideas!"

The end of a year--the end of a DECADE seems like a good time to reflect on such things.  Happy New Year.

Christmas Gems

This is Ryan on Christmas Day in the hot tub at Scott and Linda's.  He's disappointed you can't really see the steam coming off his skin nor can you see the snow (they got walloped and have a lot more snow than we do), but not so disappointed that he isn't using this as our new desktop background. 

This was one of those unexpected Christmas surprises that come along once in a while if you are very lucky.  This year, I received a couple of those and they made me feel very fortunate as well as helping to get me into the season a little bit finally.  Over the years I have tried to learn to be gracious when receiving a gift that comes as a complete surprise.  I think Christmas should be about paying these forward.

So, a little gem for you involves the Ryan family and some recent new information I've uncovered.  I was seeking to find out a litte more about a story Uncle Tim told about some kind of shooting accident with the Ryan boys (Grampie and his brothers).  I didn't get anywhere with that, but I did discover some interesting news about Dad's uncle William Ryan Jr.  William Jr died in New York City at his home on Madison Avenue at the age of 38 in 1933.

There are so many little gems for me in this shot little obituary I got.  First, I guess I never realized any of the Ryan boyos left the Gloucester or Massachusetts or fishing life.  It was a pretty big surprise to learn that Uncle Bill (as I"ve dubbed him) died in NYC.  He was buried in St. John's cemetery in Queens--which I have visited for the Italians!  Little did I know there was one of our Ryans right there (well, it's huge so it's probably not "right htere" but nevertheless).  The article also note that he worked on Ellis Island for the immigration station hospital!  How interesting that must have been!  Makes me wonder if he contracted something in his workplace that led to his early death.  There is also a daughter listed that I did not previously know about.  The 4 short paragrahps in this article provided all kinds of sparkling gems for me to ponder over. 

I know it's been two weeks since I've posted here.  Yikes.  I didn't quite realize all that time had gone by but I appreciate that Judy, Paula and Chris are contributing.  That makes this a whole lot more fun for me, so thanks for that!  Happy New Year (can you believe it's been a decade since 2000??? Why does that seem so weird to me?)

MEET SUNNY!!!

HI EVERYONE, HOPE YOU ALL HAD A VERY NICE CHRISTMAS! LOOK AT WAHT SANTA BROUGHT US! HER NAME IS SUNNY. 7 WEEK OLD YELLOW LAB. SHE IS A HANFULL TO SAY THE LEAST, I AM SURE JUDY AND FAMILEY CAN RELATE. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. CHRIS AND LORI

Did everyone see Paula hit the papers?  Check it out here .  I love the post that brought memories of Nanny and Weenie back.  Great picture. 

Memories of Nanny

I was baking cut out Christmas cookies late last week. I can't use my rolling pin without thinking of Nanny. You see, my rolling pin was once Nanny's. Mom had it after Nanny passed away, and I got it after that.

While I'm rolling out the dough it is impossible NOT to think of how many batches of cookies, how many pies this ol' rolling pin has helped bring to the table... Nanny sure could bake a great pie, couldn't she? I don't remember Mom making as many, mostly because Nanny was there on special occasions and would do the baking.

There is a dent in the end of the handle. I'm sure Weenie would lay claim to that. He used to say Nanny would hit him on the head with her rolling pin! I think I used to believe him, when I was very young. It makes me laugh to think of it now.

I don't recall baking with Nanny very often... altho she did teach me how to bake a great pie crust. But I can't make rolled sugar cookies without thinking of her, not because SHE made these kind of cookies, but because she used that rolling pin before me (either to bake a pie, or to keep Weenie in line).

Happy baking to you all this holiday season!