FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND...REMEMBERING WHY I LOVE AMERICA

   

I wrote this recently for MEMORIAL DAY weekend. I think it still applies to the 4TH weekend...so sending it again!!


Yesterday I bought three American flags and put them on the lattice that runs along our porch. This is yet another beautiful day in Memphis, both cool and sunny. The flags are blowing in the gentle breeze.
Now the flags have returned to the porch for the 4th weekend and continue to blow in the gentle breeze......

I am thinking many people who lived during WWII perhaps have a different feeling for our country from ones who were born later.

I was in the second grade when we were surprised by December 7, 1941.  I remember hearing President Roosevelt on the radio; Mother was crying and Daddy looked so sad. His brother, Clifford Grogan Caldwell was a professional soldier and surely would go to war. (He would be part of the Invasion of Normandy and lived to come home. He was our hero.) 

I remember clearly how we loved our country. There was a sense of nationwide camaraderie. Like we all knew each other, almost like being kin.  Our service men were heroes, and we developed an attachment to the ones we didn't even know personally. 

 Of course now I know our country isn't perfect; yet I continue to love "us" and pray for "us"..."My country tis of thee...sweet land of liberty" Indeed! 

Wave on, Flags on my porch...wave on.

with love, annie in memphis

*********************************************

*********************************************

HANGING OUT IN COLORADO FOR TWENTY MINUTES

    Colorado???What you say? You thought we live in Memphis...Well for the last fifty years we have lived back in Memphis. But when Roy was born and Ben was a toddler, we lived in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Ben taught at Colorado State, his first teaching job since Tulane.
                  
             We were so young...and though near penniless..quite happy. Colorado was such a beautiful place to live. Every weekend we drove up into the mountains and had so much fun...the four of us!  Out parents were not in good health, and when the opportunity came for Ben to work at University of Memphis (Memphis State) we happily came back but leaving a little of our hearts in Colorado. We remained in Memphis....but not entirely tied to it.


Some days, like this one, are truly beautiful in Memphis. It is cool but sunny and the sky is so blue. It reminds me of a day Lydia's Paw Paw took her to the orthodontist. I went along; but Ben waited in the car for us. He simply didn't feel like going upstairs. 

When Lydia and I returned, the car window was open and Ben's eyes were closed.  I remember there was a gentle breeze like today. Then he shook himself and said he had just had a wonderful visit in our (beloved) New Mexico, which we had visited so very many times. He said he felt so refreshed.

 I told him if I lived longer than he, I would do that, myself. From time to time, I would close my eyes and have a sweet trip like he had...and he would be in the visit too.

So I just did that...I was hanging out in Colorado for the last twenty minutes and I too am refreshed by sweet memories of our time there.

Just sayin',
love, annie

MADAM BUTTERFLY AND THE SECRET BENEFACTOR

                         Tulane University (We have not seen Tulane since the hurricane....)

When Ben was in graduate school at Tulane University (1958-1960, New Orleans,) he, Ben Jr., and I lived on the sixth floor of the brand new housing building for married students. I must mention we had a wonderful view of our temporary city!  

One night, when Ben was teaching, I heard a light tap on the door. It was one of Ben's students. He came in, and we had a nice visit. He was only eighteen and looked younger. Some might describe him as a nerd, but I found him completely charming. He really wanted to visit his teacher; but Ben was running late, had papers to grade. The student stayed several hours seeming to enjoy making do with me.

.

We talked about mutual interests...the former chaplain of the US Senate, for example...and worked out way to our love of the opera.
At that time there was a TV Show, about an anonymous benefactor.

Soon we received in the mail a book of Peter Marshall's prayers in the Senate. He was chaplain from 1946 to 1948.
                           Peter Marshall, 1902-1949

No return address. It was inscribed: from your Benefactor.

Then a week or so later, two tickets arrived for us to see MADAM BUTTERFLY. Very good seats. Ben's graduate school stipend did not allow us to buy such frivolous things, so I was excited about going to the opera. This was also signed: from your Benefactor.

                                         It was a magic evening for Ben and me.

I never saw our young friend again. But I am not likely to forget him... would you????  
with love, annie

*******************************************************************************

MORE FROM RECENT GUEST BLOGGER: DOROTHY FINLEY

Today I got this wonderful e-mail from my couisin, Dot Finley. Recently she was a guest blogger "From One Mother to Another." Some of you will reeeely love reading this; I did. Love, annie

                           

Let me tell you what has happened since I wrote what I thought was ‘my final report “. First my son, John , complained , Mom what did you mean by that title—he found that rather unfriendly! Then a few others said how much they would miss hearing from us---I really thought I was doing everyone a favor by ceasing telling “news” they may not find interesting. After all was said I decided I would write occasionally but give those not interested permission to just delete without reading----with my blessings!

I’ve been thinking about our life style and realizing how my plan for living by the road and being a friend to all has fallen off the tracks. After accompanying Bud to all therapy I just find I don’t have the strength to do the many things I think about. BUT NOW  I’ve thought of a new plan. Let me tell you about it and you tell me if I am “Nuts or Normal” LOL. I guess my thoughts are always concerning the plight of the aged and the children. I’ve heard so many old folks wish for certain foods that they never have but would love to eat again.  I remember Grandmother Finley & her roommate age 90+   in a nursing home in Pecos ,TX wishing for fried fish. I’m thinking that in our little town there are some who would love some old fashioned soups and vegetables or meat suitable for ole teeth to chew!  I’m planning to talk to a woman in our church who works tirelessly with those people, who knows the needs and I would like to be her silent partner . I can cook if I take my time and don’t get stressed. As for the children ---I worry about summer meals for them and food for infants. When we shop I see the prices I wonder how families are eating every day. My friend, Louinen, will know how I can connect with this woman. I know most of you are already at work in your churches so I’m expecting lots of suggestions and great ideas!

I loved my Mother’s Day this year—planned for me by our awesome 3- Sherrie, Kay and John-and executed by Kay and husband Bill. Mmmmm filet mignon and fresh salmon perfectly grilled by SIL Bill and other delicious eats to numerous to mention. We ate most of the day ,welcomed our two GKids, Garrett & Brett from college—UTX Dallas and North TX. Unfortunately GGbaby Maddie not with us.

We are getting a little rain this morning and looking out at the yard and trees is a beautiful sight.  Some people plant gorgeous flowers but we have chosen to leave just our 2 groves of trees in the back and wide span of green grass.

 As a reward we get to see into the pasture that adjoins us and see the cows, horses, deer etc. Every year we see mother deer place their babies safely under out trees while they graze nearby. 

                                                 

Jack rabbits come late in the evening to eat grass, one jack rabbit is very old.

It’s so easy to see Gods work in such a place

Well when I get to the weather I know it is time to end and today I get to wait the hour at S&W Round Rock heart therapy -11to12 and another hour at Georgetown for shoulder therapy.1to 2.  I’m tired already

Dot

CONFESSION OF A 50 YR OLD 10 K RUNNER!!!

I remember that shortly after my 50th birthday, a liquor store in Memphis held a 10 K out near the airport.

Everyone in the family was busy that morning so I drove out there by myself.  In addition to the main prize, there were smaller awards given to winners by age category.  I recognized a woman runner I had seen before...and when I looked on the list I saw there were only the two of us in the 50 and up category. The other runner was 60+, white headed, and wrinkled. 

I thought, "Now is my chance, surely I can beat her." 



              


When the race began, she took off like lightening, and I was far behind her.  

When they presented the awards, I heard "Second place in the category of 50 up, is Ann Brewer."  


Beaming, I stood as everyone applauded.

You won't believe this...I WAS SO PROUD, not at all embarrassed that there were only two of us. I confess I still recall that feeling of pride...shame on me!!

I confess...but I guess to have run 6 miles at all was worthy of some attention...

Now that I am nearing 80, I figure I can remember this story anyway I like. Sometimes imagining a cup...

The recent Boston Marathon was a nightmare....yet before the explosions  I could identify with those runners who finished safely.

For I still remember running as a very positive part of my life..
from 46 yrs to 60 yrs old.
This picture was made in a Memphis in May 10 k a year later.



annie              





**********************************************

TAKING A BREAK FROM THIS BLOG...WILL BE BACK SOON

I have put so many different kinds of things on this blog...a few pretend trips, a couple of fantasy trips, Ben's poetry and paintings, a guest blogger, many  of my own precious memories. (67 entries.)

 That was a mistake. Sort of a hodgepodge of stuff...especially if anyone else cared to read the blog. I had most of my pretend trips on my first blog started in 2011. (76 entries.)

annieinmemphis.blogspot.com

But I never really meant for my blog writing to entertain others, but to entertain Ben and me.
                         

 In 2011 I got the idea that pretend trips could be remembered the same as "in the flesh" trips. I have been blessed with thousands of miles of real live travel...both in US and abroad....also thousands of miles of pretend trips. But now my brain remembers pretend and live trips just the same. And I use my three blogs as permanent scrapbooks to save the details.

After sleeping on a Greyhound bus so many times (which was actually kind of fun) I decided my pretend trips should be first class in travel, I would stay in the most expensive hotels, eat at the most expensive restaurants. I would tell people I had unlimited funds (?) that can only be used for travel. I would pay for it all with monopoly money or a monopoly charge card. 

I'll be back on memphisannie.blogspot.com.....soon. 

I will continue the same way on my trip around the world. So far only one entry.
patriciaanninmemphis.blogspot.com 

But it will probably be boring because I have no story in mind so far.
If I were you I wouldn't bother reading it...instead, I hope you will make your own pretend trips. If I can do it, anyone can. Love, annie

FROM ONE MOM TO ANOTHER by DOROTHY FINLEY,. guest blogger

Dot Finley is my cousin; we discovered each other on face book a couple of years ago. Her grandmother was my grandfather's sister.
When I read this poem she wrote about her only son, I asked if I could put it on my blog. I think you will find this  delightful.
 Thanks, Dot. with love, cuz annie 

                                

Windows of the Soul

By: Dorothy June White Finley

1960

I used to love to rise up early

Before the others were out of bed

To sit at the table to sip my coffee

Dreaming quiet thoughts within my head

Before a verbal word was said.

But in my house another early riser

Loved to join my revelry.

How could I ever take offense

When he so cheerfully greeted me

And the day in such a pleasant way

He joined in looking out to see

But his response required conversation

He had so very much to say

I did not realize childhood’s pass so fast

The innocence of plans at age three

With glorious thoughts of what would be

Would not go on forever

Those special childish relations would not last.

Now I cannot recall our morning chats

For that I feel so much regret

To go back to those early days

Would bring much pleasure and joy

To hear again from my own child

His thoughts and dreams for his life.

Did I listen to him carefully?

Was my response suitable for his needs?

What memories does he have?

Without a blueprint for being a mother

When there was no internship or other

Ways to learn to do this job

Leaves life a chance mothers have to take

To succeed or fail by the choices we make.

                                   Here is Dot with her husband Odie Bud Finley.

A little note from Dot about her husband: "My husband is a true TX with a double name—Odie Bud---named for his 2 grandpas One was Charles Otis Finley called “Otie”) the other Issac Van Zant McElroy called Bud”. When my husband went into the Navy he learned that his name had been misspelled to ‘Odie” so he just changed to that. All his life called Otie Bud by all who knew him in TX. Later introduced himself to me as Bud so all of my family & my friends call him Bud. He has a warm personality and loads of friends. God does send THE BEST!!" 

******************************************************************************