Memories

Lots of time to myself today. I had my bowl of Special K cereal for breakfast, threw on my sandals and took a walk. It's another beautiful day today in Nashville - 72 degrees.. Took my shower, got dressed and here I am.

I'm listening to one of the prettiest songs, Rainy Night in Georgia, by Conway Twitty *funny name, fabulous voice*. He was one of my Grandma Dolores's favorite singers. I remember going shopping with her one time - we were in the music department looking at records. I remember her saying, "Help me find Conway Twitty." We giggled about his name as we searched. I was about 8.

I loved my Grandma. She was funny, and quirky, and could cook like you wouldn't believe.

Donata Dolores Amelia Concetta Ursitti Fracasso. Say that five times really fast! My Grandpa's name was Nazareno. You might have guessed they were Italian.

I wanted to look like my Grandma. She was tall. I'm not. I don't think I do look like her. Except for the dark hair and dark eyes. I understand, from my mother, that I am a lot like her! That makes me happy. Makes me smile inside.

Some of my happiest memories stem from going to Willoughby, Ohio on Sundays to spend time with my Grandparents. We'd pile into the station wagon and make the hour long drive. Their house was, from my perspective of a young girl, full of love. I loved going there. They had such a big house compared to the little house that six of us were crammed into. I loved the Sunday adventure. You never knew who would be at 2256 Sunset Drive.

The times were made even more special when my cousins were there. Especially when my cousins from Maryland were in town.

When my cousin Elena was there I was always happiest. Having three older brothers was kind of tough sometimes. It was like having a sister and Elena is my age. So when we were together we shared in the same ideas of fun. We played Barbies, and games, and acted silly. And on special days, we got to walk with Grandma "down the hill" to the stores. She would always tell us to put on our babushkas. We thought this was so funny. Whether we did or not, Grandma always suggested it! And off we'd go.

Down the hill. With NO complaints. We were just happy to be with Grandma because it was always such an adventure. At least to me. I hope Elena thought it was too.

Want to know something funny? As an adult, I ended up working in Willoughby and sometimes would drive by Grandma and Grandpa's old house on Sunset Drive and retrace the route "down the hill". Hello! It was two miles each way! Isn't that child abuse?! To make us walk that far?!

We didn't complain...can you imagine asking your kids today to walk to the store with you and have it be two miles away?! We were smart though, we knew there was always going to be a reward when we got to the drug store. One time we got eye shadow kits! We had struck it big! I think we were 10 or 11. The down-side to that was Grandma called her neighbor over to show us how to use it. OK, that wasn't the real down-side to it...the fact that she brought her daughter with her was the REAL down-side. I'm pretty sure Elena and I thought Lori was a real nuisance. She was a couple years younger than us, and surely not as mature!

Sheesh.

We didn't want to hurt Grandma's feelings so we did what she wanted. I remember one time being a little sassy *I know, it's a stretch to imagine* I heard, "MISSY!" I thought we had company until I realized that was her way of getting me to know I was out of line. When Grandma wanted to make a point clear, she would simply say, "Now." When the boys got out of line they were known as "Mr. Keester."

Sunday dinners were amazing. Homemade ravioli, or lasagna. I remember helping to make the dough sometimes. There would be pork chops, or ham...enough food to feed a third world country. And, at Grandma and Grandpa's, I had my first experience of drinking pop! Soda. Whatever you call it based on where you live. I remember my brother Randy and I gulping a glass down and Grandpa telling us there was plenty more!

You might have guessed it...Grandpa loved food! Their basement was divided into a few different areas. There was a large room where we watched TV and played. When there was a large group, tables were set up in a long line to accommodate everyone for dinner. Black and white tile floors, black and white TV, white leather furniture. And, a picture of JFK on the wall over the TV.

The other side of the basement had a sink, 'fridge, pantry for dishes, storage...but then there was the other side of that room. It held the big chest freezer! Grandpa kept that freezer stocked with box after box of party slice ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, Neapolitan! Ice cream in a box that was individually wrapped so you take out one slice at a time and eat it! Oh and did we ever eat it!
You could say, if you wanted to get technical, that sometimes we just plain snuck it. I remember getting caught once...twice...ok, several times! But Grandpa didn't care...that's what he wanted.

Now that's love!!

I could sit and write for hours about my times at my Grandparents' house; about the love I felt when I was there, and how safe I felt. I could talk about the family traditions, rituals, etc. of growing up with Italian grandparents. They loved having their grandchildren there. Dale, Kenny, Randy, Eddy, Elena, Me, Jeff, Tim, Beth, Greg, and John. *In order of age*

Those were the days. I'd give anything to have them back. But for now, I'll listen to Conway Twitty and remember.