Memory Lane

I cannot believe it has been almost three months since my last Lunch with Dad post.  Of course dad and I have continued to have our lunches together, and we have celebrated several family milestones since my last post including Mariah's graduation from high school, My sister's birthday, Kory's 22nd birthday, two dance recitals, a second ACL surgery for Mariah, a wonderful visit from my nephew Tony and his beautiful family and I am sure several other important events I will remember later in this post.  Work has increased, so free time for me has decreased significantly.  I am not complaining...work is good...especially in today's current climate, however, it does cut in to my time with dad.  Sometimes I wish I could stop time and tend to those luxury items like spending time with loved ones.  It is really a catch 22 in a sense.  I wonder what the independantly wealthy do with all of the free time? I know what I would do :)  Enough day dreaming.


Dad and I went to Logan's Roadhouse last Friday.  Now that work has leveled out I have carved out that time again to spend with dad.  Dad wasn't sure he was going to make it...it was a scorching 109* in Fresno/Clovis and the heat is hard on him.  He decided to try and weather it (pardon the punn) and so we treked across the city in search of a good steakhouse.  We went to Outback Steakhouse first figuring that this was close and I could take him home when we were finished.  I should have thought ahead and either called or got out of the car myself to check, but...I didn't.  We parked and I helped dad out of the car.  We made our way to the front of the restaurant where we discovered that the restaurant was closed until 4pm.  This might not seem like such a big deal...but the Parkinson's has really taken a toll on my dad's body.  It was all he could do to get back to the car.  I felt terrible.  Why didn't I think to hop out and check before getting him out into the heat!  Lesson learned.  Dad, as always, was a good sport and insisted that we find a place to eat.  We headed to the Riverpark area where everything is open all of the time.  Although I knew it was open...I still went in and checked first before getting my dad out and in the heat again.  We were seated quickly and I believe we were one of two tables in the entire restaurant so the service was quick.

  

Onion Petals

                           Hot Buns

Now, a few weeks ago mom and I drove Marlee to San Francisco so she could catch a 9:50pm flight.  Unfortunately, dad could not go with us as it was just too long of a trip for him to make at this stage in his illness.  Marlee's destination was Cedarville University in Ohio.  Here she would attend Camp Electric, a Christian camp for young people who aspire to be in worship ministries.  We met up with Kory at Pier 39 and had dinner together at a sports cafe before sending Marlee off.  Mom, Kory and I spent the night in a motel on the penninsula.  Sunday we had breakfast at the Milbrae House of Pancakes and then toured our old stomping grounds San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, Brisbane, and Bayshore.  We visited every home I lived in, where my mother worked when I was young, the PG&E sight where so many homes were destroyed in San Bruno, my dad's childhood home, my mom's childhood home, the grammar school where they met among many other memorable locations.  There are so many memories tucked in the streets and corners of these cities that dot the penninsula. 

Having Fun at Pier 39

Captain Kory and Uncle Marlee

 

Kory Potter

                                                                      Brotherly Love
                                                               Saying Goodbye at SFO


While sitting with dad and enjoying our lunch I asked him if my mother had shared with him all of the places we visited while we were in the Bay Area.  Dad said he thought she had, but I decided to share anyway.  In particular...memories of 4-H.  Dad loved his involvement with me in 4-H.  I told him that we visited the farm, but it appeared that most of the animals were gone.  Mostly agriculture lined the farm and a few chickens poked out of the fences when we drove up to the gate. It was my dad's greatest joy to work with the kids in the large animal program helping them get their Steer and lamb ready for show at the San Mateo County Fair.  It was on this old dirt road to the farm where I learned to drive.  Dad would let me drive his truck up and down the road every day.  I told dad that the farm was just a shadow of its former self, but it looked like there was still some life left.  The school my sister attended from K-6th grades was now surrounded by a military compound which dwarfed the school.  It was almost unrecognizable.  The Artichoke Joe's at the end of San Mateo Ave. is now a huge casino and Lullaby Lane is completely gone.  Dad had questions of his own which I tried to answer, but most of them were questions from his memory that dated before I was born, so I told him he would have to ask mom when he saw her later.  Our trip through Brisbane and Bayshore was nostalgic.  I showed Kory where I learned to ride my first two wheeler on the street where my great grandmother Jesssie lived and where my dad spent most of his childhood.  We drove through Brisbane and squeezed down the narrow and windy streets to where my mother grew up, and past the grammar school where dad met mom.  Kory loved every minute of it and we had so much fun sharing it all with him.  It was bittersweet to go back.  So much has changed...run down homes, different buildings, more people and more cars...it's just as well that dad stayed home.  Preserving the memories he has of these areas was a better choice.

Milbrae House of Pancakes

A Family stlye pancake house that locals adore. This restaurant was a favorite of mine growing up. Just a couple of blocks from my High School, we would often frequent this place for lunch and an occasional 4th period extended lunch ;)






                                           

                                       

                                             

Dad's childhood neighborhood just blocks away from the Cow Palace.

Above Pictured: Momma Jessie and Pop's house in Bayshore

Dad's house just two door's up from Ma Jessie's

Dad's cousin Neil's house two blocks over

Bayshore Elementary

With just two tables in the restaurant to serve, we were finished quickly so we decided to grab some ice cream before heading to my house.  Dad was exhausted.  He slept until my mom came to get him after work.  It was so nice to spend time with my dad again. 

Bucket List

A lot has happened since our last lunch with dad.  My sister and her husband, Dan, moved back to Fresno from the Central California coast.  A necessary move for various reasons, but a difficult one to say the least.  They had to leave their son, daugher in law and two grandbabies behind which has been nothing short of agonizing for both of them.

 (Mother's Day 2012 Visit)

Of course the obvious weather adjustments and lifestyle changes have been challenging.  As difficult as it was to leave they are settling in to the Fresno/Clovis routine and it is like riding a bike.  Some say Fresno is a vortex...once you move here...you can never really leave.  In my sister's case I suppose this rings true!

My sister started her new job within the first two weeks of moving back while my brother in law, on the other hand, is nursing a very badly injured knee that is due for surgery sooner rather than later.  I feel so bad for him as he hobbles around on what looks like an exotic melon rather than a knee joint!  He never complains and is so willing to help out wherever and whenever needed.  Dan has always been such a hard worker and really loves to serve others.  It is in his blood to serve.  He amazes me.  In particular he loves to cook and watch people enjoy his gourmet dishes.  He has become the household chef for my parents and they are loving every minute of it!

In addition to my sister moving home...Joe and I moved about a week later.  Our new home is larger and closer to the school.  We love it!  Our move was necessary as well.  We had a short amount of time to get out of our old home and into our new home due to Joe's schedule with the railroad.  This brings me back to my brother in law again.  I watched in awe as he hobbled around on a terribly swollen knee tirelessly helping Joe move our entire home, and I never once heard him complain about how badly he hurt.  We are so blessed to have family that are supportive.  Not many people can say that they love their brother in law like a real brother...but I can honestly say that Dan is the big brother I never had.  I am so thankful for him.


I invited my sister and Dan to lunch with dad the first week they were here.  We went to the Doghouse Grill, a restaurant that caters to the college atmosphere and is right across the street from Fresno State.  This was a great choice for hanging out.  Not so conducive to conversation but a great place to reconnect and enjoy each others company.

 We had a great time.  Mariah had just been picked up by Fresno State's soccer team and so we had a blast talking about the excitement ahead of us on the pitch!




















The following Friday dad and I went to the Madd Duck.  This is a local pub that has several flat screen tv's with various sports playing on all of them.  I guess you could call it a sports bar.  Dad and I love the sweet potatoe fries and their sliders.  We didn't spend much time looking at the menu which was great because we had a lot to talk about :)

Apparently dad is still "tinkering" and continues to drive my mom crazy.  Dad said he told her "I won't pull the dirt over my head until I'm dead!"  I cracked up at that one.  I told dad that even though it drives mom crazy...I'm glad he is busying himself with this and that.  For those of you who do not know, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2007.  I am constantly encouraging my dad to get out in the sun and soak up the vitamin D!  I am pleased that he is tinkering but don't tell my mom ;)

( Dad's Crazy Hair Hat :)

Dad and I ended up reminiscing about my childhood as we often do when we get together.  We remembered the many motorcycle trips we took and the motorcycle club "Trails and Wheels" we belonged to when we lived in San Bruno.  I learned to ride my first dirt bike at the ripe old age of 10 and progressed to bigger and faster bikes and engagd in racing and jumping over mini tracks that we created while camping.  This was a huge part of my childhood and my dad was my hero on the motorcycle.  Dad and I remembered people we hadn't thought about in years and wondered how and what they were doing. 


Dad, as usual, bagged up half of his meal and brought it home for my mom.  We went back to the new house where dad patiently (for the most part) waited for my mom to get off work and pick him up.  This has become our lunch with dad routine and it is nice because dad gets to visit with the kids for a bit...if they're home that is...most of the time at least one or two of them are home, so it works.

Two Friday's ago we decided to try out a new place...Eureka Burger.  Dad said his goal with our lunches was to try as many places out as possible.  I love that idea and told him I thought it was a great goal!  Eureka Burger happens to be a really great little restaurant with probably the best burgers I have ever tasted in my entire life!  The cool thing is we are related by marriage to one of the owners.  If you are a local I highly suggest this gourmet burger joint.  The food is incredible and healthy. 

Dad was in a fun mood and said he wanted to make a running list of wishes.  A bucket list if you will.  Funny thing is...I was going to suggest we make one together.  This lunch with dad rountine has got us in sync :)  The following are some of the wishes we came up with for our Bucket List:

Lunches-New place each visit
Trout fishing
Watch Mariah play Semi Pro (Clovis Heat team) and Fresno State
Watch Marlee in her dance recitals this summer
See Colby play baseball
Get my jeep running again
Go to a Giant's game
Go to a 49er game
Cruise to Alaska
Visit Cananda again
Go back to Hawaii

Here we got a little side tracked and reminisced about our trips to Hawaii when I was a young girl. We have a lot of good memories together and I think this bucket list is do-able. I will keep you all posted...and rememeber to be blessed! Life is too short to live it any other way :)

(Dad Being a nut at Eureka Burger)

(too sexy for my cane!)

Summary

 The past several weeks have been filled with many of the stresses that life brings when a family is in the process of moving and preparing for their senior to graduate!  Needless to say our plate is FULL!  Good stuff though.  We are moving May 1st into a larger home that is closer to the kid's school, and Mariah is well on her way to finishing up her senior year strong!  This past week was very stressful as we waited for the final offer from Fresno State's head soccer coach.  Things fell into place Thursday morning when Mariah received an offer to join the women's soccer team, which she accepted without hesitation.  It has been a long journey with many bumps and curves along the way.  With an offer from FPU on the table it was a difficult, but solid decision, and we can now move forward.  A huge weight was lifted from her shoulders and the family has returned back to homeostasis!  Our girls are getting along like they did when they were little and it blesses me to see them re-connect.  An answer to several years of prayer...I never doubted our God as He promises to answer the prayers of a praying mother.  I reminded myself of that promise many times over the past few years and continue to remind myself every time He meets me at His Throne.  I love my Heavelnly Father without hesitation and I know he has great plans for each one of my children...I just have to remember to present it to Him daily.  I am working on that.

So what does this have to do with lunch with dad?  The distractions and stresses have really set me back on my writing...but not on my lunches with my dad.  I promised myself that unless there is some catastrophic event (end of the world status) I am NOT cancelling on dad!  And...I have managed to keep that promise, surprisingly.  Dad and I have gone to lunch every single Friday since we started this journey.  We have gone alone, and have had tag-a-longs...all of which have been a joy.  I have put my dad's stories on hold for a bit as I have not been able to blog and I want his stories to be fresh and colorful and as close to authentic as possible...so this blog will be a summary of our lunches over the past 5 weeks.  I hate summary's but sometimes they are necessary...At least it's not a re-cap.  Those are the worst!  Especially when you are cruising along and the plot is getting good and them BAM!  The stinking writers do a stupid re-cap...Survivor is notorius for this!  I usually skip that week and pick up when the story continues.  I hope you won't skip this post.  I think it has some gems tucked in it along the way :)

Week 1: Farmer Boys: Mom tagged along as it was her day off.  This was a pretty simple lunch and we talked about dad's trips to Washington.  Dad saw the eruption of Mt. St. Helen's and I remember him bringing back ashes in a bottle for me when I was a kid.  Dad always wanted to move to Washington.  It was his favorite place to travel, but my mom would not have any part of that.  She loved California and didn't want to leave her parents.

Week 2: Panera Bread:  Dad and I went alone.  This was a great lunch!  Dad had never been to Panera and was excited to try the new (to him) restaurant.  He loved it!!  We chalked it up as "one to come back to".  Dad shared with me that he had been working more and more in the yard, which I thought was fantastic.  The vitamin D is so good for him.  He jumped right into memories of his youth, and shared that he met my mom on the playground at the grammar school.  He said that he fell in love with her the moment he saw her.  "She had big blue eyes, beautiful legs and a great butt!"  I'm sure there were other endearing qualities that he discovered as they grew older, but these features are important to a 16 year old boy! When they were officially dating they had a standing date at the rolladium and went to the drive-in restaurant where the waitresses wore roller skates and brought your meal right to the car.  Dad said it was a place for guys to show off their hot rods!  All of my parents dates were chaperoned by my grandmother Agnes.  For those who didn't know her...she was a tough bird!  Not one to be easily impressed.  Dad had to really pour on the charm to keep her happy, but I imagine my grandmother saw right through the charm. Poor dad!  Dad said they had a great teenage life.  They went to beach parties and bon fires and spent vacations at Santa Cruz near Searsville Lake and Coyote Dam.  They also went to Lake Barriessa where they went water skiing and boating.  My dad would drive his uncle Billy's boat and they would tool around the lake all day.  My dad's family had a cabin in Santa Cruz near Boulder Creek and the family would go there in the summer.  Dad took mom with him once they were an item.  Dad said that neither my mom nor my dad smoked or drank.  Dad would fake like he was drinking just to get into the parties when they were young.  He hated the taste of beer and alcohol so he would just hold a beer in his hand and pretend he was part of it all.  Peer pressure was thick, but dad and mom married young (22 and 24) so they didn't remain in the scene for long.  I don't think I have ever seen my dad have a beer in my entire life.  To this day...dad still does not like the taste of alcohol.

Week 3: Red Lobster:  Dad chose Red Lobster for lunch on this date.  He was so excited to go because he hadn't been in so long.  It was a great lunch with my mom and dad.  Just the three of us.  We spent most of the lunch just enjoying our time together.  I asked dad if we could put our trip down memory lane on hold until I get caught up on the blog and he...of course...agreed.  One of the waitresses recognized us from soccer.  She was so sweet and very supportive of Mariah and her journey with her ACL rehabilitation.  She offered prayer and encouragement which was much needed at the time.  God is so faithful to put the people you need in your path when you need them.  I was so thankful for her prayers.  It seemed to be just the boost I needed at that time.  I told her about our "Lunch With Dad" dates and she was touched.  I love it when people are blessed by this process.  I know it blesses me, but when it blesses others...I can't ask for any more!

Week 4:  Castillos:  Dad wanted mexican food this week so I suggested Castillos.  A hole in the wall that people rave about.  I have heard that it is the BEST Mexican food in the Valley.  I am a connoisseur of mexican food so I needed to check this out.  Turns out it was pretty good.  The Best?  That's debatable.  I LOVE Rubalcava's in Hanford...it is my favorite.  At any rate...we took an entire group this time to lunch.  Mom, dad, Mariah, Marlee, Jenny and me.  It was a really good time.  We hadn't seen Jenny in a while and it is always a joy to spend time with her.  She is a wonderful young woman that we used to homeschool with. In fact...I have her reserved for my #2 child, Kory.  One day...she may be my daugther in law ;)  one can hope!  Either way, my dad loves her.  She is not only sweet in nature but looks like Ariel with her long shiny red hair and soft freckles.  It was a blessing to have her tag along.  The restaurant was loud and not conducive to conversation, but we managed to chat it up anyway.  Dad continues to "tinker" around the house and it is driving my mother CRAZY!  Mom said he has now "moved into the kitchen!"  She said...he has now moved  into the cupboards and started organizing them!"  She was appauled.  I had to laugh and point out the benefits of this newly found hobby dad has engaged in, but she wasn't buying it.  She said "never in his life has he organized the kitchen!  It's just not right.  He doesn't belong in there!  I mean...the garage is fine but NOT the kitchen!"  I'm not sure why she is so frustrated with his organizing the kitchen.  Perhaps it's because now she can't find things as easily.  I, personally, would love it if Joe organized our kitchen.  I asked my dad why he was organizing the kitchen and his response was simple..."Because it's a mess!"

Week 5: Last week we had plans to go to Texas Roadhouse.  A brand new restaurant that had it's grand opening two weeks ago.  Unfortunately,  they were only open for dinner and I had to be home to pick up Colby from shcool.  We agreed that we would try it some time for dinner with the whole family.  We settled on IHOP, one of dad's all time favorites.  Dad was curious to know how the kids were doing, in particular, Colby.  I think Colby reminds my dad of himself.  Dad said Colby is smart like he was and witty.  I told dad that he is really bored with school.  He complains about a lot of wasted time and just sitting in the classroom.  This is what I struggle with mentally and emotionally all of the time when it comes to my children and their education.  One of the many reasons we chose to homeschool for 9 years.  I vascilate back and forth with the issue and continually lift the decision up in prayer.  God has been faitful, as usual to bless us in this area as well.  For now, Colby will remain at the local public school.  We will see where God leads.  Dad said his teacher once told his father...my grandfather "Poppy Phil"  "Why am I gonna teach him if he knows everything already!?"  You get the pciture!  My dad was a smart kid and at times was probably difficult to teach. 


While eating lunch I got a call from a prospective employer that wanted to let me know that I had made it past the 3rd phase of hiring and that they would like to offer me the opportunity to move forward with the hiring process.  Dad was so excited for me and I was excited to share it with him.  He has always been one of my greatest fans and this situation was no exception.  Dad said he'd like to see me get my PhD -_- I told him I'd think about it...which usually means I will probably pursue it.  We will see.

Upon leaving...dad picked up a rental guide for my niece Stephanie and her husband Travis.  They are looking for a place to move in to since moving back from San Diego.  Dad is a hopeless family man, tirelessly thinking of his family and always trying to help in any way he can.  He is the ultimate dad :)

Tinkering

Lately, my mom has been complaining about my dad's 'tinkering', as she put it, around the house.  In one of our recent conversations she mentioned that dad has been 'puttering' around the house and garage organizing and sorting...and along with that...complaining about where all of his "stuff" has disappeared to.  Now you have to know my dad's history with organizing his "stuff".  My dad, believe it or not, is quite anal when it comes to his own belongings.  I can remember his meticulous methods of organizing his tools, barber sets, guns, camping gear, etc etc etc.  Dad knew precisely where each item was located whether it was labeled or not.  Dad did NOT however touch or organize anything that wasn't his... inside or outside of the household.  THAT was reserved for my mother ;)  When the garage would become a mess... my dad would say to my mom  "Florence, we have our entire lives to organize and clean the garage!"  To which my mom would roll her eyes and sigh heavily.  This was a standard argument that transpired between mom and dad.  Over the years and children...and grandchildren...my dad has since stopped organizing and took somewhat of a "why bother" attitude.  Who could blame him...I mean with 2 daughters, 2 sons in law, 7 grandkids and 2 great grandkids one can imagine the chaos and disorganization that happens over time.  My dad has never been an authoritarian so rules and follow through are not his strong suit.  Now...after 51 years of marriage my dad has decided to 'tinker' in the garage and I have to say...he has really done a nice job of organizing his "stuff"once again :)

When I picked my dad up this time for lunch he was really excited to show me what he had done in the garage.  He was particulary proud of his tools.  Dad showed me the "tools of his trade" which became a nice springboard for todays lunch with dad.  We headed for Red Robin...one of our favorite places to eat.  We were seated right away and ordered the towering onion rings, which is a must whenever we visit RR.  Our conversation continued right where we left off. 

After dad came home from the Navy a few of his friends...in particular a guy named Art...talked my dad into becoming a mechanic.  Greyhound was hiring and they had an apprentice program.  While he was in school studying to be a journeyman mechanic he worked as a barber.  Remember...dad got his barbers license right out of high school.  He spent 4 years in an apprenticeship program and then worked for 2 years at Greyhound. But,  as life often goes, the union went on strike and dad was out of work.  Dad said he didn't want to go on unemployment with a family to support so he opened his very own gas station called Phil's Texaco.  Just as the station was thriving, life struck once again, and a recession hit.  You can imagine how a private business owner managed during a time such as this.  Prices dropped and business was grim.  Dad had to look at his options once again. 

Dad gravitated towards his comfort zone and what he knew best and applied at the Naval shipyard as a heavy duty equipment mechanic.  He started out at Hunter's Point and worked there until it closed.  He later transferred to Mare Island and Commuted from San Bruno to Vallejo for about 12 years.  My memory as a child begins here with my dad and his work.  I remember his commute and the toll it took on him daily.  It was a big relief when he was promoted to inspector and then to transportation specialist.  These promotions moved him to the Navy base located in our home town, San Bruno, California.  Dad's commute was about 10 minutes.  Life changed drastically.  With promotion came a much higher salary, but also alot more responsibilty and a ton of travel.  Dad began traveling all over the country.  His favorite place to visit on his travels was Sub Base Bangor in Washington.  He also loved Bremerton and Widby Island both in Washington, as well. I remember dad wanting to move to Washington state most of my childhood, however, my mother is a California girl and would not even hear of it.  Among dad's travels included Maine, North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida.  I specifically remember dad sending home 2 dozen lobsters from Kittery, Maine!  What a treat that was for the whole family :)  These travels continued to refine and shape the man that is my dad.  And the stories that he has to tell, if one takes the time to listen, are priceless.

Dad and I enjoyed our "usuals" Dad: the mushroom burger and Me: The BBQ chicken salad.  We left Red Robin and headed to my house where dad napped until my mom came to pick him up.  It was an exhausting but very productive lunch with dad :)

Sweetheart Neighborhood

A few weeks ago, dad and I decided we'd like to try the Olive Garden out for lunch.  We both love Italian food and hadn't been to an Olive Garden in a long time so it sounded like a great idea.  Mom was off this week so she tagged along with us as well.  Now, when my mom tags along...it sort of changes the dynamics a bit as you can imagine.   We have always been very close and sharing stories comes easy for us.  Dad sometimes takes a back seat when the two of us get together so I have to be really careful not to let this dynamic take over and run the show.

This time dad muttered under his breath as we were waiting for a table that "I hope I can get a word in edgewise this lunch date"  I chuckled to myself and then offered my dad a sincere apology.  "Dad...I know mom and I prattle on and on about stuff and sometimes we completely forget to include you in the conversation...I'm sorry dad"  My dad was forgiving as usual and said he didn't mind...he understood and knew how close we were, but he did want to pick up where we left off on memories of his family.  I was smiling inside because this whole idea has really lit a fire in my dad's heart and I can see that he really enjoys our time together.

I'm not sure how we got on the subject of my parents first home but we landed there and I went with it.  Dad said after he came home from the Navy he went to school to become a mechanic and my mom was finishing up nursing school.  They bought their first home in San Bruno, California on 333 Mastick Avenue for a whopping $9,000.  A mortgage of $65 a month, my parents began their American Dream.  I can still remember the house myself.  Distinct memories of the 2 bedroom 1 bath floorplan that was nestled in what they called the sweetheart neighborhood.  Named after the heartshaped pattern that made up the new development, our house had a white picket fence and was at the top of a pretty steep hill.  Our neighbor, Ben, was an immaculate man and kept his lawn manicured to a golf course green status.  My dad had countless encounters with "the grouchy old man" who lived next door.  Most of these encounters consisted of Ben complaining about something and my dad becoming defensive and protective of his young family.  It is funny the things you remember from childhood.  I do remember Ben, and I remember the steep hill that ran past his house.  We had so much fun riding in our our radio flyer wagon down that hill at light speed.  No wonder the old guy was grouchy.  I'm sure we encroached on his pristine lawn a time or too.  ;)

Our meal came in a timely manner and we enjoyed amazing pasta and yummy breadsticks.  I ordered the manicotti, my favorite, and my dad took notice.  He mentioned that his favorite manicotti was from a place called Frank's Italian Restaurant in Milbrae, California.  I'm not sure that it is still there, but I would like to try it some time if it is.  For dessert my dad ordered...you guessed it...cheesecake!  Poor dad, he is still in search of that perfect cheesecake.  I wonder if he will ever find it?  I do know one thing...the search has been a blast:) 

Mom ordered an Alfredo pasta pictured above.  

Mom and Pop

For those of you who do not know...my mom still works as an RN almost full time!  She is an incredible woman who has always set an example of hard work and dedication to family for my sister and me.  Every other week she has a four day weekend.  This makes it really nice for everyone :)  I know my dad in particular enjoys the time with my mom and every other Friday she gets to have lunch with us.

Three Friday's ago (still trying to get caught up) mom tagged along and we all decided to go to a family owned, neighborhood restaurant called "Mother Mary's".  It is a local hit with great food and family style service.  The owner and his family are charming and engaging so it is always a good time...not to mention it feels really good to support a locally owned business.  I am such a strong supporter of local business.  I will spend a few extra dollars just to support the mom and pop shops here in town, and that goes for any town I visit.

Because Mother Mary's is fairly new we do not have a "favorite" item that we order regularly yet...we are still in the tasting phase :)  that is a fun phase I have to say.  After looking over the menu and discussing what sounds "good to try" dad settled on an italian sandwich and some minestrone

                 
While we waited for our food I said to dad "We've spent alot of time talking about Nanna, Gaffer and Poppy Phil's side of the family the last few weeks.  How 'bout we talk about Grandma Tiny's side of the family today?"  I have been careful not to treat our lunches like an interview, nor have I tried to guide them, however, today's lunch was a bit different than the others.  We had a big game to get to right after lunch.  By "big" I mean...one of Buchanan soccer's biggest rivals!  We had a playoff game to get to against Bullard High School and we were not going to miss this one. Buchanan lost to Bullard in the Valley Championships last year...a title Buchanan has held for the last 5 years.  It was a "big" deal and my parents are as invested as anyone else in my girls soccer if you haven't arleady gotten that picture :)

I cut to the chase and just interviewed dad today.  I would say "I am ashamed to say..." however, our talk flowed well and didn't really feel like an interview afterall.  I suppose that once we dove into the past and got lost in dad's memories we forgot about the blog and enjoyed remembering.

Dad easily jumped into the topic of his mother.  Grandma Tiny was what we called her.  A nickname that she acquired when she became a grandmother, but one that was given to her long before she ever had grandchildren, or my dad for that matter.  Grandma Tiny was Berta Teressa Cecilia Ford.  Nicknamed "Tiny" because she was 4'11' tall and had an 18" waist as a young adult.  She was in fact TINY! The middle child of 6 children she was as ornery as they come!  She told me many stories about growing up and being teased and picked on by her siblings, but as the story would unfold, her own orneriness was evident :) This trait has sprinkled itself among the current generation (I won't mention any names) ;) and it is fun to see how genetic traits run deep through family bloodlines. Grandma Tiny loved the finer things in life and introduced me to all of them including fine food, shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco, and the theatre.  She was an opera singer and made some records of her own when she was young.  Her musical talent and experience in the world of recording had an impact on my dad.  He was drawn to singing and instruments.  Dad played the piano, guitar and harmonica.  All self taught and quite good at all of them I might add.

Mama Jesse and Pop were Tiny's parents.  Pop was from St. Lous, Missouri and Ma Jesse from Memphis, Tennessee.  I'm not sure exactly when they moved to California, perhaps it was after they were married.  I know they had my grandmother in Oklahoma, so I am sure it was around the 1920's.  Dad said that when Pop was a kid he ran contraband across rebel lines to the soldiers during the Civil War.  I can't describe what it feels like to have a personal connection to the daily activities of the Civil War.  We all have them, I know, it's a part of our history, but to talk with my dad about a relative, his grandfather nonetheless, that was actively involved in the war was nothing short of humbling.  I never met him, but my dad said he was "quite the fellow"  Intelligent, charismatic and respected, he was a horse trainer as a young man and later became the water commissioner of Bayshore and knew all of the pipelines underground.  Dad said the city officials would have to ask Pop about the routing of water.  No one understood it like him and as my father so eloquently put it "He had the city by the balls!"  I'm not sure what dad meant by this other than the fact that Pop was the only one who knew how the city was laid out and anyone who wanted to build had to go through him first. 


Pop lost his leg when he was 19 years old jumping from box car to box car on the railroad.  Grandma Tiny used to tell me stories about the wooden leg that Pop had and how her brothers would scare her with it...they thought it was hilarious...however, she thought it was cruel and let them know it any chance she got!  Dad didn't remember that part, but I sure did.  We talked about his mother for a bit and how funny she was.  How she used to tell stories about her childhood that had me in hysterics.  This playful side of dad's family stood out for me as we shared our memories.  Dad said some of his fondest memories were "Poker Nights" These were usually on a Friday night and friends and family would gather at the hub...Ma Jesse and Pop's house.  They would sing and play instruments, play poker and eat good food.  Dad said they didn't have TV and rarely listened to radio so cards and music was their source of entertainment.  Everyone loved to be at Mama Jesse's and my dad was no exception.

We finished up our meal and quickly headed over to the game of the season (aside from Valley Championships) where Buchanan proceded to beat their opponents 4-0.  It was a sweet victory and a wonderful end to a fabulous lunch with dad!