Lawnmowers

Last Friday our lawnmower died.  It really didn't owe us anything; this was our 27th summer with it. The poor thing was held together with duct tape and sheet metal.  It was a Troy-Bilt Tuff Cut that Paul ordered in the mail from the manufacturer, Garden Way Inc. for $731.45, in November of 1990. 

To back track, we bought our first lawnmower in 1973 after we bought our house.  It was a Craftsman Eager 1 from Sears, $100, the cheapest Eager 1 that Sears made.  It lasted 18 years.  

This picture was taken in October 1981.  At one time I used to mow the front and side lawn.  The backyard was too confusing and Paul did that.

  

So, when Paul told me the lawnmower died, I expected that he would just fix it.  But this time, the frame just fell apart. Then the hunt for a new lawnmower began.  It's easy now, just go on-line and do some research, which he did all weekend and on Monday we bought a new one.

It was a Cub Cadet, (not self propelled) and came from Taplin in West Springfield.  It cost $286.86.  Maybe this one will see us out!

Throwback Thursday - Friends

This is a picture of my grandmother, Lucy (center), and some of her best friends.  She had two other good friends that I can think of that are not in this picture.  It was taken at a wedding and maybe those two didn't attend.

In her later years Nan would often ask, "Why am I still here; all of my friends are gone."  I used to say to her, "But you still have your family."  I never understood her feelings at the time, but I am starting to.  When you are young, you take your friends for granted.  You assume that they will always be there.

This is a picture of most our friends that we get together with regularly.

(This picture was taken on Valentine's Day 1993)

So far, we have lost two in our group.  

I'm starting to realize how my grandmother felt. Your family is the most important, of course.  But there is something about friends that are your age, have known you forever, and have lived through the times that you have lived through.  

In the picture of my grandmother and her friends, they were all widows.  I can only imagine how important your friends become when you have lost either your husband or wife.  It's amazing to me how many things that I remember my Aunt Dot and my grandmother saying that, at the time, I thought were ridiculous.  They make total sense to me now.

June 2017 Scrapbook Pages

I have been wanting to write this story of my Uncle Ross for awhile.

Working on some old pages from 2011.


Mason's first time at Forest Park Zoo

Mason's first trip to the Springfield Museums.

This year's family birthday party for Marley who turned 16, and Mason who turned 8!

Marley at the Prom

Mason's 8th "kid party"

Happy 8th birthday Mason!

Holy cow!  How can this be 8 years ago?  I remember it like it was yesterday.  I can honestly say that there is nothing like the birth of a grandchild.  To see a child born from your child, and to see your child reacting to their child is priceless.

Happy birthday Mason!  You are very much loved by all of your family!