September 2010
Saying Goodbye
My Grandpa built this house back in 1944. With the city's new library and city complex (fire station, jail, courthouse) being built right across the street the city has set it's sights on my Grandmother's corner property (6 lots worth) to use for parking. The house is old and many things have fallen into disrepair. The city told her she either sells or they will claim eminent domain and take it. Fortunately for my Grandmother selling had been on her mind for some time but she was in no hurry. This being thrown at her kind of sped up the process more than she would have ever liked. She is moving from her home of 66 years tomorrow (September 23rd).
We visited with Grandma a few weeks ago and took these pictures knowing her home would soon no longer be her own. I'm glad we did. I have so many memories growing up playing in the yard and in the attic of the house, all the dressers and trunks of treasures we would find. Helping Grandma cook in the kitchen, potato pierogi, mmm. It's strange to think of this cute little house being just a day or two from being no more.
Sadly, the city will be claiming eminent domain on each of her neighbors' homes. Last I heard none of them had any intentions of selling or moving. It's just sad, a couple of these families have been living there for nearly as long as Grandma.
It was fun watching the kids run and play. Without even telling them some of my favorite spots as a kid they just naturally flocked to them on their own. Seeing them instinctively have fun took me back to my youthful exploring days there.
Over in that brush is where we would build our forts with paths that led to different "rooms". We would "feast" on the berries from the blackberry bush that grew right next to the entrance.
I tried to take pictures of everything I would miss and of details I know one day would be lost in the deep recesses of my mind. Of course I won't be posting all of them because when I got home I noticed I had taken nearly 250 details.
KK found all sorts of treasures up in the attic with Grandma. That is a photo of my mother. I've noticed looking at my Mom in that photo and KK holding the photo, there are some similarities. (chin, eye brows?)
Grandma was more than happy to be rid of a few things. KK was more than thrilled with Grandma's old golden pumps and matching purse. She's been wanting a pair of "high" heels for sometime. It was very nice of Grandma. One of the shoes needs some tender loving glue and it should be as good as new.
At the first sound of the train whistle we would make a mad dash to the big picture window at the front of the house and peer out with big eyes watching each and every car pass by with such great anticipation to see the little caboose car that finished off the train. We lived for the caboose. Sometimes it was black, sometimes yellow, but if you were really lucky you'd catch sight of a red one. The little red caboose, we had a song we would sing all about that little red caboose.
The Garage, Grandpa's Haven.
I know some people who could take a few pointers on organizing their garage clutter from my Grandpa's handy work here. They will remain nameless, because I love you, but you know who you are. If you could zoom in on this photo the labels are sweet.
This wonderful lady is ours to keep and that's really all that matters.
