Shorter Than A Yardstick, Taller Than A Tree

     Not every family tree has a giant.  But ours did.  I remember when I first met him.  I was five and shorter than a yardstick.  He was the biggest creature I had ever stood next to.  His knees were higher than my head and to say I was scared would be an understatement.  You've heard that someone can be so frightened, they wet their pants?  Well, not quite, but it certainly wouldn't have taken much more to push me to that point.

     I used to think that Aunt Bess must have searched the entire earth to find a giant to marry.  Even when I had reached my full height potential of five feet, he was enormous.  Standing a full 6'8", my uncle could easily have done damage without even realizing it.  But his manner was so gentle and he was so easy-going that I learned to love him as much as anyone else in my family; truth be told, a little more than some.   But that's another story.

     Uncle Goliath (no, not his real name, but appropriate, don'tcha' think?) used to like to hand out silver dollars.  He actually started that practice before he married Aunt Bess.  Whenever we hadn't seen him in awhile, he'd flash that impish grin, reach into his pockets and say, "Now, I wonder what I might find in these pockets?"

     Then, one at a time, he'd pull out a silver dollar and hand it to one of us children.  We never knew who would be next to receive the huge coin, but we always knew he had one for each of us.  In those days, silver money was quite common.  Dimes, quarters, half-dollars and dollars were all made from silver and it never occurred to any of us to save them for another day.  No, we quickly rushed to the closest candy store and traded our silver treasure for something sweet and little more palatable.

     I often think about my dear uncle and wish I could have just one more hug from him.  He gave the best hugs.  I know I'll see him again, but some days I think how nice it would be if we could just sit and chat for awhile.

     I also have an Uncle David; certainly not a giant.  Someday, I'll tell you the story of David and Goliath.  We have many stories of interest in our family tree, as I'm sure you do, too.  I do hope you are taking the time to record those family tales for your children and their children 'cause no one else knows 'em like you do.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

A Toothy Grin

     I like to pretend I'm a writer.  Whatever others might think, I happily imagine that they feel the same as I do, "I'm glad she's a writer."  There are times in life when its kinder to go with the Little White Lie.

     So with that in mind, may I tap into the way a writer might think and give Title to our recent events?  Since it seems that The Tale of the Tooth is gonna' be central in my thoughts until the pain goes away, I thought it would be fun to call it a Saga.  Whaddya' think?  Are you up for following the continuing Saga of the Tooth?

     According to an online dictionary, a Saga is a narrative telling the adventures of a hero or a family.  This is your lucky day on accounta' this Tale of the Tooth is about to expand to include some very interesting characters.  I truly hope you'll stick around to enjoy them as much as I did.

     Let me begin with my dear father-in-law; we called him Grampa'.  I wish you could have known him.  What a dear, sweet man!  He lived with my good hubby-buddy and me for the last two to three years of his life and it was one of the most remarkable experiences I have ever enjoyed.

     But we were Saga-nating about teeth, weren't we?  Let me share with you what a Trooper Grampa' was.  Until he moved in with us, we were unaware of the difficulties he was having as a result of having very few teeth.  In fact, when we realized the problem, he only had three or four teeth, total.

     I honestly don't know how he managed to eat any of the foods he did, but he never complained and, somehow, also kept his predicament hidden.  Then we were blessed to have him come and live with us.  What a Treasure!  How we all learned to love that man, even more than we already did!

     Very quickly, we made arrangements for Grampa's difficulties to be remedied and Grampa' was like a little kid at Christmas.  I shall always remember the joyful look on his face the first time he looked in the mirror, after getting his new teeth.  I don't know how the dentist performed that miracle, but I will forever be greatful for medical miracles that can bring about so much happiness.  I really miss Grampa', sometimes.

     And that's today's chapter of the Saga of the Tooth.  Let's hope that you never have to suffer through another episode.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Winner Revealed!

     Boy, is my face red!  PJ, from PJ's Prayerline helped me to realize that I didn't do my word search puzzle correctly.  You know, I was all done with it and I made O-o-o-o-o-o-o-n-e  L-i-t-t-t-t-t-t-l-e  adjustment and POOF!  Two words disappeared and the whole hidden message was changed.  Hmmmmmm.  I'm sorry.  I shall do better, next time.  Maybe.

     On the other hand, I'll bet this is one puzzle no one was able to solve.  So that makes me the winner, right?  haha.  You see?  You didn't think there was a positive side to this, did you?  Anytime I win, that's a positive side.

     The two words, Microscope and CSN were mispelled because of my last-minute adjustment, so I must apologize for my accidental winning streak.  Even if it is only one win.  However, that doesn't make me sorry that I won.  Mwahahahahahaha!

     I'd like to congratulate http://fictiongroupie.blogspot.com/ for winning My First Drawing and choosing the Hoberman Sphere as her prize.  I have sent her address to CSN Stores Online and she will soon receive this wonderful treasure.  I think I am just the littlest bit jealous am so thrilled for Roni.  Thank you, Roni, and everyone for playing along.  I don't know about you, but I have had the most fun.  Thank you all soooooo much.

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     I do hope you will all be here on Monday.  I have the most marvelous surprise for you.  Do you remember when I told you a little bit about the Orphan Trains?  There is so much mystery surrounding this era in American history.  I was only able to tell you a little bit, but Donna N. Aviles will be here on Monday to share so much more. 

     Donna's grandfather was a Rider on one of the Orphan Trains!  She has so much to tell us!  So don't be late.  I'll be back tomorrow and I look forward to seeing you, then.  But you'll absolutely want to be here on Monday!  Eeeeee!  I'm so excited.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

Yaya